Living in Albany, New York
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Albany · Census data 2020–2024
Albany has 100,492 residents with a median age of 32. The median household income is $61,986 (28% lower than the New York median), the median home value is $234,700, the median rent is $1,216/month.
Albany at a glance
- Population
- 100,492
- Median age
- 32State: 39.8
- Median household income
- $61,986State: $85,974
- Median home value
- $234,700State: $423,800
- Median rent
- $1,216/moState: $1,621
- Homeowners
- 38.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 45.3%
- Average commute
- 20 min
Is Albany a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 45% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 28% lower than the New York median; unemployment of 7.8%; a poverty rate of 22.9%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Albany
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Albany the median home value is $234,700, 29% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,216 per month, which is 30.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,847 a month in housing costs.
Albany median household income
The median household income in Albany is $61,986 and the income per person is $37,843. 22.9% of residents live below the poverty line (New York: 14%).
Housing in Albany: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 50,408
- Owner-occupied
- 38.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 61.8%
- Vacant
- 12%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1949
- Average household size
- 2.00
Albany demographics
- Population
- 100,492
- Median age
- 32
- Under 18
- 13.9%
- 65 and older
- 14%
- Households
- 44,357
- Foreign-born
- 15.2%
- Veterans
- 3.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Albany ›
Education in Albany
45.3% of adults 25 and older in Albany have a bachelor's degree or higher (New York: 40.2%), and 21.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Albany
- Unemployment rate
- 7.8%State: 6.4%
- Average commute
- 20 minState: 33 min
- Work from home
- 13.2%
- Drive alone
- 55.2%
- Public transit
- 10.2%
- Walk to work
- 8.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.1%
Albany vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | 100,492 | $61,986 | $234,700 | $1,216 |
| Roessleville | 10,968 | $96,058 | $264,500 | $1,416 |
| Loudonville | 10,527 | $142,829 | $391,200 | $1,829 |
| Rensselaer | 9,287 | $70,080 | $208,900 | $1,219 |
| Menands | 4,505 | $80,583 | $271,300 | $1,414 |
| Westmere | 8,334 | $88,378 | $313,400 | $1,629 |
| Colonie | 7,702 | $103,983 | $285,400 | $1,570 |
| Hampton Manor | 5,334 | $98,364 | $239,400 | $1,188 |
| Latham | 13,802 | $104,899 | $326,900 | $1,472 |
More for people moving to Albany
Albany ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Albany: FAQ
What is the median household income in Albany, NY?
The median household income in Albany is $61,986, 28% lower than the New York median of $85,974 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Albany?
The median home value in Albany is $234,700, compared with $423,800 in New York.
How much is rent in Albany?
The median gross rent in Albany is $1,216 per month, about 30.8% of household income.
Is Albany, NY a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 45% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes. Minuses: median household income 28% lower than the New York median; unemployment of 7.8%; a poverty rate of 22.9%.
What is the median age in Albany?
The median age in Albany is 32 years (New York: 39.8).
How long is the commute in Albany?
The average commute to work in Albany is 20 minutes; 13.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Albany?
The unemployment rate in Albany is 7.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Albany?
45.3% of adults in Albany have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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