Demographics
As of 2022, Albany County, NY has a population of approximately 313,400. The median age is 39.9 years, with 51.5% female and 48.5% male residents. The racial composition is 69% White, 14% Black or African American, 7% Asian, and 8% Hispanic or Latino (any race). Other races and those identifying as two or more races make up the remainder. The county features a diverse demographic reflective of the Capital Region.
Elections
Albany County, NY, has approximately 205,000 registered voters as of 2024, with Democratic registrants outnumbering Republicans nearly 2:1. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, including local, state, and federal contests. In the 2020 presidential election, about 64% voted Democratic. There are around 160 polling locations, overseen by the Albany County Board of Elections. Key issues include affordable housing and public safety. The Democratic and Republican parties are the main political organizations. Voter turnout in general elections often exceeds 65%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Albany County, NY, boasts over 50 public schools, including 12 high schools, with graduation rates averaging 85%. Around 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, exceeding the national average. Schools like Albany High offer Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The county features adult education centers and SUNY Albany. School safety initiatives have led to below-average incident rates, and average test scores are slightly above state averages. Numerous educational programs, including STEM and arts, support diverse student needs, contributing to a robust educational environment in the county.
As of 2023, Albany County, NY, has an employment rate of approximately 61.5%. Major industries include education and health services (27%), government (22%), and professional/business services (12%). Common occupations are management, business, science, and arts (44% of workers). About 74% of employed residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 22.4 minutes. The majority work within the county, particularly in Albany city, reflecting its role as a regional employment hub. Remote work has also grown, with about 13% working from home.
Albany County, NY, has a homeownership rate of about 56%, with median home values around $250,000 and median rents near $1,200/month. Housing types vary from historic single-family homes in neighborhoods like Delmar and Slingerlands to modern apartments in Albany and Colonie. The property market saw a 5% value increase year-over-year as of 2024. Property taxes average 2.2% of home value, higher than the national average. Popular areas include downtown Albany for renters and suburban Bethlehem for buyers, offering diverse options for residents.
County Crime & Safety
Albany County, NY, has seen a moderate crime rate in recent years, with the 2022 violent crime rate at 3.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, below the national average of 4.0. Property crime is higher, at 15.8 per 1,000. Albany Police report ongoing challenges with burglary and theft, but overall crime decreased by approximately 9% since 2020. Proactive community policing and increased reporting mechanisms have contributed to improved safety. Annual crime statistics are published by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for transparency.
Popular names
- John Smith
- Michael Smith
- James Clark
- James Smith
- Robert Smith
- Robert Johnson
- William Smith
- Christopher Smith
- James Burns
- James Campbell
- Jennifer Smith
- Mary Smith
- Robert Miller
- James Brown
- Michael Brown
- Michael Jones
- Thomas Smith
- Daniel Smith
- Michael Murphy
- Brian Jones
- Richard Miller
- David Jones
- David Miller
- Patricia Brown
- Robert Williams
- David Smith
- James Davis
- James Ryan
- James Williams
- Mark Smith
- Michael Miller
- Michael Williams
- Brian Smith
- David Brown
- James Butler
- Jason Smith
- Linda Miller
- Mary Brown
- Patricia Miller
- William Brown
- William Johnson
- Barbara Smith
- George Smith
- James Jones
- John Johnson
- John Miller
- John Williams
- Kevin Smith
- Michael Ryan
- William Miller
- Amanda Smith
- Ja Smith
- John Jones
- John Robinson
- John Ryan
- Peter Smith
- Richard Hall
- Richard Jones
- Donald Smith
- James Caldwell
Other Counties in New York
- Allegany
- Bronx
- Broome
- Cattaraugus
- Cayuga
- Chautauqua
- Chemung
- Chenango
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Cortland
- Delaware
- Dutchess
- Erie
- Essex
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Genesee
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Herkimer
- Jefferson
- Kings
- Lewis
- Livingston
- Madison
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Nassau
- New York
- Niagara
- Oneida
- Onondaga
- Ontario
- Orange
- Orleans
- Oswego
- Otsego
- Putnam
- Queens
- Rensselaer
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Saint Lawrence
- Saratoga
- Schenectady
- Schoharie
- Schuyler
- Seneca
- Steuben