Rensselaer County, New York

Rensselaer County at a glance.

Rensselaer County had an estimated 160,749 residents in July 2024, the 22nd most populous of New York's 62 counties, down 0.2% since the 2020 census. Of those, 130,661 are 18 or older, the voting-age population, and 19.3% are 65 or older. Its 109,443 active registered voters equal about 83.8% of that voting-age population.

It covers 652 square miles of land (246 people per square mile). The largest towns and cities are Troy (51,065), East Greenbush (16,641), North Greenbush (13,457), Schodack (12,956) and Brunswick (12,518). The American Community Survey (2020-2024) puts it at a median age of 40.1, a median household income of $87,915, 37.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 64.8% of occupied homes owned by the people living in them.

In 2024, 78,269 votes were cast for president, about 59.9% of the voting-age population; the Democratic ticket took 50.7% and the Republican ticket 49.3%. The two-party margin moved from D+9.3 in 2008 to D+1.4 in 2024.

Population (2024 estimate)

160,749

Population (2020 census base)

161,130

Voting-age population (18+)

130,661

Active voters per 100 adults

83.8

Residents 65 and older

19.3%

People per square mile

246

Land area

652 sq mi

Median age

40.1

Median household income

$87,915

Adults 25+ with a bachelor's degree

37.6%

Owner-occupied homes

64.8%

Largest towns and cities

1. Troy 51,065
2. East Greenbush 16,641
3. North Greenbush 13,457
4. Schodack 12,956
5. Brunswick 12,518

Presidential vote, 2008–2024

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 population estimates and 2024 Gazetteer; American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates; certified county presidential returns. Growth, density and turnout are simple arithmetic on those figures.