Rensselaer County, New York

Income Data

+13% vs. New York average
$86,663
Median Household Income
$45,113
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$86,663
+13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$45,113
+14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in New York
#11 / 62
by median household income

How Rensselaer County Compares

Rensselaer County$86,663
New York Average$76,433
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$86,663
Median Household Income
$45,113
Per Capita Income
$244,300
Median Home Value
35.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Rensselaer County, New York

Rensselaer beats the national income average

Rensselaer County's median household income of $86,663 exceeds the national median by $11,908, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. The per capita income of $45,113 is notably higher than the national average, signaling strong individual earning power.

Above-average income across New York state

Rensselaer ranks in the upper half of New York's 62 counties with a median income $10,230 above the state average of $76,433. Its per capita income of $45,113 exceeds the state average by nearly $4,000, reflecting a higher-earning workforce.

Third-highest income among regional peers

Rensselaer's $86,663 median household income trails only Rockland County ($110,631) and Saratoga County ($99,653) in this eight-county comparison. The county outpaces Richmond County ($98,290) by a narrow margin while significantly exceeding lower-income Schuyler and Schoharie counties.

Affordable housing makes a real difference

At 16.4% of household income, Rensselaer's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most favorable in the region, well below the 30% homeownership guideline. The median home value of $244,300 is the second-lowest among these counties, making homeownership accessible for many households.

Capitalize on affordable housing to build equity

Rensselaer households earning $86,663 enjoy a rare advantage: low housing costs that free up 20-30% of income for wealth-building. Prioritize paying down mortgage principal ahead of schedule and invest surplus savings into diversified retirement accounts and index funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Rensselaer County, New York?
The median household income in Rensselaer County, New York is $86,663, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Rensselaer County?
The per capita income in Rensselaer County is $45,113, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $86,663.
How does Rensselaer County compare to the New York average?
Rensselaer County's median household income of $86,663 is higher than the New York state average of $76,433. The per capita income is $45,113, compared to the state average of $41,133.
What is the per capita income in Rensselaer County, New York?
The per capita income in Rensselaer County, New York is $45,113, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Rensselaer County income higher than the New York average?
Rensselaer County's median household income of $86,663 is higher than the New York average of $76,433. This difference of $10,230 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Rensselaer County rank for income in New York?
Rensselaer County ranks #11 out of 62 counties in New York by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $86,663 and per capita income of $45,113, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Rensselaer County

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County median: $86,663 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+13%

vs. National Median

+16%

vs. Rensselaer County MedianAbout equal
vs. New York Average13% above
vs. National Median16% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($7,222) vs. median rent ($1,182/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.