Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rensselaer, NY
Considering a move to Rensselaer, NY? This city of about 9,200 offers affordable living, with median home prices at $188,500 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,095. Residents enjoy quick 21-minute commutes, access to reputable schools, and proximity to Albany’s major hospitals. While the cost of living is below the national average, you'll find a diverse community, moderate crime rates, and four distinct seasons with 55% sunny days annually. Rensselaer is a practical choice for those seeking value, convenience, and a friendly upstate New York lifestyle.
Demographics - Rensselaer, NY
Demographics - Rensselaer, NY
Rensselaer, NY is home to approximately 9,210 residents, featuring a population density of 2,900 per square mile and a median age of 38.4. The city is predominantly White, with notable Black and Asian communities, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a modest level of diversity.
Population:
9,210
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.4
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Black:
15.3%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
10.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rensselaer, NY?
The cost of living in Rensselaer is about 5% below the national average, making it an affordable option for many. Median home values are $188,500, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are around $1,095, while everyday expenses like groceries and utilities remain close to national norms.
Median House Value:
$188,500
Gross Rent:
$1,095
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,460
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$565
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.6
Grocery:
99.2
Housing:
85.7
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
102.4
Health Care:
101.3
Miscellaneous:
97.1
Crime
Is Rensselaer, NY a safe place to live?
Rensselaer experiences moderate crime rates, with about 264 violent crimes and 1,527 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is roughly 1 in 378, making it important for newcomers to stay aware while enjoying the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
264
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,527
Crime Index:
1,791
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 378
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Rensselaer, NY year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 16°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area gets about 39 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 55% of the year, offering a classic upstate New York climate.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The typical household in Rensselaer earns about $53,200, with a poverty rate of 17% and nearly 8% of residents using public transportation. Commute times average just 21 minutes, and over 91% of adults have at least a high school education, contributing to a well-rounded local community.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$53,200
Family Income:
$64,700
Per Capita Income:
$30,300
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$35,200
Poverty Rate:
17.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$1,095
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in Rensselaer, NY?
Families in Rensselaer benefit from local public schools with small class sizes, such as Rensselaer Junior/Senior High and Van Rensselaer Elementary, and have private school options like Doane Stuart School. The city is also close to higher education institutions, including Hudson Valley Community College and the University at Albany, SUNY.
Public Schools
Name:
Rensselaer Junior/Senior High School
Street:
25 Van Rensselaer Dr
Phone:
518-436-8561
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.6
Name:
Van Rensselaer Elementary School
Street:
25 Van Rensselaer Dr
Phone:
518-436-4618
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Private Schools
Name:
Doane Stuart School
Street:
199 Washington Ave
Phone:
518-465-5222
Students:
360
Colleges
Name:
Hudson Valley Community College
City:
Troy
State:
NY
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
8,000
Name:
University at Albany, SUNY
City:
Albany
State:
NY
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
17,000
Healthcare
Rensselaer residents have convenient access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Hospital nearby and 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 95% of residents have health insurance, ensuring most families are covered for medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Albany Medical Center
Address:
43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Phone:
(518) 262-3125
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Peter's Hospital
Address:
315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208
Phone:
(518) 525-1550
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rensselaer, NY?
The housing market in Rensselaer is affordable, with a median home price of $188,500 and an owner-occupied rate of about 48%. Home appreciation rose nearly 5% last year, and rental options are readily available with an 8% vacancy rate for apartments.
Median Home Price:
$188,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,095
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 224 S Pearl St in Albany. The office provides a full range of vehicle and licensing services, and more information is available at the state DMV website.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
224 S Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.