Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Schenectady, NY
Considering a move to Schenectady, NY? With a population of 67,498, Schenectady offers affordable living—median home prices are around $180,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times are manageable (about 22 minutes), and the city features major healthcare centers like Ellis Hospital and higher ed options including Union College. While crime rates are higher than average, residents enjoy a four-season climate with 53% sunny days and a vibrant, diverse community. Explore more below to see if Schenectady fits your lifestyle and budget.
Demographics - Schenectady, NY
Demographics - Schenectady, NY
Schenectady is home to 67,498 residents, with a population density of 6,000 people per square mile and a median age of 37.3 years. The city features a diverse community, with over half identifying as White, 19% as Black, and nearly 16% speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is close, and the mix of cultures contributes to a vibrant local atmosphere.
Population:
67,498
Density:
6,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.3
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
19.0%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
21.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Schenectady, NY?
The cost of living in Schenectady is slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 96.3. Median home prices are affordable at $180,000, and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are around $1,150, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and healthcare costs are slightly above average, but housing remains accessible.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.3
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
74.0
Utilities:
110.1
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
103.5
Miscellaneous:
100.1
Crime
Is Schenectady, NY a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Schenectady are higher than the national average, with a chance of experiencing a violent crime at 1 in 145 and property crime at 1 in 37. While the city has a vibrant community, new residents should be aware of local safety considerations and may wish to research neighborhoods carefully. Local law enforcement and community programs work actively to address these issues.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
692
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,713
Crime Index:
3,405
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 145
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Schenectady, NY year-round?
Schenectady experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 17°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The city receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 53% sunny days, providing a balanced climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can expect crisp autumns and pleasant springs, making it ideal for seasonal activities.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Local households in Schenectady have a median income of $53,300, and the area features a diverse mix of residents. The average commute time is about 22 minutes, and 19% of the population lives below the poverty line. Education attainment is moderate, with nearly 85% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$35,100
Household Income:
$53,300
Family Income:
$64,800
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
15.8%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
8.1%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
22.1%
Education
How are the schools in Schenectady, NY?
Education in Schenectady includes a mix of public and private schools, such as Schenectady High School and Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School, as well as higher education institutions like Union College and SUNY Schenectady County Community College. Public schools offer student-teacher ratios around 14–15:1, and the presence of local colleges provides opportunities for advanced study. The city's educational resources cater to families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Schenectady High School
Street:
1445 The Plaza
Phone:
518-881-2044
Students:
2,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Mont Pleasant Middle School
Street:
1121 Forest Rd
Phone:
518-370-8280
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School
Street:
2600 Albany St
Phone:
518-393-3131
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Union College
City:
Schenectady
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
SUNY Schenectady County Community College
City:
Schenectady
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Schenectady provides residents with quality healthcare, anchored by Ellis Hospital, a major general and surgical facility with emergency services. The city has a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.1% and a physician-to-population ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 residents. Access to healthcare is generally good for both routine and urgent needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ellis Hospital
Address:
1101 Nott St, Schenectady, NY 12308
Phone:
(518) 243-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Schenectady, NY?
The Schenectady housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $180,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,150. About 48% of homes are owner-occupied, and the vacancy rate for rentals is a manageable 8.2%. Home values have appreciated 7.1% over the past year, reflecting a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Schenectady residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located at 2025 State St. The local DMV office provides a full range of driver and vehicle services, making it convenient for new arrivals to register vehicles and obtain licenses. More information and online services are available at the New York DMV website.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2025 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304
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.