RANK #252 / 996 · POP 315,041 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.8%
Albany County, New York, is perhaps best known as the home of the state capital, Albany, a city that holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously settled city in the nation, chartered in 1686. Located in east-central New York, where the Mohawk River meets the Hudson, the county offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural environments. Commuting within the county is generally efficient, with an average one-way commute time of under 19 minutes. The region provides extensive outdoor recreation, including the Albany Pine Bush Preserve with nearly 20 miles of trails, and two state parks, John Boyd Thacher State Park and Thompson's Lake State Park, offering hiking, kayaking, and other activities.
Life in Albany County appeals to a range of residents, from young professionals to families, drawn by its educational institutions and diverse job market. The public school districts in Albany County are highly rated. The economy is experiencing growth driven by investments in various sectors. Downtown Albany has seen revitalization with new residential units and expanded entertainment options. Efforts are also underway to redevelop former industrial sites and transform vacant properties into housing and mixed-use districts, aiming to stimulate economic activity and address community needs.
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Rail Tie Wind Project
Repsol Renewables
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Port of Albany Offshore Wind Tower Manufacturing Site
Marmen (proposed)
|
$357M | Proposed |
|
Downtown Albany Strategy (Transformative Projects Fund)
New York State
|
$120M | Proposed |
|
Downtown Albany Strategy (Housing Investment Fund)
New York State
|
$40M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Albany County has a Boom Town Index score of 75/100, ranking #252 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.9% and a median household income of $78,829, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Albany County is $263,800 with median rent at $1,196/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2988, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.9%. Home values changed +3.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.5% of Albany County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.