New YorkPop. 100,492Mid-size cities
Is Albany a Good Place to Live? Albany, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Albany ranks #700 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #116 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($234,700, #46 of 256) and short commutes (20 min, #48 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (71.9%, #198 of 205) and high poverty (22.9%, #231 of 256).
Albany by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Albany's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Albany's cost of living index is 99.6, in line with the US level of 100 and #634 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,216/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $332,657, 37% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Albany | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 99.6#634 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $332,657#473 of 1,187 | $526,714 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,631/mo#443 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $234,700#343 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,216/mo#453 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.5%#831 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Albany housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Albany is in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro.
New York housing market →Is Albany safe?
Albany recorded 832 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times New York's 368. That ranks #1015 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #212 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albany Police Department. Property crime runs 2,714 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Albany | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 832#1015 of 1,085 | 368 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,714#902 of 1,085 | 1,575 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Albany?
The median household in Albany earns $61,986, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 22.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Albany | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $61,986#1002 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 22.9%#1187 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Albany?
The median resident of Albany is 32 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 45.3%#342 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 38.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Albany's schools and health?
Albany's 22 public schools graduate 71.9% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 12.9 students per teacher and $25,578 spent per pupil. 32.9% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Albany | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 71.9%#1021 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.9#163 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $25,578#55 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.9%#604 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.7%#334 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,282 students are enrolled in Albany's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Albany?
The average commute in Albany is 20 minutes (New York 33.2); 10.2% of workers take transit and 13.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Albany scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71°F and winters 27.2°F, with 40.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Albany | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20 min#341 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 55.2% | 48.7% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 10.2% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 8.5% | 5.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.2% | 11.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.7#209 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.8 | 15.9 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 36 | 17.6 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 45.3 | 26.1 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 59.2 | 36.9 | 3.1 |
| May | 71.2 | 48.1 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 57.4 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 83.9 | 62.4 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 82 | 60.7 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 52.6 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 61.6 | 41.1 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 49.3 | 31.6 | 3 |
| Dec | 38.2 | 22.7 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Albany International Airport.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 27.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 40.7 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Albany International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Albany?
Albany County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Albany County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.08%#75 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Albany County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Albany County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.005% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.003% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 26% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.059% | 21% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Albany compare with similar-size cities?
Albany is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #116 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 100,492.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 min |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #849 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 | 24.7 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 min |
| Hesperia, CAPop. 100,775 | #1235 | 43.3 | $72,160 | $1,590/mo | 463 | 42.9 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| San Angelo, TXPop. 99,674 | #701 | 54.9 | $65,864 | $1,153/mo | 287 | 19.2 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Albany compare with the rest of New York?
Albany ranks #12 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 54.9 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 28% below the New York median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical New York home.
| City | Rank in NY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #1 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #2 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #3 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #4 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #5 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #6 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 |
| Irondequoit, NYPop. 50,657 | #7 | 62.0 | $79,162 | $1,159/mo | no data |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #8 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data |
| Troy, NYPop. 51,033 | #9 | 58.6 | $58,477 | $1,175/mo | 345 |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #10 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #11 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #12 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 |
| New York, NYPop. 8,483,844 | #13 | 54.8 | $80,483 | $1,821/mo | 660 |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #14 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #15 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 |
| Rochester, NYPop. 208,772 | #16 | 50.3 | $47,213 | $1,081/mo | 572 |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #17 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #18 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #19 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #20 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 |
All 20 New York cities we track, by overall score. New York statewide: median income $85,820, violent crime 368.4 per 100,000.
How is Albany's score calculated?
Albany scores 54.9 out of 100, #700 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New York's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Albany. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Albany's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
34.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Albany. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Albany's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
66.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Albany's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
73.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Albany. Similar-size median 51.2.
24.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Albany. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Albany. Similar-size median 50.1.
71.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Albany's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
78.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Albany's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Albany has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Albany
Is Albany, NY a good place to live?
Albany ranks #700 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #116 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($234,700, #46 of 256) and short commutes (20 min, #48 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (71.9%, #198 of 205) and high poverty (22.9%, #231 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Albany's cost of living index is 99.6, in line with the US level of 100 and #634 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,216/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $332,657, 37% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Albany?
Albany recorded 832 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times New York's 368. That ranks #1015 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #212 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albany Police Department. Property crime runs 2,714 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Albany?
The median household in Albany earns $61,986, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 22.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Albany?
Median rent in Albany is $1,216/mo (Census), #453 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,631/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Albany?
The typical home value in Albany is $332,657, up 4.2% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $234,700.
How are the public schools in Albany?
Albany's 22 public schools graduate 71.9% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 12.9 students per teacher and $25,578 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Albany?
The average commute is 20 minutes, #341 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Albany?
Albany averages 49.4°F over the year, 71°F in summer and 27.2°F in winter, with 40.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Albany walkable?
Albany scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Albany at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Albany County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Albany?
Albany County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Albany?
Albany has 100,492 residents. The median resident of Albany is 32 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Albany compare with the rest of New York?
Albany ranks #12 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 54.9 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 28% below the New York median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Albany?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Albany's population of 100,492 are New Bedford, MA (#849 overall), Davenport, IA (#1020 overall), Hesperia, CA (#1235 overall), Boca Raton, FL (#347 overall), and Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall). Albany is #700.