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Is Schenectady a Good Place to Live? Schenectady, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Schenectady ranks #907 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #378 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($168,800, #41 of 524) and low rents ($1,145/mo, #100 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (69%, #426 of 437) and high violent crime (705 per 100,000, #418 of 444).
Schenectady by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Schenectady'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 Schenectady?
Schenectady'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 $1,145/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $333,482, 37% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Schenectady | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 99.6#634 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $333,482#476 of 1,187 | $526,714 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,503/mo#334 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $168,800#133 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,145/mo#379 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.5%#831 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Schenectady 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. Schenectady is in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro.
New York housing market →Is Schenectady safe?
Schenectady recorded 705 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 91% above New York's 368. That ranks #970 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #418 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Schenectady Police Department. Property crime runs 2,830 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Schenectady | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 705#970 of 1,085 | 368 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,830#922 of 1,085 | 1,575 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Schenectady?
The median household in Schenectady earns $58,399, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Schenectady | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $58,399#1080 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 23.8%#1212 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Schenectady?
The median resident of Schenectady is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Schenectady | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 25.4%#962 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 45.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Schenectady's schools and health?
Schenectady's 16 public schools graduate 69% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $25,644 spent per pupil. 38.6% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Schenectady | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 69%#1038 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $25,644#52 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.6%#1047 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.2%#1076 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.7%#622 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,178 students are enrolled in Schenectady's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Schenectady?
The average commute in Schenectady is 22 minutes (New York 33.2); 6.5% of workers take transit and 10.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Schenectady scores 13.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #260 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 | Schenectady | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22 min#505 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.3% | 48.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6.5% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.7% | 5.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.9% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.4#260 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | Schenectady | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 40.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Schenectady?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Schenectady's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Schenectady County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Schenectady | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#275 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Schenectady County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Schenectady County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.004% | 64% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0011% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.085% | 55% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0021% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% 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 Schenectady compare with similar-size cities?
Schenectady is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #378 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 68,847.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #907 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 | 22 min |
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #4 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data | 27.7 min |
| Redondo Beach, CAPop. 69,291 | #366 | 60.7 | $150,245 | $2,691/mo | 239 | 27 min |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 min |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #492 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #1145 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #153 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 | 22.3 min |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #1215 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 | 18.2 min |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 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 Schenectady compare with the rest of New York?
Schenectady ranks #14 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 32% below the New York median. Violent crime is 91% above 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 Schenectady's score calculated?
Schenectady scores 51.6 out of 100, #907 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 Schenectady. Similar-size median 55.5.
41.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Schenectady's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
41.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Schenectady. Similar-size median 58.9.
42.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Schenectady's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
65.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Schenectady's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
77.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Schenectady. Similar-size median 56.1.
21.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Schenectady. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Schenectady. Similar-size median 50.0.
57.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Schenectady's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
65.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
82.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Schenectady's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Schenectady 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 Schenectady
Is Schenectady, NY a good place to live?
Schenectady ranks #907 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #378 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($168,800, #41 of 524) and low rents ($1,145/mo, #100 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (69%, #426 of 437) and high violent crime (705 per 100,000, #418 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Schenectady?
Schenectady'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 $1,145/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $333,482, 37% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Schenectady?
Schenectady recorded 705 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 91% above New York's 368. That ranks #970 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #418 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Schenectady Police Department. Property crime runs 2,830 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Schenectady?
The median household in Schenectady earns $58,399, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Schenectady?
Median rent in Schenectady is $1,145/mo (Census), #379 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,503/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Schenectady?
The typical home value in Schenectady is $333,482, up 5.3% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $168,800.
How are the public schools in Schenectady?
Schenectady's 16 public schools graduate 69% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $25,644 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Schenectady?
The average commute is 22 minutes, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Schenectady?
Schenectady 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 Schenectady walkable?
Schenectady scores 13.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #260 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 Schenectady at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Schenectady County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
Who lives in Schenectady?
Schenectady has 68,847 residents. The median resident of Schenectady is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Schenectady compare with the rest of New York?
Schenectady ranks #14 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 32% below the New York median. Violent crime is 91% above the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Schenectady?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Schenectady's population of 68,847 are Bethesda, MD (#4 overall), Redondo Beach, CA (#366 overall), Portland, ME (#131 overall), Weston, FL (#492 overall), and Spring, TX (#1145 overall). Schenectady is #907.