Special Interest
Housing in Schenectady County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Schenectady County averages $1,194/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the New York median of $1,621 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 33% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Schenectady County FMR Area are $1,328 for a studio, $1,545 for 1‑bedroom, $1,856 for 2‑bedroom, $2,225 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,457 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $662 increase for a 2-bedroom in Schenectady County shows a 55% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Schenectady County was 3.7% in 2024, compared to New York at 4.3% and the national rate of 4.0%.
