Metro areas in New York: income, rent and home values
New York has 13 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by New York, NY with 20.1 million residents. Household incomes are highest in New York, NY ($102,139). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Glens Falls, NY (25.7%) and the largest in Ithaca, NY (38.7%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Albany, NY (+1.8%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 20,112,448 | $102,139 | $1,932 | $691,700 | 31.6% |
| Buffalo, NY | 1,155,653 | $77,062 | $1,196 | $266,700 | 30.0% |
| Rochester, NY | 1,056,149 | $78,194 | $1,267 | $252,300 | 32.5% |
| Albany, NY | 915,835 | $91,547 | $1,407 | $333,600 | 28.3% |
| Kiryas Joel, NY | 718,377 | $97,304 | $1,788 | $449,100 | 34.1% |
| Syracuse, NY | 652,273 | $79,246 | $1,186 | $231,900 | 29.1% |
| Utica, NY | 285,611 | $75,525 | $995 | $197,200 | 28.4% |
| Binghamton, NY | 243,189 | $68,899 | $1,074 | $178,100 | 31.0% |
| Kingston, NY | 183,330 | $85,802 | $1,696 | $417,900 | 33.5% |
| Glens Falls, NY | 124,373 | $82,287 | $1,233 | $274,200 | 25.7% |
| Watertown, NY | 111,540 | $64,149 | $1,300 | $212,100 | 33.0% |
| Ithaca, NY | 104,047 | $72,432 | $1,646 | $343,600 | 38.7% |
| Elmira, NY | 80,415 | $67,037 | $1,172 | $143,600 | 30.7% |
Includes 1 metro area that cross into neighboring states.
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New York at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in New York for renters?+
Glens Falls, NY, where renters spend a median 25.7% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in New York has the highest income?+
New York, NY, with a median household income of $102,139 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in New York?+
13 metropolitan statistical areas in New York have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.