Rensselaer County Real Estate and Livability Trends

Rensselaer County's median home values rose from $179,100 in 2015 to $230,800 in 2022, outpacing the national median of $179,400 and suggesting good value for homebuyers who might be priced out of other parts of New York State, where the median is $384,100. Notably, the county's energy tax credits soared from $370.88 in 2013 to over $3,000.00 in 2018, though recent figures suggest a settling... trend, with credits rebounding to $951.95 in 2021—crucial intel for those eyeing energy-efficient investments. Real estate taxes have climbed too, with an average tax return rising from around $5,956.90 in 2012 to $7,370.24 in 2021, hinting at evolving economic conditions that could affect investment and insurance decisions. The stable presence of farm tax returns at about 0.50% showcases a small yet steady agricultural sector, offering neutral ground for niche farm investments. Lastly, a growing interest in investment properties, despite a predominance of principal residences, suggests opportunities in rental markets, which might impact property values and rental rates. Read more

Rensselaer County, New York has experienced a steady rise in average taxable income per tax return, climbing from $55,978.81 in 2013 to $76,137.47 by 2021, possibly reflecting heightened economic stability and attractiveness for investors. However, the average state and local income taxes per tax return have nearly doubled in the last decade, reaching approximately $9,602.64 in 2021, signaling higher ongoing tax commitments for potential homebuyers. The average total tax liability per tax... return also increased, from $7,900.42 in 2012 to $11,238.45 by 2021, suggesting either economic growth or impactful tax regulation changes. Meanwhile, the county's poverty rate has fluctuated, hitting a low of 10.4% in 2020 before rising to 12.6% in 2021, indicating potential economic challenges that might affect housing market trends and financial forecasting. Read more

Rensselaer County, New York has experienced mixed property crime trends over the past four years. While larceny-theft cases declined from 595.00 in 2018 to 470.00 in 2022, burglary and motor vehicle theft saw slight increases, with burglaries rising from 103.00 to 116.00 and motor vehicle thefts climbing from 29.00 to 44.00. Arson cases notably jumped from 2.00 to 8.00, and stolen property arrests increased from 19.00 to 34.00. These fluctuations could potentially impact investment risk,... residential decisions, and property valuations. Read more

Rensselaer County shows a slightly higher population of females compared to males. Educational attainment tends to lean towards high school graduates, with a substantial number pursuing some college or a bachelor's degree. There's a notable segment in the 25-34 and 55-64 age brackets, hinting at a diverse working-age population. The racial composition is predominantly White, followed by African Americans and a small but significant Asian... community. Read more

Rensselaer County in New York likely showed a modest leaning towards Democratic candidates in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election with just over 51% of the vote. Republicans trailed closely with nearly 46%, while third parties collectively captured close to 3%. This split indicates a closely contested political landscape where residents are largely aligned with the two main parties but with a minor faction open to alternative... candidates. Read more

Rensselaer County, New York, has seen its student-to-teacher ratio vary from a low of 11 to highs near 15 over the past decade, with recent years trending toward lower ratios. This smaller class size compared to the national average of 14 could appeal to families prioritizing personalized education, making it an important consideration for homebuyers. Real estate professionals might find these trends useful in evaluating the attractiveness and future demand for properties in the... county. Read more