Albany Has the 2nd Largest Annual Population Gain among NYS Cities
CEG Summer Internship Engagement Program in downtown Albany. Courtesy CEG.
Highlights
- – The City of Albany had the second largest annual population gain among cities statewide.
- – The Town of Ballston had the largest annual population gain among Capital Region towns.
- – The Village of Menands had largest annual population gain among Capital Region villages.
In 2025, Albany had the second largest annual population gain among cities in the state, according to a Center for Economic Growth (CEG) analysis of new U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.
City Performance
As of July 1, 2025, six of the Capital Region’s 10 cities grew in population compared to the previous year. The City of Albany’s estimated population reached 101,295, an increase of 403 residents (0.4 percent). That was the second largest gain, among New York cities, trailing Yonkers (+1,057). Among Capital Region cities, Troy had the second largest annual population gain (+236) and Schenectady had the third (+201).
Town and Village Performance
During the same period, the Town of Ballston led the Capital Region’s towns in terms of both annual population gain (+534) and rate of growth (4.1 percent). The Town of Colonie had the region’s second largest annual population gain (+409) among towns in the region. Ballston’s annual gain ranked 11th among towns statewide, and Colonie’s ranked 13th.
Among villages in the region, the Village of Menands led in both annual population gain (+126) and rate of growth (2.8 percent). Menands’ population gain ranked 10th among villages statewide. The Village of Scotia had the region’s second largest gain (+26).
CEG Initiatives
Each year, CEG hosts a Summer Intern Engagement Program: a curated, multi-event series that brings interns together to explore the region, build relationships, and see themselves living and working here long-term.
The 2026 CEG Summer Internship Engagement Program kicked off with an Albany Center Gallery Art Experience on June 11. Other events include Backstage at SPAC! (June 15), Scandalous Schenectady (July 14), and Kayaks & Connections (July 18).
The 2025 CEG Summer Internship Engagement Program included 142 participants – a 9% increase from the previous summer. Attendees represented 20 area companies, and approximately 40% came from outside the region, state, or country.
Give your interns more than just a job. Give them a reason to stay. Connect with Andrea Thompson to get your interns involved!
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