Median Income
$80,625
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$198,900
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
42% lower than US avg
How Rensselaer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population262
Median Age45.0 yrs
Density134/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,625
Per Capita$30,703
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty7.3%
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$198,900
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity39.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+94.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband91.0%
Is Rensselaer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rensselaer receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Rensselaer stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rensselaer is $80,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rensselaer is $198,900, 29% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Rensselaer has a population of 262 with a density of 134 people per square mile. The median age is 45.0 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 3.1% Black.
Population
45.0yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rensselaer vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Rensselaer vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rensselaer is $80,625, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Income: Rensselaer vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,625 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,703 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 42% below US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.6% |
The median home value in Rensselaer is $198,900, 29% below the national average.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,900 |
| 29% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
In Rensselaer, 39.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.8% report depression. 29.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Rensselaer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
Food & Exercise