New York, both the city and the state, remains one of the most densely populated areas in the United States.
As of 2025, New York State’s population stands at 19,867,248, with New York City alone accounting for approximately 8,258,035 residents.
While the city saw significant growth from 2010 to 2020, with a 7.7% increase, recent years have been marked by a population decline, losing over 631,000 residents since April 2020.
This decline, driven by outbound domestic migration and the lingering effects of the pandemic, highlights the shifting demographic landscape of one of the country’s most iconic regions.
Key Takeaways
- New York City’s population grew by 7.7% from 2010 to 2020 but has since seen a decline, losing more than 631,000 residents post-2020 due to domestic migration.
- New York State’s population in 2025 is 19,867,248, and the city population is around 8,258,035 million.
- Outbound domestic migration is a significant factor behind the state’s population loss, with more people moving out than moving in since 2011.
- Suburban areas around New York City have grown as city residents move for more space and affordability.
- Median household income in New York City is $76,577, with higher figures for families, but income inequality remains an issue.
- Private sector employment in NYC increased by 109,700 jobs in 2024, but the unemployment rate remains steady at 5.0%.
- Federal migration policies and the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced international migration, further impacting population growth.
Overview
- Source: Youtube/Screenshot, New York City is the state’s largest city
New York State continues to be a significant demographic area in the United States.
As of 2025, the overall population of the wider metro area of city stands at approximately 19,154,000,, reflecting a slight year-over-year decrease according to Macrotrends.
New York City remains the most populous city within the state, with a 2025 population of 8,097,282.
Despite its size, the city has experienced a population decline of 1.95% annually more than 100,000 in 2023 since the last census according to The New York Times.
Religious Affiliations in New York According to 2023 Survey
| Religious Group | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Christian (Total) | 60 |
| – Catholic | 33 |
| – Protestant | 27 |
| – Other Christian | 3 |
| Non-Religious | 27 |
| Jewish | 7 |
| Muslim | 1.6 |
| Buddhist | 1 |
| Hindu | 1.4 |
| Other Religions | 1 |
Christianity is the dominant religion, with 60% of New Yorkers identifying as Christian.
Catholicism (33%) is the largest Christian denomination, followed by Protestantism (27%).
A small portion (3%) belongs to other Christian groups.
A significant 27% of New Yorkers identify as non-religious, making it the second-largest group.
This suggests a trend of increasing secularization in the state.
The Jewish population (7%) remains a notable part of New York’s religious makeup, reflecting the state’s historical and cultural ties to Judaism.
Muslims (1.6%), Hindus (1.4%), and Buddhists (1%) contribute to the state’s religious diversity.
These numbers align with New York’s status as a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities.
Other religions collectively make up 1% of the population, representing smaller faith traditions and indigenous beliefs.
Age Distribution
| Category | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Persons under 5 years | 5.3% |
| Persons under 18 years | 20.2% |
| Persons 65 years and over | 18.6% |
| Female persons | 51.2% |
The demographic composition of New York reflects a balanced age structure with a slightly aging population. The percentage of persons under 18 (20.2%) indicates a stable younger population, though it is not significantly high according to Census.gov. The elderly population (65+ years) makes up 18.6%, highlighting an aging trend that may impact healthcare, social services, and workforce dynamics.
The gender distribution shows a slight female majority (51.2%), which is consistent with broader demographic patterns seen in urban regions.
Ethnic and Racial Composition
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| White | 58.76% |
| Black or African American | 15.06% |
| Other race | 9.4% |
| Asian | 8.84% |
| Two or more races | 7.43% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0.05% |
New York has a racially diverse population, with White individuals making up the majority (58.76%). However, significant representation from other racial groups highlights the state’s multicultural makeup according to the World Population Review..
- Black or African American residents (15.06%) form the second-largest racial group.
- The Asian population (8.84%) is a significant minority, contributing to the city’s diverse cultural and economic landscape.
- The “Other race” category (9.4%) and those identifying as two or more races (7.43%) suggest an increase in multiracial identities.
- Native Americans (0.47%) and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders (0.05%) represent smaller portions of the population but still contribute to the state’s diversity.
Migration Patterns
| Year | Percentage of Outbound Moves (%) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 56% |
| 2023 | 56% |
| 2022 | 59% |
| 2021 | 63% |
| 2020 | 66% |
| 2019 | 63% |
| 2018 | 61% |
| 2017 | 59% |
| 2016 | 59% |
| 2015 | 62% |
New York has consistently experienced high outbound migration for the past decade, with more people leaving than arriving.
2020 had the highest outbound migration (66%), likely due to COVID-19 and remote work shifts, allowing people to relocate to lower-cost states according to a study from Democrat And Chronicle.
Recent years (2023-2024) show a slight stabilization at 56%, indicating that the outflow may be slowing but still remains high.
The five-year trend (2019-2024) highlights sustained migration loss, suggesting long-term issues like high living costs, taxation, and housing affordability.
According to the report, which also references data from the U.S. Census Bureau, housing-related factors accounted for 42% of the moves.
Family reasons were cited by 26% of movers, while 16% relocated for employment opportunities. Climate-related reasons were the least common, motivating only 1% of the moves.
During the period from 2010 to 2023, the state experienced fewer people moving in due to stricter federal immigration policies starting in 2017.
Outbound Migration by New York Metropolitan Areas (2024)
| Metropolitan Area | Percentage of Outbound Moves (%) | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau/Suffolk (Long Island) | 76% | 3rd |
| Poughkeepsie/Dutchess | 73% | 4th |
Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk) had one of the highest outbound migration rates (76%), ranking 3rd in the U.S.
This suggests that high property taxes, expensive housing, and job relocations are major push factors.
Poughkeepsie/Dutchess (73%) also ranked high (4th nationally) in outbound migration.
This reflects a trend of people leaving smaller metropolitan areas, likely due to economic factors and housing costs.
These trends align with the broader pattern of people leaving high-cost areas in New York for more affordable regions.
Top States New Yorkers Moved To (2024)
| Ranking | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia |
| 2 | Delaware |
| 3 | South Carolina |
| 4 | Washington D.C. |
| 5 | North Carolina |
| 6 | Alabama |
| 7 | Rhode Island |
| 8 | Oregon |
| 9 | Arkansas |
| 10 | Arizona |
Southern and low-tax states dominate the list (West Virginia, Delaware, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, and Arizona).
Lower living costs, better tax policies, and job opportunities likely attract many former New Yorkers.
West Virginia and Delaware rank highest, suggesting a preference for nearby, lower-cost alternatives to New York.
States with favorable business environments (Arizona, Oregon, and North Carolina) continue to attract former New Yorkers.
Net Migration in New York City Boroughs (2020-2022)
| Borough | Net Migration (2021) | Net Migration (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | -94,588 | +13,855 |
| Brooklyn | -90,759 | -63,801 |
| Queens | Negative | Negative |
| Bronx | Negative | Negative |
| Staten Island | Negative | Negative |
- 2021: All five boroughs experienced negative net migration, meaning more people moved out than in according to Dol.ny.gov.
- Manhattan had the sharpest population decline in 2021 (-94,588), likely due to factors like remote work, high living costs, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Brooklyn also saw a major loss (-90,759), reflecting a broader urban-to-suburban migration trend.
- 2022: Manhattan was the only borough to reverse its trend, gaining 13,855 people, possibly due to people returning post-pandemic.
- Brooklyn continued its population loss, though at a slightly lower rate (-63,801).
- Other boroughs continued to lose population, suggesting that suburban and out-of-state moves remained prominent.
Reasons for this exodus include high living costs, the pandemic’s impact, and the shift towards remote work allowing more flexibility in living locations.
“The projections reaffirm a trend we’ve been observing for some time: without significant shifts in the state’s demographic patterns, its population will continue to decline,” said Jan Vink, lead analyst at PAD, according to Cornell. “While conservative estimates predict a population drop of 1 million by 2050, a steeper decline appears increasingly likely.”
This updated projection builds on numbers last published in 2018 and incorporates newly available data, including insights from the 2020 census.
Economic Influences on Population Trends
Median Income by Household Size in New York (FFY 2025)
| Household Size | Estimated State Median Income ($) | 60% of Estimated State Median Income ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Person Household | $39,874 | – |
| 2-Person Household | $52,143 | – |
| 3-Person Household | $64,412 | – |
| 4-Person Household | $76,681 | $46,009 |
| 5-Person Household | $88,949 | – |
| 6-Person Household | $101,218 | – |
A 1-person household median income is $39,874, while a 6-person household is $101,218 according to Liheapch.acf.hhs.gov.
This reflects higher living costs for larger families, including housing, food, and other expenses.
60% of Median Income Benchmark for Assistance Programs
A 4-person household’s estimated median income is $76,681, with 60% of this figure being $46,009.
This threshold is often used for eligibility in state and federal assistance programs, such as housing aid and utility support.
Job Market Fluctuations
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that New York had 451,000 job openings in November 2024, an increase from 422,000 in October. The job openings rate in New York was 4.4% in November, up from 4.1% in the previous month. Nationally, the job openings rate stood at 4.8% in November, compared to 4.7% in October.
The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening in New York was 0.9, aligning with the national ratio. Thirty-seven states and Washington D.C. had lower ratios than the national average, five states had the same ratio, and eight states had higher ratios.
Job Openings and Labor Turnover in New York (Seasonally Adjusted, Thousands)
| Metric | Nov 2023 | Aug 2024 | Sep 2024 | Oct 2024 | Nov 2024 (p) | Change (Oct – Nov 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Openings | 464 | 487 | 508 | 422 | 451 | +29 |
| Hires | 296 | 283 | 295 | 285 | 299 | +14 |
| Total Separations | 306 | 267 | 323 | 244 | 248 | +4 |
| Quits | 182 | 156 | 180 | 164 | 135 | -29 |
| Layoffs & Discharges | 105 | 96 | 128 | 64 | 104 | +40 |
(p) Preliminary Data
Job openings rose by 29,000 from October to November, reflecting a growing demand for workers.
The job openings rate (4.4%) increased but remained lower than the national average (4.8%).
299,000 hires occurred in November, up from 285,000 in October.
This 14,000 increase suggests that businesses were actively expanding their workforce.
Separations rose by 4,000, reaching 248,000 in November.
However, this is still lower than the 12-month average of 267,000 per month.
Quits dropped by 29,000 in November, suggesting greater job stability or reduced confidence in job-switching opportunities.
Layoffs and discharges increased significantly (+40,000), indicating potential business restructuring or cost-cutting measures.
Job Openings and Labor Turnover Rates in New York (Seasonally Adjusted, %)
| Metric | Nov 2023 | Aug 2024 | Sep 2024 | Oct 2024 | Nov 2024 (p) | Change (Oct – Nov 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Openings Rate | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.1 | 4.4 | +0.3% |
| Hires Rate | 3.0 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 2.9 | 3.0 | +0.1% |
| Total Separations Rate | 3.1 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0.0% (Stable) |
| Quits Rate | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.4 | -0.3% |
| Layoffs & Discharges Rate | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 1.1 | +0.5% |
(p) Preliminary Data
Rising from 4.1% in October to 4.4% in November, this suggests moderate job growth.
Slight increase from 2.9% to 3.0%, indicating businesses are maintaining hiring efforts despite economic uncertainties.
The total separations rate remained at 2.5%, showing a relatively stable labor force.
The quits rate declined (-0.3%), reflecting employees’ reluctance to leave jobs voluntarily.
The layoffs rate rose significantly (+0.5%), possibly due to economic restructuring or business cost-cutting efforts.
Job Openings and Turnover Rates in the U.S. (Seasonally Adjusted, %)
| Metric | Nov 2023 | Aug 2024 | Sep 2024 | Oct 2024 | Nov 2024 (p) | Change (Oct – Nov 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Openings Rate | 5.4 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.8 | +0.1% |
| Hires Rate | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.3 | -0.1% |
| Total Separations Rate | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.2 | -0.1% |
| Quits Rate | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 1.9 | -0.2% |
| Layoffs & Discharges Rate | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.0% (Stable) |
(p) Preliminary Data
Comparison of New York vs. National Job Market (November 2024)
- Job openings rate in New York (4.4%) is lower than the national average (4.8%).
- Hiring rate in New York (3.0%) is below the national rate (3.3%), indicating a slightly slower labor market.
- Quits rate in New York (1.4%) is lower than the national rate (1.9%), suggesting less job mobility in the state.
- Layoffs & discharges in New York (1.1%) match the national rate, implying that New York businesses are following broader economic trends.
A recent article from The New York Times highlights the challenges that college graduates face in the job market, despite a generally strong economy. The piece discusses the increasing competition for higher-paying jobs and how many recent graduates are struggling to find employment that matches their qualifications. Even in fields where demand is high, the unemployment rate for college graduates has risen slightly, showcasing the evolving dynamics of the labor market.
- You can find more details about this report on the New York Times website.
Meanwhile, a report from FingerLakes1 analyzes New York’s position in the national unemployment landscape. Ranked 37th for changes in the unemployment rate, New York has seen modest gains in job creation compared to other states. Although national job growth remains strong, New York’s pace of improvement lags, highlighting regional disparities in economic recovery and employment opportunities.
- For a better look into this topic, visit FingerLakes1’s coverage.
| Metric | July 2024 | Aug 2024 | Sept 2024 | Oct 2024 | Nov 2024 | Dec 2024 (p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian Labor Force (in thousands) | 9,720.8 | 9,712.5 | 9,709.1 | 9,705.8 | 9,700.3 | 9,691.2 |
| Employment (in thousands) | 9,302.9 | 9,286.7 | 9,282.4 | 9,280.1 | 9,274.3 | 9,267.4 |
| Unemployment (in thousands) | 417.9 | 425.8 | 426.8 | 425.7 | 426.0 | 423.8 |
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 4.3% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.4% |
The labor force and employment have both declined slightly, with the labor force shrinking from 9,731.3 thousand in April to 9,709.1 thousand in September and employment dropping in tandem according to BLS.
The civilian labor force decreased from 9,720.8K in July to 9,691.2K in December (-29.6K decline).
This suggests a shrinking workforce, possibly due to retirements, labor force exits, or migration out of state.
Employment fell from 9,302.9K in July to 9,267.4K in December (-35.5K decline).
This drop in employment reflects ongoing job losses, hiring slowdowns, or seasonal employment trends.
Unemployment fluctuated slightly, peaking at 426.8K in September before stabilizing at 423.8K in December.
The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.4% from August to December.
Housing Market Trends
| Metric | Value | Year-over-Year Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $530,400 | +5.3% |
| Number of Homes Sold | 11,125 | +7.2% |
| Median Days on Market | 38 days | -2 days |
The median home price in New York reached $530,400, reflecting a 5.3% increase from December 2023.
This suggests sustained demand for housing despite economic uncertainties or interest rate fluctuations.
The number of homes sold increased by 7.2% year-over-year, signaling active buyer interest and a competitive market.
Future Projections and Concerns
National projections estimate that the U.S. population will rise to approximately 371 million by 2050, continuing a pattern of slowed growth.
In comparison, New York State has experienced considerable population declines, with a reduction of around 631,104 residents from the 2020 census base count.
While future projections indicate this trend may continue, the rate might stabilize depending on various socio-economic factors and migration patterns.
Challenges Ahead
- Source: Youtube/Screenshot, Urban population growth strains infrastructure, housing, and services
One critical challenge is the population decline, as New York State saw the largest loss of any state, dropping by 101,984 residents in a single year.
Such declines can strain economic growth, affecting labor markets and tax revenues.
Additionally, the increasing population in urban centers like New York City places demands on infrastructure, housing, and public services.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive urban planning and policy adjustments to accommodate growth without compromising quality of life.
Balancing these urban-rural dynamics and mitigating the effects of migration and population shifts are crucial for the state’s future stability and prosperity.
Methodology
To craft this article, we gathered data from reputable sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, World Population Review, and New York State government publications.
We analyzed population trends, demographic shifts, economic impacts, and migration data to provide a comprehensive view of New York’s current state.
Statistics were cross-referenced for accuracy and organized to highlight changes over recent years, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional insights from local media, including The New York Times and FingerLakes1, were incorporated to contextualize economic and employment patterns.
Finally, we summarized key metrics and trends, focusing on New York’s demographic landscape and future implications.
