Finally, we can see how our population has shifted over the last 10 years, thanks to an interactive report recently released by the NYS Comptroller’s Office that details the results of the 2020 U.S. Census.

According to the report, New York State’s population totaled more than 20.2 million in 2020, up 4.1 percent since 2010. Most of that increase was seen in the city, which saw an increase of 7.7 percent. Not to be outdone, the Mid-Hudson Region saw a population increase of 4.7 percent, bringing our area’s population to nearly 2.4 million, the largest percentage increase of any region in the state outside of New York City.

“The 2020 Census results show that New York state is changing, and this report and online tool provides detailed information about population changes in local communities and what it may mean down the road,” said NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. “These changes can impact how revenues, such as local sales tax and federal aid, are distributed.”

In his announcement, DiNapoli said the state’s white population decreased “in all classes of local government,” and now accounts for just under 51 percent of the aggregate population in cities outside of NYC. Excluding NYC, the state’s Black population increased “in all classes of local government, with towns experiencing the largest increase, at 9.3 percent.” People who identify as Hispanic or Latino increased by almost 28 percent in New York’s cities and villages, and 38 percent in towns. The Asian American population had double-digit growth overall in New York State.

Now for the local data. Despite the overall increase in the state’s population, many of our local municipalities saw slight population decreases. In general, the population of white people in our towns decreased, while the Hispanic population increased. Available housing has also not shifted dramatically from 2010, with many areas seeing only slight increases in available housing units, and a couple areas seeing decreases.

Below is a breakdown of the changes seen in select towns in our region.

Wawarsing

With a population of 12,771 in 2020, Wawarsing’s population bucked the regional trend and saw a 2.7 percent decrease. The population decrease was seen in both the adult (over 18) and youth populations, which decreased by 2.3 and 5.2 percent, respectively.

When looking at race and ethnicity demographics, Wawarsing saw a big reduction among its white population, which dropped by 11.3 percent, from 8,229 to 7,301. Those identifying as Hispanic or Latino saw a 15.2 percent increase, from 2,538 to 2,925. The Black population decreased by 12.1 percent, from 1,784 to 1,569. The Asian population went up slightly, from 180 to 193.

When it comes to housing units in town, Wawarsing went from 6,211 in 2010 to just 5,943 in 2020, a 4.3 percent reduction. Of those, 1,439 are vacant, for a vacancy rate of 24.2 percent (in 2010 the vacancy rate was 27.4 percent).

Ellenville

Despite being a part of Wawarsing, Ellenville actually saw a very small population increase, going from 4,135 to 4,167, or up by 0.8 percent. The village’s white population decreased from 2,190 to 1,935, an 11.6 percent drop. Ellenville’s Hispanic population increased by 16.6 percent, from 1,154 to 1,346. Its Black population also increased very slightly, from 476 to 500. Even smaller was the decrease in the village’s Asian population, which went from 98 people to 85, a 13.3 percent reduction.

The census data also highlighted the village’s very tight housing situation. In the last 10 years, just one additional housing unit was added to the village, bringing the total to 1,846 housing units, but the number of vacant housing units remained the same, at 267, for a rate of 14.5 percent.

Rochester

The Town of Rochester saw a slight population decrease as well, going from 7,313 in 2010 to 7,272 in 2020. But when broken down by age, the adult population actually increased by 3.9 percent (from 5,682 to 5,902), while the youth population decreased by 16 percent (from 1,631 to 1,370).

When broken down by race and ethnicity, Rochester saw a 5.9 percent reduction in its white population, going from 6,504 to 6,118. The town’s Hispanic population increased from 410 to 495, while its Black population decreased from 151 to 130. Rochester’s Asian population increased from 64 to 107, a 67.2 percent increase.

The number of housing units within town borders increased by a mere 1.1 percent, from 4,019 to 4,062. The number of vacant housing units went from 1,083 to 1,016, for a vacancy rate of 25 percent.

Marbletown

Marbletown saw a tiny population increase, going from 5,607 in 2010 to 5,658 in 2020. The adult population increased by 3.8 percent, from 4,606 to 4,782. However, the youth population decreased by 12.5 percent, from 1,001 to 876.

As with other municipalities, the racial makeup of the town is also shifting. The white population decreased by 6.3 percent (from 5,196 in 2010 to 4,871 in 2020). The Hispanic population doubled, going from 155 to 310. The Black population decreased slightly, from 81 to 66 people, while the Asian population increased from 68 to 112 people.

Marbletown had a slightly higher increase in its number of housing units, when compared with the aforementioned municipalities. It went from 2,989 units in 2010 to 3,080 in 2020, a three percent increase. But of those, just 2,503 are occupied, leaving a vacancy rate of 18.7 percent.

Rosendale

Rosendale saw a 4.8 reduction in its overall population, going from 6,352 in 2010 to 6,075 in 2020. The town’s adult and youth populations also decreased. Adults went from 4,871 to 4,845, while youths went from 1,204 to 937.

Continuing with the demographic shifts seen in other nearby towns, Rosendale’s white population decreased by 10.7 percent, from 5,500 to 4,913. The town’s Hispanic population increased by 18.8 percent, from 305 to 361. The Black and Asian populations also increased slightly, from 100 to 111 and from 46 to 72, respectively.

Housing saw a slight increase, from 2,897 units to 2,931. Of those, 2,570 are occupied, leaving a vacancy rate of 12.3 percent.

Kingston

The City of Kingston saw a slight population boost, going from 23,893 people in 2010 to 24,069 in 2020, for a tiny increase of 0.7 percent. When looking at the city’s age, the adult population increased by 2.8 percent (from 18,686 to 19,217), while the youth population decreased by 6.8 percent (from 5,207 to 4,852). Of course, those number may not count the pandemic-related shift that occurred while the census was taking place last year.

The racial makeup of Kingston is changing as well. The white population decreased by nine percent, from 16,065, to 14,623. The Hispanic population increased by 28.2 percent, from 3,203 to 4,107. The Black population decreased by eight percent, from 3,214 to 2,956. The Asian population increased by 47.9 percent, from 426 to 630.

Kingston’s housing supply went up slightly, with an increase of 3.8 percent (from 11,147 housing units to 11,571). Of those, 1,164 were listed as being vacant, for a vacancy rate of 10.1 percent.

Crawford

The Town of Crawford saw a two percent reduction in its population, from 9,316 to 9,130. While the adult population increased by 4.1 percent (from 6,879 to 7,160), the youth population decreased by 19.2 percent (from 2,437 to 1,970).

Once again the town’s white population took a dive, going from 7,736 to 6,847, an 11.5 percent reduction. However, its Hispanic population increased by 48.3 percent, going from 924 to 1,370. Crawford’s Black population also increased, from 303 to 346, for a 14.2 percent spike. Crawford’s Asian population remained relatively the same, with data showing just one person shorter than 10 years earlier, at 138.

Crawford did increase its housing, going from 3,475 units to 3,549. Just 210 housing units were vacant, for a vacancy rate of 5.9 percent.

Mamakating

Of the municipalities covered, Mamakating saw the highest percent increase in its total population, at 4.7 percent. It went from 12,085 to 12,655 people. The adult population increased by 3.8 percent (from 9,268 to 9,621), while the youth population went up by 7.7 percent (from 2,817 to 3,037).

Mamakating’s white population decreased by 6.1 percent, going from 10,261 to 9,633. The Hispanic population increased by 53.2 percent (from 1,027 to 1,573). The town’s Black population increased by 9.7 percent, from 390 to 428 people. And its Asian population increased by 40 percent, from 135 to 189 people.

When it comes to housing, Mamakating lost 1.5 percent of its housing, going from 6,251 to 6,157 units. Of those, 1,426 were vacant, for a vacancy rate of 23.2 percent.

For more information, visit the comptroller’s report at the following link.