Population measures provide insight on the changing size and face of communities, and an area's needs and assets.

The total population of the Mid–Hudson Valley Region is growing.  From 2010 to 2023, the region gained 2.6% more residents, higher than the state excluding NYC (1%), yet below the rate for the nation (8.5%). Orange led the region with its 9.3% growth, followed by Sullivan (3.1%), while Dutchess and Ulster stayed relatively the same. Greene, Columbia and Putnam experienced declines of 4.4%, 4.1% and 1.6%, respectively.

The population over the age of 60 has been growing the fastest, while the population under 20 has been shrinking.  All counties in the region are experiencing the “graying” phenomenon affecting much of the country. Since 2009-13, the 85 and over age group grew 12% throughout the region. Greene had the largest increase, at 45%. The under 20 group shrank 7% throughout the region. Columbia and Greene had the largest declines in population under age 20 (down 21% and 20% respectively) while Orange increased (4%).

While the counties are gradually becoming more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, they remain overwhelmingly white. Despite the percentage increases in minority populations and a decline in the white population (down 11%), the region remains predominantly white, representing 71% of total residents. Hispanics were the region’s fastest growing racial group, up 37% from 2009-13. The Black population increased 10% during this same time period. Putnam had the greatest increase in Hispanic and African American population, at 56% and 59% respectively. The Asian population was the next fastest growing group in the region, growing by 9%.

Regionally, married couples without children were the most common household type, similar to state and national trends. In 2019-23, 30% of households were made up of married couples without children followed by those living alone at 28%. 20% were married couples with children. Among the counties, Ulster had the largest share of households composed of people living alone, at 34%, and Orange had the highest share of households made up of married couples with children at 26%.

The foreign-born share of the population in the region increased one percentage point from 10% in 2009-13  to 11% in 2019-23. Putnam County had the largest share of foreign-born population (14%) followed by Orange, at 13%, while Greene has the smallest share (5%) in 2019-23.