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. Counter to the population declines experienced in Western and Central New York, most of the seven counties in the Mid-Hudson Valley region have gained residents since 2010. From 2010 to 2022, the region gained 2.7% more residents, higher than the state (1.2%), yet below the rate for the nation (7.9%). Orange led the region with 8.9% growth, followed Sullivan (2.8%). Columbia, Greene and Putnam experienced declines of -2.8%, -2.3%, and -1.6%.

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. Between 2008-12 and 2018-22, the 85 and over age group grew the fastest for Greene County at 48% and 19% for the region overall. The under 20 group shrank 9% throughout the region. Columbia and Greene had the largest declines in population under age 20 (down 22%), while Orange increased (2%). The 20 to 39 age group increased 8% throughout the region with all counties showing growth. Notably, Orange County had the highest increase at 14%.

While the counties are gradually becoming more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, they remain overwhelmingly white. Despite the large percentage increases in minority populations and a modest decline in the white population (8%), the region remains predominantly white, representing 74% of total residents. Hispanics were the region’s fastest growing racial group, up 32% from 2008-12. Putnam had the greatest increase in Hispanic population, at 46%, followed by Columbia with 36%. The Black or African American population was the second fastest growing group in the region, growing by 13%.

Regionally, married couples without children were the most common household type, similar to state and national trends. In 2018-22, 30% of households were made up of married couples without children and 20% were married couples with children. Among the counties, Putnam had the largest share of households made up of married couples without children, at 36%. Ulster and Sullivan had the largest share of households living alone at 33%. 

The foreign-born share of the population in the region has increased since 2008-12 to 11%. Putnam County had the largest share of foreign-born population (14%) followed by Orange, at 12%, while Greene has the smallest share (6%) in 2018-22.