Population measures provide insight on the changing size and face of communities, and an area's needs and assets. In all cases, comparisons to state statistics reflect the state excluding New York City.

The total population of the Mid–Hudson Valley Region is growing. From 2010 to 2024, the region gained 3.4% more residents, higher than the state excluding NYC (1.7%), yet below the rate for the nation (10%). Orange County led the region with its 10% growth, followed by Sullivan (4%), while Dutchess and Ulster stayed relatively the same. Greene, Columbia and Putnam experienced declines of 5%, 4% and 1%, 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 2010-14, the population ages 60 to 84 increased 31%, and the 85 and over age group grew 12% throughout the region. Greene had the largest increase in population over 85, at 43%. The under 20 group shrank 5% throughout the region. Columbia and Greene had the largest declines in population under age 20 (down 21% and 17% respectively) while Orange increased (5%).

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 12%), the region remains predominantly white, representing nearly 70% of total residents. Hispanics were the region’s fastest growing racial group, up 40% from 2010-14. The Black population increased 11% during this same time period. Putnam had the greatest increase in Hispanic and African American population, at 60% and 47% 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 2020-24, 29% of households were made up of married couples without children, tied with those living alone. 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 two percentage points from 10% in 2010-14  to 12% in 2020-24. Putnam County and Orange County had the largest share of foreign-born population (both 14%), while Greene has the smallest share (5%) in 2020-24.