New York, famously known as the Empire State, holds a significant position within the United States, not just culturally and economically, but also in terms of its population. Understanding just how many people call New York home requires a closer look at the latest data and demographic distributions across this diverse state.
New York State’s Population in Numbers
As of recent estimates, New York State is home to approximately 19.8 million residents. This figure secures its place as the fourth most populous state in the United States, a position it has held after Florida surpassed it in 2014. The most recent official estimates, dating from July 2015, recorded New York’s population at 19,795,791, marking a 2.1% increase since the 2010 Census. This continuous growth underscores New York’s enduring appeal and the opportunities it offers.
Alt text: Stunning dusk view of the iconic New York City skyline, showcasing its towering buildings and vibrant urban atmosphere, illustrating the density of population in the state’s major metropolitan area.
Population Density and Urban Centers
New York State covers an area of 47,126 square miles, resulting in an overall population density of about 421 people per square mile. However, this density is far from uniform across the state. The vast majority of New York’s population is concentrated in urban centers, most notably New York City.
New York City, encompassing just 305 square miles, is not only the largest city in New York but also the most densely populated major city in the United States. Astonishingly, nearly 43% of the entire New York State population resides within New York City. To put this into perspective, New York City’s population dwarfs that of the state’s second-largest city, Buffalo, which has a population of just over 250,000. This makes New York City more than 33 times larger than Buffalo. Even Albany, the state capital, is home to fewer than 100,000 residents, highlighting the overwhelming population dominance of New York City.
The counties with the highest populations in New York State further emphasize this concentration:
- Kings County (Brooklyn): 2,648,771
- Queens County: 2,358,582
- New York County (Manhattan): 1,664,727
Demographics: Diversity in Religion and Ethnicity
New York’s large population is characterized by remarkable diversity. This diversity is evident in various aspects of its demographics, including religion and ethnicity.
Religious Diversity: Reflecting its history as a melting pot, New York boasts a wide array of religious affiliations. While Christianity is the most prevalent religion, practiced by approximately 70% of the population, it encompasses various denominations, including Roman Catholicism (39%), Baptist (7%), Methodist (6%), and Pentecostal (2%). Significant populations also adhere to Judaism (9%), Islam (6%), and Buddhism (1%). Interestingly, a notable 17% of New Yorkers identify with no specific religious ideology.
Ethnic Diversity: New York State is a mosaic of cultures, with residents tracing their origins to over 200 nationalities. Beyond broad categories, specific ancestral groups are prominent in different regions. For instance, areas in Albany, southeastern, and central New York have significant Italian American and Irish American populations. Western New York is home to many German Americans, while French Canadians are concentrated in the northern parts of the state. This rich ethnic tapestry contributes to New York’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Gender and Age Demographics: The median age in New York is 38.2 years, indicating a relatively mature population. In terms of gender distribution, females slightly outnumber males, comprising approximately 51.5% of the population compared to 48.5% males.
Historical Population Context
New York’s history as one of the original thirteen colonies has shaped its population and boundaries. Having formally established its current boundaries after relinquishing claims to Vermont in 1791, New York has maintained largely consistent borders since. Early census data, while excluding Vermont in 1790 and the far western parts of the state until 1800, provides a historical perspective on population growth and distribution over time.
Conclusion
New York State’s population of nearly 20 million reflects its status as a major hub of commerce, culture, and opportunity. While the state is the fourth most populous overall, the concentration of residents in New York City and surrounding urban areas creates unique population densities and vibrant, diverse communities. From its rich ethnic and religious diversity to its historical population trends, understanding How Many People Live In New York offers a glimpse into the dynamic fabric of this iconic state.
