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Troy

city

Troy, New York, located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River in Rensselaer County, is a city with a rich industrial past and a growing modern identity. Part of the Capital District region including Albany and Schenectady, Troy has a population of approximately 51,000. Known as the "Collar City" for its history in shirt collar manufacturing and the "Home of Uncle Sam," Troy offers a blend of historic architecture, educational institutions, and a diverse community. Historically, Troy was a major industrial center in the 19th century, driven by iron and steel production, as well as textile manufacturing. Today, while no longer active in the garment industry, Troy's economy is experiencing a cultural and economic renaissance. Key institutions include Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Hudson Valley Community College, and Russell Sage College, contributing to the city's vibrant atmosphere. What makes Troy distinctive is its well-preserved 19th-century downtown, its claim as the home of Uncle Sam, and its legacy as an early center of American industrialization. The city's history is reflected in its Victorian architecture and ongoing efforts to revitalize its waterfront and downtown areas, making it a unique destination in the Capital Region.

Troy, New York

Overview
Classification
City
Country
United States
County
Rensselaer County
Geography
Region
Capital District
Elevation
56 ft
Total Area
11 sq mi
Water Area
0.6 sq mi
Latitude
42.72841
Longitude
-73.69179
Climate
Humid continental climate with warm, wet summers and freezing, snowy winters.
Notable Features
Hudson River · Poesten Kill · Wynants Kill
Neighboring Areas
Albany · Schenectady · Watervliet · Cohoes · Menands · Green Island · Colonie · Waterford · Brunswick · North Greenbush · Schaghticoke
Demographics
Population (2020)
51,401
Est. Population (2026)
50,942
Median Age
32.3
Median Income
$58,477
Poverty Rate
23.37%
Owner-Occupied
37.4%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Troy includes approximately 62.97% White, 16.72% Black or African American, 3.99% Asian, and smaller percentages for Native American and multiracial populations. Approximately 10.34% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
School District
Troy City School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works
Economy
Unemployment Rate
9.1%
Economic Profile
Residential · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Health Care and Social Services · Education · Retail · Accommodation and Food Services
Education
Students
4,300
School Districts
Troy City School District
Colleges & Universities
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Hudson Valley Community College · Russell Sage College · Emma Willard School
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate access (I-787) · Public transit (CDTA) · Amtrak (nearby Rensselaer)
Utilities
Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Samaritan Hospital
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
History
Founded
1789
Incorporated
1816
Named After
The ancient city of Troy made famous in Homer's Iliad
Historical Significance
Early center of American industrialization and known as the "Collar City" and "Home of Uncle Sam"
Key Events
Dutch settlement in the mid-17th century · Renamed Troy in 1789 · Became a major industrial center in the 19th century · Claimed as the home of Uncle Sam