Troy
cityTroy, 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 Today, while no longer active in the garment industry, Troy's economy is experiencing a cultural and economic renaissance.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
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Rensselaer County
- 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
- 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.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Troy City School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works
- Unemployment Rate
- 9.1%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care and Social Services · Education · Retail · Accommodation and Food Services
- Students
- 4,300
- School Districts
- Troy City School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Hudson Valley Community College · Russell Sage College · Emma Willard School
- Transportation
- Interstate access (I-787) · Public transit (CDTA) · Amtrak (nearby Rensselaer)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Samaritan Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- 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
