Top 10 Largest Cities in New York State
New York is one of the most populated and influential states in the United States of America. While New York City is the capital of the state and is the home of a variety of influential and notable individuals from across the nation, the state also includes numerous other cities that contribute to the influence and population of the state.
From the rural areas of the state to the urban city centers, there are a variety of cities to explore within the state of New York. In this guide, we explore the 10 largest cities within the state of New York, as well as the features that make each of these cities special.
How Are the Largest Cities Ranked?
The cities in New York are generally ranked according to their population figures. The population of each of these cities changes over time due to a variety of factors, such as the movement of individuals into the cities, the movement of individuals out of the cities for different reasons, and the deaths of individuals that live within those cities.
According to current estimates of the populations of each of the cities within New York, the largest cities in the state range from New York City in the south to Utica in the north-central portion of the state.
Top 10 Largest Cities in New York State: Quick Overview
Ranking City Approximate Population
1 New York City 8.4+ million
2 Buffalo 275,000+
3 Yonkers 210,000+
4 Rochester 207,000+
5 Syracuse 145,000+
6 Albany 100,000+
7 New Rochelle 80,000+
8 Mount Vernon 73,000+
9 Schenectady 68,000+
10 Utica 64,000+
Please note that each of these populations may be slightly different from those listed above according to various population estimates from other sources.
1. New York City
New York City is the most populated city both within New York and within the entire United States of America. New York City has a population of over 8.4 million individuals, and is divided into five different boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
Some of the top attractions within the city include Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building.
New York City is the best city for individuals that are interested in career opportunities, international business, tourism, or for those interested in the arts and culture within the city.
2. Buffalo
Buffalo contains around 275,000 individuals that reside within the city and it is the second-largest city within the state. Located near both Lake Erie and the city of Niagara Falls, Buffalo is one of the more affordable cities within the state.
Some of the top attractions within Buffalo include the city’s proximity to Niagara Falls, Buffalo Bills stadium, and the Canalside district of the city.
Buffalo is the best city for individuals that have families or are students within those families looking to reside in one of the more affordable cities within the state.
3. Yonkers
Yonkers is home to over 210,000 individuals and it is located only a few miles from New York City. Yonkers has experienced a growth of its population of residents in recent years, and is, therefore, one of the most popular residential cities for individuals that live close to Manhattan.
Some of the top attractions for Yonkers include the Untermyer Gardens and the Hudson River Museum.
4. Rochester
Rochester is home to around 207,000 individuals and it was a significant location during the industrial boom that occurred throughout America. Today, Rochester is home to a variety of schools and health care facilities.
The best industries within Rochester include healthcare, manufacturing, education, and technology industries.
Rochester is one of the most affordable cities in the state, and it includes a variety of educational institutions within its city limits, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology.
5. Syracuse
Syracuse is home to around 145,000 individuals within the city limits and it is the home to a variety of educational institutions within the area. In addition to Syracuse University, Syracuse also has snowy winters and it is located in the center of the state.
Some of the top places to visit within Syracuse are the city’s University and the Destiny USA shopping complex.
Syracuse is the best city within the state for students and professionals that are interested in living within the area at affordable costs.
6. Albany
Home to over 100,000 individuals, Albany is the capital city of New York. As one of the oldest cities in the nation, Albany continues to welcome both tourists and individuals that desire to live within the region.
Some of the top places to visit in Albany include the New York State Capitol and the Empire State Plaza.
Albany is the best city within the state for those interested in careers within the government.
7. New Rochelle
New Rochelle is home to around 80,000 individuals and it is located within Westchester County. The city contains a variety of features, including waterfront locations, some of the best schools within the state, and a downtown area that is experiencing significant development.
New Rochelle is home to some of the best waterfront locations in the state, it features some of the best schools within the state, and it is developing its downtown area as a feature of the city.
8. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is home to around 73,000 individuals and it is another of the major cities within Westchester County. The county features a diverse population, and Mount Vernon has convenient transportation links to New York City.
Mount Vernon is home to many of the residents that live and work within New York City.
9. Schenectady
Schenectady is home to approximately 68,000 individuals and it has a long-standing historical significance within the state regarding electrical engineering and manufacturing companies.
Some of the best companies within Schenectady for residents to live and work within include technology companies, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions.
Schenectady is home to the Proctors Theatre and the Historic Stockade District.
10. Utica
Utica is home to around 64,000 individuals and it is home to some of the most multicultural residents of the state of New York. As one of the more affordable cities within the state, Utica is a popular area of residence for families.
Some of the top attractions for Utica include the Utica Zoo and the Adirondack Railroad.
Utica is the best city for those interested in affordable housing costs for residents and families.
Comparing the Top 10 Largest Cities in New York State
City Best Known For Cost of Living
New York City Finance and tourism Very High
Buffalo Affordability Low
Yonkers NYC commuting High
Rochester Education Moderate
Syracuse Universities Moderate
Albany State government Moderate
New Rochelle Waterfront suburbs High
Mount Vernon Commuter city Moderate
Schenectady Technology history Moderate
Utica Affordability Low
Which City Is Best for Different Needs?
For those seeking the best cities for a variety of different needs, the state of New York features a variety of cities that can cater to the needs of its residents.
Best for Careers
New York City is the best city within the state for individuals that are interested in career opportunities. The city’s economy is the largest and most diverse in the state.
Best for Affordability
Buffalo and Utica are the most affordable cities within New York for individuals that are seeking to live within an affordable residential area.
Best for Students
Because both Rochester and Syracuse are home to several of the top-ranked educational institutions in the entire state of New York, these two cities are the best for students that are interested in attending schools within the area.
Best for Families
For individuals that are interested in raising a family, Albany, Rochester, and New Rochelle have the variety of activities and family-friendly features for those who live within the cities.
Best for Tourism
For individuals that are interested in visiting different cities and locations in New York, both New York City and Buffalo are some of the top cities for tourism in the state.
Interesting Facts About New York’s Largest Cities
New York City is the city that contains over two-fifths of the total population of New York state.
Buffalo is the city that is located near the world-famous Niagara Falls.
Albany is the capital city of New York state.
Yonkers is one of the largest suburbs within the United States.
Rochester was the city that was once known as America’s first boomtown.
lass=”yoast-text-mark” />>
While New York State is home to some of the largest and most influential cities in the United States, many of these urban centers also attract millions of visitors each year. If you’re interested in global travel trends, check out this guide to the world’s most popular destinations: Most Visited Cities in the World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest city in New York state?
New York is the home to the largest city within both the state and the United States of America. New York City has over 8 million residents living within the city.
What is the second-largest city in New York?
The second-largest city within New York is Buffalo.
How many cities are in New York state?
New York is comprised of 62 incorporated cities within its boundaries.
Is Albany bigger than Buffalo?
No, Buffalo has a significantly larger population of individuals within the city of Albany.
What is the best city in New York for tourism and business?
The best city within New York for tourism and business is New York City. New York City is the largest and most diverse economy within the state.
Conclusion
New York features a variety of different cities throughout the state. Each of the cities has their own unique features and benefits to the individuals that reside in those cities. Whether you live in the city or in one of the rural areas of the state, there is bound to be something of interest for each individual to do and see within this one of America’s most important states.
