Niskayuna
cityNiskayuna is a town in Schenectady County, New York, situated in the southeastern part of the county, east of the city of Schenectady. As of 2020, the population was 23,278, but current estimates place it closer to 24,038. Known for its blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, Niskayuna offers a welcoming environment with tree-lined streets and numerous parks. Niskayuna's economy is supported by key industries such as technology, healthcare, retail, and education. Major employers include the GE Global Research Center and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. The town also benefits from its location in the Capital Region, providing access to a wide range of job opportunities. Niskayuna's name is derived from the Mohawk language, signifying "extensive corn flats," reflecting the area's historical agricultural significance. Today, it is recognized for its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and commitment to preserving its historical landmarks. The town offers a high quality of life with a balance of natural beauty and economic opportunity.
Niskayuna, New York
- Classification
- Town
- FIPS Code
- 36-51264
- Country
- United States
- County
- Schenectady County
- Region
- Capital Region
- Elevation
- 404 ft
- Total Area
- 15.04 sq mi
- Land Area
- 14.15 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.89 sq mi
- Latitude
- 42.80028
- Longitude
- -73.88083
- Climate
- The climate is typical of upstate New York, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.
- Notable Features
- Mohawk River · Erie Canal (Lock 7)
- Neighboring Areas
- Schenectady · Colonie · Clifton Park · Glenville
- Population (2020)
- 23,278
- Est. Population (2024)
- 24,038
- Median Age
- 42.3
- Median Income
- $128,346
- Poverty Rate
- 3.99%
- Family Households
- 67.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Niskayuna is approximately 75.4% White, 10.7% Asian, 3.34% Black or African American, and smaller percentages of other races.
- Government Type
- Town board
- Governing Body
- Town Board
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Niskayuna Central School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Community Programs · Senior Center
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.6%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- GE Global Research Center · Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory · GE Vernova
- Schools
- 8
- Students
- 4,363
- Teachers
- 313
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- School Districts
- Niskayuna Central School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Nearby colleges and universities in the Capital Region
- Transportation
- Interstate access (I-890, I-90) · Public transit · Rail service (Amtrak nearby)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospitals nearby in Schenectady and Albany · Albany International Airport nearby
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Central Park · Mohawk River State Park · Henry G. Reist Wildlife Sanctuary
- Parks & Trails
- Avon Crest Park · Community Center Park · Riverfront hike and bike trail
- Founded
- 1809
- Named After
- Derived from Mohawk language, meaning "extensive corn flats"
- Historical Significance
- Historically significant for its agricultural roots, early Dutch settlement, and later as a center for technological innovation.
- Key Events
- Town created from Watervliet in 1809 · Early Dutch settlement in the 17th century · Growth spurred by Erie Canal in 1825 · Establishment of GE Global Research Center and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory