Population measures provide insight on the changing size and face of communities, and an area's needs and assets.

The total population of the Mid–Hudson Valley Region is growing. Counter to the population declines experienced in Western and Central New York, most of the seven counties in the Mid-Hudson Valley region have gained residents since 2000. From 2000 to 2017, the region gained 6% more residents, higher than the state (2%), yet below the rate for the nation (16%). Orange led the region with its robust 12% growth, followed by Dutchess (6%), Putnam (4%), Sullivan (2%) and Ulster (1%), while Columbia and Greene decreased 4% and 1% respectively.

The population over the age of 60 has been growing the fastest, while the population under 40 has been shrinking.  All counties in the region are experiencing the “graying” phenomenon affecting much of the country. Since 2000, the 85 and over age group grew the fastest, at 69% for Dutchess, 62% for Orange and 49% for the region overall. The under 20 group shrank 8% throughout the region. Orange was the only county with an increase in the under 20 group, but this was countered by decreases in Columbia and Greene (both 23%). The 20 to 39 age group also shrank 5% throughout the region, or by 15% in Putnam, 9% in Ulster, and 8% in Columbia.

While the counties are gradually becoming more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, they remain overwhelmingly white. Despite the large percentage increases in minority populations and a modest decline in the white population (2%), the region remains predominantly white, representing 80% of total residents. Hispanics were the region’s fastest growing racial group, up 86% from 2000. Putnam had the greatest increase in Hispanic population, at 129%, followed by Dutchess with 97%. The Asian population was the second fastest growing group, growing by 74%.

Regionally, married couples without children were the most common household type, similar to state and national trends. In 2013-17, 30% of households were made up of married couples without children and 22% were married couples with children. Among the counties, Greene had the largest share of households composed of people living alone at 32%, and Orange had 27% of households made up of married couples with children.

The foreign-born share of the population in the region has increased since 2000. Putnam County had the largest share of foreign-born population (13%) followed by Dutchess and Orange (both at 11%), while Greene has the smallest share (6%).