Watervliet ZIP Codes — Albany County, NY

There is one unique ZIP code in Watervliet, New York and it is 12189. Area code: 518.

ZIP codes

6.22

sq mi land

0.18

sq mi water

518

area code

Watervliet, NY ZIP code map

About Watervliet, NY

Watervliet, NY, is a small city located in Albany County, in the state of New York. Known for its rich history and unique character, Watervliet offers a blend of urban convenience and cozy community living. The city boasts a strategic location along the Hudson River, enhancing its charm and accessibility.

Location & geography

Watervliet is situated approximately 6 miles north of Albany, the state capital, and just 12 miles from Troy, a neighboring city known for its historic architecture. The city covers a total land area of 6.22 square miles, complemented by a modest water area of 0.18 square miles. The terrain is characterized by its proximity to the Hudson River, contributing to scenic views and recreational opportunities in the area.

Community & economy

Watervliet embodies a close-knit community atmosphere where residents take pride in their city's history and traditions. The local economy is supported by a range of industries, including manufacturing and retail, which play an essential role in daily life. Many residents enjoy various community events, fostering a strong sense of belonging and togetherness.

Transportation

Watervliet is conveniently accessed via several major highways, including Interstate 87 and Interstate 787, which connect to the greater Albany area. The nearest airport is the Albany International Airport, located roughly 10 miles to the south, providing both domestic and international flights. Public transportation options are available, making it easy for residents to navigate the city and surrounding areas.

History

Watervliet was founded in 1793 and has a rich historical background, primarily known for its manufacturing industry, particularly in the production of artillery during the 19th century. The city was integral to the production of military equipment during various American conflicts, which shaped its early economic landscape. Over the years, Watervliet has maintained its industrial roots while adapting to contemporary challenges.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Watervliet is that it is home to the Watervliet Arsenal, which has been in operation since the early 1800s and continues to produce advanced military equipment. Additionally, the city is one of the smallest in New York to have its own ZIP code, with 12189 being the only one assigned.

ZIP codes for Watervliet, NY (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
12189	Watervliet	Albany	View map

Demographics & statistics

18,461

Population

38.8

Median age

$57,536

Median household income

$38,025

Per capita income

$193,200

Median home value

$1,047

Median monthly rent

39.1%

Home ownership

14.1%

Poverty rate

3.4%

Unemployment

4,565

Housing units

26.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

445

Under 5

519

387

5–9

452

697

10–14

814

423

15–19

494

642

20–24

750

1,172

25–34

1,368

1,204

35–44

1,404

857

45–54

1,000

622

55–59

726

616

60–64

719

897

65–74

1,046

383

75–84

447

174

85+

203

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	3,793	20.5%
18 and over	14,668	79.5%
65 and over	3,150	17.1%
Median age	38.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 67.8%

Black or African American 8.6%

Asian 8.3%

Two or more races 7%

Hispanic or Latino 5.1%

Other race 3.1%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	13,190	67.8%
Black or African American	1,673	8.6%
Asian	1,618	8.3%
Two or more races	1,363	7%
Hispanic or Latino	1,001	5.1%
Other race	604	3.1%
American Indian / Alaska Native	13	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 8.2%

$10k–$15k 3.2%

$15k–$25k 9.3%

$25k–$35k 9.1%

$35k–$50k 13.2%

$50k–$75k 20.1%

$75k–$100k 10.3%

$100k–$150k 13.9%

$150k–$200k 5.2%

$200k+ 7.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.2%
$10k–$15k	3.2%
$15k–$25k	9.3%
$25k–$35k	9.1%
$35k–$50k	13.2%
$50k–$75k	20.1%
$75k–$100k	10.3%
$100k–$150k	13.9%
$150k–$200k	5.2%
$200k+	7.3%
Median income	$57,536

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 3.6%

$50k–$100k 4.6%

$100k–$150k 15.3%

$150k–$200k 30.3%

$200k–$300k 24.3%

$300k–$500k 14.3%

$500k–$1M 7.3%

$1M+ 0.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$193,200
Median rent / month	$1,047
Owner occupied	39.1%
Renter occupied	60.9%
Vacant	11.6%
Single-family detached	30.5%
Large apartment buildings	12.1%
Mobile homes	0.1%
Median rooms	5.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.49

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	5.5%
2000–2009	6.4%
1990–1999	10.3%
1980–1989	6.3%
1970–1979	10.1%
1960–1969	6.8%
1950–1959	8.8%
1940–1949	4.3%
1939 or earlier	41.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.4%
1 bedroom	21.3%
2 bedrooms	37.5%
3 bedrooms	25.4%
4 bedrooms	11.0%
5+ bedrooms	3.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	10.8%
1 vehicle	48.4%
2 vehicles	30.4%
3 or more	10.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	66.6%
Electricity	26.5%
Propane / LP gas	1.1%
Fuel oil	2.5%
Wood	0.7%
Solar	0.3%
No fuel used	1.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	2,745	31.4%
Cohabiting couple	668	7.7%
Male householder, no spouse	2,340	26.8%
Female householder, no spouse	2,978	34.1%
Households with children under 18	2,331	26.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	2,471	28.3%
Average household size	2.11

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	40.3%	38.5%
Married	41.0%	38.2%
Separated	1.3%	1.3%
Widowed	5.4%	11.0%
Divorced	12.0%	11.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.8%

Some HS, no diploma 4.8%

HS graduate 29.0%

Some college, no degree 23.6%

Associate's degree 12.5%

Bachelor's degree 14.3%

Graduate / professional 12.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.5%
Bachelor's or higher	26.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	310	7.1%
Kindergarten	293	6.7%
Elementary school	1,763	40.1%
High school	878	20.0%
College / grad school	1,151	26.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 23.6%

Public administration 13.8%

Manufacturing 11.8%

Professional & management 10.5%

Retail trade 8.4%

Finance & real estate 7.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.7%

Construction 5.1%

Other services 5.1%

Transportation & utilities 3.1%

Information 2.6%

Wholesale trade 2.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	37.5%
Service	17.2%
Sales & office	25.5%
Natural resources & construction	4.9%
Production & transportation	14.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	73.5%
Government	22.6%
Self-employed	4.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	73.5%
Carpool	11.0%
Public transit	3.9%
Walk	2.9%
Other means	0.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	21.3

Poverty

All people 14.1%

Under 18 years 22.6%

18 and over 12.0%

Married-couple families 3.5%

Female-led households 24.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	30.8%
Retirement income	26.8%
Supplemental Security	3.7%
Cash public assistance	4.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	14.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	26.9%
High cholesterol	30.4%
Heart disease	5.6%
Stroke	2.7%
Asthma	10.7%
Arthritis	22.4%
Kidney disease	2.7%
Pulmonary disease	6.5%
Cancer	6.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.1%
No physical activity	21.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	34.1%
Fair or poor health	12.0%
Poor mental health	14.9%
Poor physical health	9.2%
No health insurance	11.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.6%
Visited dentist	63.5%
Cholesterol screening	89.5%
Teeth loss	14.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,127	7.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.5%
Under 18	9.2%
18–64 years	10.7%
65 and over	35.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	70.6%
Public insurance	41.0%
Uninsured under 19	0.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	17,497	94.8%
Spanish	1,103	6.3%
Other Indo-European	183	1.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	652	3.7%
Other languages	241	1.4%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	16,169	87.6%
Born in same state	16,061	87.0%
Born in different state	13,902	75.3%
Foreign born	108	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	2,292	12.4%
Not a US citizen	1,410	61.5%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	4,064	22%
French	1,412	7.6%
Arab	951	5.2%
English	520	2.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	366	2%
Irish	119	0.6%
Dutch	26	0.1%
Polish	5	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	47.3%
Internet access	94.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Watervliet, NY have?

Watervliet, NY has one ZIP code: 12189. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.