West Sand Lake ZIP Codes — Rensselaer County, NY

There is one unique ZIP code in West Sand Lake, New York and it is 12196. Area code: 518.

ZIP codes

8.95

sq mi land

0.22

sq mi water

518

area code

West Sand Lake, NY ZIP code map

About West Sand Lake, NY

West Sand Lake, NY, is a small, scenic community located in Rensselaer County. Known for its beautiful landscapes and rural charm, it offers residents a peaceful lifestyle while being just a short drive from larger urban areas. As a part of New York State, it exemplifies the blend of natural beauty and close-knit community living.

Location & geography

Nestled in the heart of Rensselaer County, West Sand Lake is bordered by several interesting nearby cities, including Troy, approximately 10 miles to the northwest, and Albany, around 12 miles to the southwest. The land area of West Sand Lake spans 8.95 square miles, complemented by a water area of 0.22 square miles, primarily featuring local lakes and streams. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and lush greenery, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts.

Community & economy

The character of West Sand Lake is defined by its welcoming atmosphere and community-oriented lifestyle, where neighbors often come together for local events. The primary industries in the area include small businesses and services that cater to the needs of local residents and visitors. Daily life here is peaceful and often centered around outdoor activities, family gatherings, and participation in community events.

Transportation

Transportation in West Sand Lake is facilitated by several key highways, including New York State Route 150, which provides direct access to neighboring cities. The nearest major airport is Albany International Airport, located approximately 15 miles to the southwest. Public transportation options are limited, encouraging a reliance on personal vehicles for most commuting needs.

History

West Sand Lake was established in the early 19th century, growing around the local agricultural and small manufacturing industries that flourished during that era. Key events in its history include the establishment of various community organizations that have shaped the town's cultural landscape over the years. The area has always retained a strong sense of community, with events and activities that reflect its historical roots.

Did you know?

A lesser-known fact about West Sand Lake is that it is home to the historic Sand Lake Center for the Arts, which offers a variety of cultural events and performances throughout the year. Additionally, the town is often overlooked as a picturesque getaway, drawing visitors interested in recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.

ZIP codes for West Sand Lake, NY (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
12196	West Sand Lake	Rensselaer	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,954

Population

42.0

Median age

$110,000

Median household income

$44,750

Per capita income

$281,000

Median home value

$1,041

Median monthly rent

88.4%

Home ownership

4.8%

Poverty rate

3.7%

Unemployment

1,171

Housing units

38.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

230

5–9

267

137

10–14

159

157

15–19

182

20–24

109

126

25–34

146

201

35–44

234

306

45–54

356

55–59

60–64

289

65–74

336

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,237	31.3%
18 and over	2,717	68.7%
65 and over	803	20.3%
Median age	42.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 91.7%

Hispanic or Latino 4.1%

Two or more races 3.9%

Other race 0.2%

Black or African American 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	3,779	91.7%
Hispanic or Latino	169	4.1%
Two or more races	160	3.9%
Other race	9	0.2%
Black or African American	6	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 1.5%

$10k–$15k 1.0%

$15k–$25k 5.1%

$25k–$35k 1.9%

$35k–$50k 6.3%

$50k–$75k 8.9%

$75k–$100k 12.5%

$100k–$150k 33.7%

$150k–$200k 17.2%

$200k+ 11.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	1.5%
$10k–$15k	1.0%
$15k–$25k	5.1%
$25k–$35k	1.9%
$35k–$50k	6.3%
$50k–$75k	8.9%
$75k–$100k	12.5%
$100k–$150k	33.7%
$150k–$200k	17.2%
$200k+	11.8%
Median income	$110,000

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 0.6%

$50k–$100k 6.0%

$100k–$150k 2.6%

$150k–$200k 11.3%

$200k–$300k 31.8%

$300k–$500k 33.6%

$500k–$1M 14.1%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$281,000
Median rent / month	$1,041
Owner occupied	88.4%
Renter occupied	11.6%
Vacant	1.0%
Single-family detached	90.8%
Large apartment buildings	0.3%
Mobile homes	1.1%
Median rooms	7.0
Avg household size (owned)	3.11

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	1.6%
2010–2019	1.4%
2000–2009	21.6%
1990–1999	15.3%
1980–1989	9.8%
1970–1979	11.5%
1960–1969	5.1%
1950–1959	7.0%
1940–1949	3.2%
1939 or earlier	23.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	10.0%
2 bedrooms	12.5%
3 bedrooms	47.5%
4 bedrooms	21.6%
5+ bedrooms	8.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.5%
1 vehicle	22.4%
2 vehicles	51.7%
3 or more	24.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	26.4%
Electricity	1.8%
Propane / LP gas	18.6%
Fuel oil	44.6%
Wood	7.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	855	65.3%
Cohabiting couple	69	5.3%
Male householder, no spouse	115	8.8%
Female householder, no spouse	271	20.7%
Households with children under 18	489	37.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	485	37.0%
Average household size	3.00

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	32.8%	17.3%
Married	62.3%	55.2%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	2.4%	7.6%
Divorced	2.5%	19.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.5%

Some HS, no diploma 2.8%

HS graduate 26.9%

Some college, no degree 10.6%

Associate's degree 18.9%

Bachelor's degree 25.6%

Graduate / professional 12.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	94.7%
Bachelor's or higher	38.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	82	6.8%
Kindergarten	31	2.6%
Elementary school	636	52.6%
High school	304	25.1%
College / grad school	156	12.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 20.3%

Professional & management 14.4%

Retail trade 14.1%

Manufacturing 11.4%

Transportation & utilities 11.4%

Public administration 10.1%

Finance & real estate 10.0%

Construction 3.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.3%

Other services 1.4%

Wholesale trade 0.7%

Information 0.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	53.2%
Service	7.8%
Sales & office	23.4%
Natural resources & construction	3.9%
Production & transportation	11.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	71.7%
Government	23.7%
Self-employed	4.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	78.2%
Carpool	1.3%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	7.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	21.6

Poverty

All people 4.8%

Under 18 years 6.5%

18 and over 4.0%

Married-couple families 2.5%

Female-led households 11.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	37.7%
Retirement income	29.1%
Supplemental Security	0.0%
Cash public assistance	3.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	2.4%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	28.9%
High cholesterol	31.7%
Heart disease	5.6%
Stroke	2.4%
Asthma	9.9%
Arthritis	23.0%
Kidney disease	2.5%
Pulmonary disease	5.9%
Cancer	7.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.2%
No physical activity	19.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.5%
Fair or poor health	9.8%
Poor mental health	13.3%
Poor physical health	8.5%
No health insurance	8.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	79.5%
Visited dentist	70.4%
Cholesterol screening	92.6%
Teeth loss	10.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	297	10.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.3%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	11.5%
65 and over	28.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	87.2%
Public insurance	34.4%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,792	95.9%
Spanish	18	0.5%
Other Indo-European	6	0.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	12	0.3%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,923	99.2%
Born in same state	3,906	98.8%
Born in different state	3,475	87.9%
Foreign born	17	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	31	0.8%
Not a US citizen	31	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	840	21.2%
French	280	7.1%
German	133	3.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	95	2.4%
Arab	62	1.6%
Dutch	42	1.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	33.1%
Internet access	100.0%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does West Sand Lake, NY have?

West Sand Lake, NY has one ZIP code: 12196. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.