If you’re trying to mail a package to the Spindle City or you're just looking at real estate near the falls, you’re probably looking for one specific number. 12047. That’s the big one. It’s the primary Cohoes NY zip code that covers the vast majority of the city. But honestly, it’s not always that simple. Depending on where you’re standing near the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, things get a little blurry.
Cohoes is a place with a massive history. You’ve got the old Harmony Mills—once the largest cotton mill complex in the entire world—towering over the landscape. When you’re dealing with a city that has that kind of architectural density and a geography defined by water, zip codes matter for more than just junk mail. They define your school district, your property taxes, and whether or not a GPS can actually find your driveway.
The 12047 Breakdown and Why It Matters
Most people just type in 12047 and call it a day. For about 95% of the residents in the city limits, that works perfectly. This zip code covers the heart of downtown, the historic mill district, and the residential neighborhoods stretching out toward Latham and Waterford.
But here’s the thing.
Cohoes is tiny. It’s only about four square miles. Because it sits right at the edge of Albany County, it bleeds into other areas. If you live on the very outskirts, you might find yourself technically in the Cohoes NY zip code area but paying taxes to a different municipality, or vice versa. It’s a quirk of Upstate NY geography that drives newcomers absolutely nuts.
Is there a 12048?
Technically, yes, but don't try to drive there. If you see 12048, it is generally reserved for P.O. Boxes at the main post office located at 43 Mohawk St. If you are filling out a formal government document or setting up a business entity in the city, using the P.O. Box zip versus the physical 12047 address is a distinction you actually need to pay attention to.
The Confusion with Waterford and Latham
Geography in the Capital Region is a mess. I’m being serious. You can be standing in a spot that feels like Cohoes, looks like Cohoes, and smells like the mist from the Cohoes Falls, but your mail says 12188. That’s Waterford. Because Waterford is just across the bridge in Saratoga County, the zip codes shift immediately.
Then you have the Latham overlap.
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Latham uses 12110. As you head south on Route 9 or move toward the Boght Hills area, the lines get thin. Some people have a Cohoes mailing address but live in the North Colonie School District. This is a huge deal for property values. If you're buying a house, you cannot rely on the Cohoes NY zip code alone to tell you where your kids are going to school. You have to check the tax maps.
Living in 12047: The Reality
What’s it actually like to live within the 12047 boundaries? It’s changing. Fast.
Ten years ago, the downtown area was... struggling. Now? It’s a different world. Those massive brick mills I mentioned earlier have been gutted and turned into high-end lofts. You’ve got young professionals from Albany and Troy moving in because the 12047 zip code offers something those bigger cities don't: a weirdly perfect mix of industrial grit and quiet suburban safety.
- The Falls: You can’t talk about this area without the Cohoes Falls. It’s the second-largest waterfall in New York State after Niagara. Living in the 12047 zip code means you’re minutes away from a view that literally powered the Industrial Revolution.
- The Music Hall: The Cohoes Music Hall is the fourth oldest operating music hall in the United States. It’s legendary.
- The Mastodon: Fun fact—they found a full Mastodon skeleton in 12047 back in the 1800s. It’s now in the State Museum, but the "Cohoes Mastodon" is a point of local pride.
Practical Steps for Moving or Shipping to Cohoes
If you are moving here or managing logistics, don't just trust an auto-fill form.
First, verify the county. Cohoes is Albany County. If your search results start showing Saratoga County, you’ve drifted into Waterford (12188). Second, if you are looking at the new developments on Remsen Street or the lofts in the mills, ensure you include the specific apartment or suite number. These buildings are massive. A mail carrier looking at a giant brick edifice with 300 units needs more than just 12047 to get your package to the right door.
Check the school tax status. This is the biggest mistake people make. Just because your address says Cohoes 12047 doesn't mean you are in the Cohoes City School District. Some southern pockets fall into North Colonie, which has a completely different tax rate and school system.
Look at the elevation. Parts of the 12047 area are in a flood plain because of the Mohawk River. Before signing a lease or a mortgage in this zip code, check the FEMA flood maps. It could save you thousands in insurance premiums that you didn't see coming.
Everything in Cohoes is about the "Hill" versus the "Bottom." The zip code stays the same, but the lifestyle changes. The "Hill" is more traditional suburban. The "Bottom" is where the action, the history, and the new restaurants are.
Final word: Use 12047 for almost everything, keep 12048 for the Post Office boxes, and always double-check your school district lines if you’re buying property.