Amherst, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
100,048
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,750/yr
-2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
43,902
1.4% year-over-year change

Amherst population

How many people live in Amherst

Amherst is home to 100,048 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Amherst locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
100,048
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
49,212
Female
50.8%
50,835
Value Percent YoY change
Male 49,212 49.2% 0.2%
Female 50,835 50.8% 1.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Amherst is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
22.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,161 16.2% -1.5%
15 to 24 14,575 14.6% 4.6%
25 to 44 24,220 24.2% -0.7%
45 to 64 22,818 22.8% -0.5%
Over 65 22,275 22.3% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Amherst, 86.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.7% of locals are Caucasian, 4.6% are African American and 8.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.7%
Non-citizens
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 86,840 86.8% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,696 7.7% 3.1%
Non-citizens 5,513 5.5% -8.9%
Racial breakdown
White
79.7%
Black or African American
4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 79,726 79.7%
Black or African American 4,586 4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 207 0.2%
Asian 8,820 8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0%
Two or more races 5,430 5.4%
Other 1,270 1.3%

Households in Amherst

A peek inside Amherst households

Amherst has 42,011 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.2% are families, while the remaining 41.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
42,011
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
17,568
Family households
24,443
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 17,568 41.8% 2.8%
Family households 24,443 58.2% 0.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Amherst

The housing landscape of Amherst

Amherst's housing consists of 43,902 units, with 61.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
43,902
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 26,820 61.1%
1 unit, attached 2,453 5.6%
2 units 2,884 6.6%
3 or 4 units 3,567 8.1%
5 to 9 units 2,920 6.6%
10 to 19 units 1,220 2.8%
20 to 49 units 1,168 2.7%
50 or more units 2,744 6.2%
Mobile home 34 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 93 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
397
43.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Amherst

In Amherst, the median construction year is 1979. About 7.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,290 7.5% -5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,992 6.8% 8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,897 13.4% -6.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,141 16.3% 8.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,798 17.8% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,556 12.7% 2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,109 9.4% -10.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,860 8.8% 7.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,861 6.5% 3.2%
Built in 2020 or later 397 0.9% 43.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Amherst occupancy rates

Out of the 42,011 occupied housing units in Amherst, 69% are owner-occupied, while 31% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
42,011
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,005
Owner occupied
29,006
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,005 31% 2.2%
Owner occupied 29,006 69% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
4.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Amherst housing costs

Housing costs in Amherst come to a median of $1,381 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,475.

Median housing costs per month
$1,381/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Amherst
$1,475/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Amherst

Amherst education at a glance

About 19% of the population in Amherst went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 26.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,719 2.1% -5.9%
High school diploma 15,243 19% 0.5%
College diploma 14,575 18.1% 2.4%
Associate degree 6,780 8.4% -5.4%
Bachelor's degree 21,338 26.6% 1.3%
Graduate degree 20,695 25.8% 2.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Amherst

How much people earn in Amherst

The average annual household income in Amherst was $120,446 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,750, reflecting a -2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Amherst
$120,446/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Amherst
$98,750/year
-2.5% year-over-year change

Amherst income by age

In Amherst, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $115,932. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $135,708 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $20,527, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,357 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $20,527 -12.4%
25 - 44 $115,932 3.7%
45 - 64 $135,708 -1.9%
Over 65 $63,357 -10.2%
Above poverty level
85,568
Below poverty level
10,165
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 85,568 89.4% -0.0%
Below poverty level 10,165 10.6% 8.5%

Employment in Amherst

Workforce and job types in Amherst

The job market in Amherst is powered by 49,346 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 60.3% are employed by private companies, and 18.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
49,346
-0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
44,284
Blue collar
5,062
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 44,284 89.7% -0.2%
Blue collar 5,062 10.3% -3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
60.3%
Governmental workers
18.7%
Not for profit companies
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,197 8.5% -2.1%
Private companies 29,774 60.3% -0.9%
Governmental workers 9,244 18.7% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 6,130 12.4% 0.8%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
4.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Amherst stands at 3.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Amherst

How people get around in Amherst

In Amherst, the average commute time is 48 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
48 min
65.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 38,844 96.4% -2.7%
Taxicab 57 0.1% 11.8%
Bus or trolleybus 369 0.9% 5.7%
Bicycle 60 0.2% 15.4%
Walk 974 2.4% 2.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Amherst by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14068 8,636 3,366 $98,750 $121,684
14221 55,255 24,532 $101,615 $126,287
14226 29,159 12,449 $84,325 $120,675
14228 25,350 10,626 $74,871 $93,637
14261 5,033 0 $0 $0
14051 19,739 8,007 $135,663 $162,221

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FAQs about Amherst demographics 

What is the total population of Amherst?

Amherst has a total population of 100,048 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Amherst?

The gender ratio in Amherst is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (49,212 residents)
  • 50.8% females (50,835 residents)

What is the median age in Amherst?

The median age in Amherst is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in Amherst?

The age distribution in Amherst is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (16,161 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (14,575 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (24,220 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (22,818 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.3% (22,275 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst is as follows:
  • White: 79.7% (79,726 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.6% (4,586 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (207 residents)
  • Asian: 8.8% (8,820 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (5,430 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (1,270 residents)

What percentage of the population in Amherst are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.8% of the population in Amherst.

How many housing units are there in Amherst?

There are 43,902 housing units in Amherst, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Amherst and what is the average household size?

Amherst has a total of 42,011 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Amherst?

Amherst has a median household income of $98,750, representing a -2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Amherst?

The employment rate is 96.3% in Amherst, with a workforce of 49,346 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.7% (44,284 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.3% (5,062 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (4,197 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.3% (29,774 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.7% (9,244 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.4% (6,130 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025