Dunkirk, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,549
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,299/yr
8.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,167
-2.1% year-over-year change

Dunkirk population

How many people live in Dunkirk

Dunkirk is home to 12,549 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Dunkirk locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
12,549
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
6,211
Female
50.5%
6,338
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,211 49.5% -8.4%
Female 6,338 50.5% 9.0%
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 Dunkirk is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.8% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 30% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.8%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
30%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,987 15.8% 4.1%
15 to 24 1,571 12.5% 12.3%
25 to 44 2,829 22.5% -12.2%
45 to 64 3,759 30% -0.6%
Over 65 2,403 19.2% 5.2%
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 Dunkirk, 84% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.8% of locals are Caucasian, 7.1% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.8%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,539 84% -2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,852 14.8% 15.3%
Non-citizens 158 1.3% -19.4%
Racial breakdown
White
59.8%
Black or African American
7.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.1%
Other
16.6%
Value Percent
White 7,499 59.8%
Black or African American 888 7.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 46 0.4%
Asian 12 0.1%
Two or more races 2,017 16.1%
Other 2,087 16.6%

Households in Dunkirk

A peek inside Dunkirk households

Dunkirk has 5,530 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.9% are families, while the remaining 39.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,530
-4.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,164
Family households
3,366
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,164 39.1% -12.6%
Family households 3,366 60.9% 1.9%
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 Dunkirk

The housing landscape of Dunkirk

Dunkirk's housing consists of 6,167 units, with 65.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,167
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,021 65.2%
1 unit, attached 163 2.6%
2 units 1,132 18.4%
3 or 4 units 285 4.6%
5 to 9 units 179 2.9%
20 to 49 units 219 3.6%
50 or more units 168 2.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dunkirk

In Dunkirk, the median construction year is 1941. About 48.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,991 48.5% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 655 10.6% -2.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 943 15.3% -10.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 632 10.2% 11.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 335 5.4% -8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 382 6.2% 14.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 203 3.3% -4.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 26 0.4% 116.7%
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.

Dunkirk occupancy rates

Out of the 5,530 occupied housing units in Dunkirk, 58.5% are owner-occupied, while 41.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,530
-4.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,294
Owner occupied
3,236
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,294 41.5% -4.6%
Owner occupied 3,236 58.5% -4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
10.3%
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.

Dunkirk housing costs

Housing costs in Dunkirk come to a median of $795 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $866.

Median housing costs per month
$795/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 Dunkirk
$866/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 Dunkirk

Dunkirk education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in Dunkirk went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 15.5% earned an associate degree and 9.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 448 4.5% -1.5%
High school diploma 4,661 46.4% 1.2%
College diploma 1,802 18% -10.0%
Associate degree 1,553 15.5% -8.4%
Bachelor's degree 965 9.6% -1.9%
Graduate degree 609 6.1% 12.2%
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 Dunkirk

How much people earn in Dunkirk

The average annual household income in Dunkirk was $63,136 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,299, reflecting a +8.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dunkirk
$63,136/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dunkirk
$53,299/year
8.8% year-over-year change

Dunkirk income by age

In Dunkirk, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,449. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,903 overall. Overall, 76.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $56,449 15.8%
45 - 64 $52,903 3.8%
Over 65 $45,811 -2.2%
Above poverty level
9,377
Below poverty level
2,946
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,377 76.1% 0.1%
Below poverty level 2,946 23.9% -3.2%

Average renter income in Dunkirk

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dunkirk, their median household income was $27,450 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,450
Rent-to-income ratio
37.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Dunkirk

Workforce and job types in Dunkirk

The job market in Dunkirk is powered by 5,309 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 57.1% are employed by private companies, and 27.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,309
-2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
3,895
Blue collar
1,414
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,895 73.4% 3.2%
Blue collar 1,414 26.6% -16.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
57.1%
Governmental workers
27.1%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 323 6.1% -5.3%
Private companies 3,031 57.1% -9.7%
Governmental workers 1,439 27.1% 17.5%
Not for profit companies 516 9.7% -3.5%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dunkirk stands at 4.7%, 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 Dunkirk

How people get around in Dunkirk

Commuting methods vary: 90.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,685 90.6% -3.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 56 1.1% -22.2%
Walk 168 3.2% 80.7%
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 Dunkirk by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14048 14,739 6,455 $56,431 $68,879

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FAQs about Dunkirk demographics 

What is the total population of Dunkirk?

Dunkirk has a total population of 12,549 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dunkirk?

The gender ratio in Dunkirk is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (6,211 residents)
  • 50.5% females (6,338 residents)

What is the median age in Dunkirk?

The median age in Dunkirk is 43.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dunkirk?

The age distribution in Dunkirk is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.8% (1,987 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (1,571 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (2,829 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30% (3,759 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (2,403 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dunkirk?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dunkirk is as follows:
  • White: 59.8% (7,499 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.1% (888 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (46 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.1% (2,017 residents)
  • Other: 16.6% (2,087 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84% of the population in Dunkirk.

How many housing units are there in Dunkirk?

There are 6,167 housing units in Dunkirk, reflecting a -2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dunkirk has a total of 5,530 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dunkirk?

Dunkirk has a median household income of $53,299, representing a +8.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.3% in Dunkirk, with a workforce of 5,309 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.4% (3,895 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.6% (1,414 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (323 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.1% (3,031 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.1% (1,439 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (516 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