Erie County, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
950,622
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,839/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
441,214
0.3% year-over-year change

Erie County population

How many people live in Erie County

Erie County is home to 950,622 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.7% of Erie County locals are male, and 51.3% are female.

Total population
950,622
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
462,660
Female
51.3%
487,962
Value Percent YoY change
Male 462,660 48.7% 0.1%
Female 487,962 51.3% 0.0%
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 Erie County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
19.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 157,857 16.6% -0.5%
15 to 24 118,731 12.5% -0.2%
25 to 44 250,357 26.3% 0.9%
45 to 64 240,327 25.3% -2.1%
Over 65 183,350 19.3% 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 Erie County, 90.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.6% of locals are Caucasian, 12.5% are African American and 4.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.3%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 861,569 90.6% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 59,987 6.3% 4.4%
Non-citizens 29,066 3.1% 0.1%
Racial breakdown
White
73.6%
Black or African American
12.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 699,174 73.6%
Black or African American 118,588 12.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,857 0.4%
Asian 46,784 4.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 205 0%
Two or more races 57,911 6.1%
Other 24,103 2.5%

Households in Erie County

A peek inside Erie County households

Erie County has 409,665 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.1% are families, while the remaining 42.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
409,665
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
175,856
Family households
233,809
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 175,856 42.9% 0.2%
Family households 233,809 57.1% 0.3%
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 Erie County

The housing landscape of Erie County

Erie County's housing consists of 441,214 units, with 58.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
441,214
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 259,666 58.8%
1 unit, attached 14,523 3.3%
2 units 75,086 17%
3 or 4 units 26,012 5.9%
5 to 9 units 20,534 4.6%
10 to 19 units 9,743 2.2%
20 to 49 units 9,819 2.2%
50 or more units 18,829 4.3%
Mobile home 6,755 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 247 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,800
70.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Erie County

In Erie County, the median construction year is 1957. About 29.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 129,729 29.4% -0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35,326 8% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 77,850 17.6% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 50,485 11.4% 2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 46,039 10.4% 3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 30,521 6.9% -0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 27,586 6.2% -3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 21,572 4.9% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 19,306 4.4% 2.8%
Built in 2020 or later 2,800 0.6% 70.6%
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.

Erie County occupancy rates

Out of the 409,665 occupied housing units in Erie County, 65.8% are owner-occupied, while 34.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
409,665
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
140,013
Owner occupied
269,652
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 140,013 34.2% -0.8%
Owner occupied 269,652 65.8% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
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.

Erie County housing costs

Housing costs in Erie County come to a median of $1,115 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,090.

Median housing costs per month
$1,115/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 Erie County
$1,090/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 Erie County

Erie County education at a glance

About 30.3% of the population in Erie County went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.1% earned an associate degree and 20.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21,020 2.8% 1.0%
High school diploma 230,287 30.3% -2.1%
College diploma 150,137 19.8% -1.6%
Associate degree 84,463 11.1% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 155,744 20.5% 2.9%
Graduate degree 117,540 15.5% 4.1%
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 Erie County

How much people earn in Erie County

The average annual household income in Erie County was $97,738 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,839, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Erie County
$97,738/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Erie County
$72,839/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Erie County income by age

In Erie County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,097. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,417 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,869, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,529 in earnings. Overall, 86.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,869 -3.4%
25 - 44 $83,097 4.0%
45 - 64 $88,417 2.5%
Over 65 $54,529 2.7%
Above poverty level
792,197
Below poverty level
127,017
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 792,197 86.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 127,017 13.8% -0.8%

Employment in Erie County

Workforce and job types in Erie County

The job market in Erie County is powered by 463,694 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 17.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
463,694
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
383,762
Blue collar
79,932
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 383,762 82.8% 0.1%
Blue collar 79,932 17.2% -2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
17.1%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 34,663 7.5% 1.2%
Private companies 293,729 63.4% -1.1%
Governmental workers 79,087 17.1% 0.8%
Not for profit companies 56,215 12.1% 2.0%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
0.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Erie County stands at 4.9%, 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 Erie County

How people get around in Erie County

In Erie County, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.2% 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
21 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 363,457 80.2% -2.2%
Taxicab 1,645 0.4% 41.1%
Bus or trolleybus 11,666 2.6% -5.5%
Subway or elevated 761 0.2% N/A
Railroad 11 0% -8.3%
Ferryboat 135 0% 20.5%
Motorcycle 217 0% -10.0%
Bicycle 1,430 0.3% 1.4%
Walk 10,653 2.4% -0.9%
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 Erie County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14001 8,937 4,085 $75,107 $93,694
14004 11,396 4,122 $90,839 $103,103
14025 3,243 1,415 $115,188 $137,066
14026 617 308 $88,750 $104,017
14030 2,067 744 $78,182 $89,978
14031 9,885 4,202 $103,750 $142,414
14032 10,222 3,823 $168,711 $211,167
14033 1,539 711 $87,431 $112,048
14034 2,086 759 $62,412 $92,741
14006 9,260 4,224 $65,972 $77,313

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FAQs about Erie County demographics 

What is the total population of Erie County?

Erie County has a total population of 950,622 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Erie County?

The gender ratio in Erie County is as follows:
  • 48.7% males (462,660 residents)
  • 51.3% females (487,962 residents)

What is the median age in Erie County?

The median age in Erie County is 40.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Erie County?

The age distribution in Erie County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (157,857 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (118,731 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (250,357 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (240,327 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.3% (183,350 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Erie County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Erie County is as follows:
  • White: 73.6% (699,174 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.5% (118,588 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (3,857 residents)
  • Asian: 4.9% (46,784 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (205 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (57,911 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (24,103 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.6% of the population in Erie County.

How many housing units are there in Erie County?

There are 441,214 housing units in Erie County, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Erie County has a total of 409,665 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Erie County?

Erie County has a median household income of $72,839, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Erie County?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Erie County, with a workforce of 463,694 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (383,762 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (79,932 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (34,663 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (293,729 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.1% (79,087 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (56,215 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