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

Total population
7,340
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,955/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,247
-2.0% year-over-year change

Kensington population

How many people live in Kensington

Kensington is home to 7,340 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.3% of Kensington locals are male, and 56.7% are female.

Total population
7,340
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.3%
3,179
Female
56.7%
4,162
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,179 43.3% -3.7%
Female 4,162 56.7% 1.8%
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 Kensington is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.2% are children under 15, then 20.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.2%
15 to 24
20.1%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,553 21.2% -2.6%
15 to 24 1,478 20.1% -1.0%
25 to 44 1,940 26.4% 3.3%
45 to 64 1,423 19.4% -6.2%
Over 65 947 12.9% 4.4%
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 Kensington, 86.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 16.3% of locals are Caucasian, 64.7% are African American and 11.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.1%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,345 86.4% -3.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 669 9.1% 19.5%
Non-citizens 327 4.4% 36.8%
Racial breakdown
White
16.3%
Black or African American
64.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
11.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 1,194 16.3%
Black or African American 4,750 64.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.2%
Asian 833 11.4%
Two or more races 351 4.8%
Other 200 2.7%

Households in Kensington

A peek inside Kensington households

Kensington has 2,888 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.8% are families, while the remaining 41.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,888
-2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,189
Family households
1,699
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,189 41.2% -3.7%
Family households 1,699 58.8% -1.4%
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 Kensington

The housing landscape of Kensington

Kensington's housing consists of 3,247 units, with 55.9% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,247
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,815 55.9%
1 unit, attached 106 3.3%
2 units 937 28.9%
3 or 4 units 244 7.5%
5 to 9 units 70 2.2%
10 to 19 units 41 1.3%
20 to 49 units 10 0.3%
50 or more units 18 0.6%
Mobile home 6 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kensington

In Kensington, the median construction year is 1938. About 51.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 17.1% 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 1,674 51.6% -5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 556 17.1% -8.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 534 16.4% -10.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 242 7.4% 55.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 87 2.7% 55.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 56 1.7% -12.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 52 1.6% 8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 34 1% 112.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12 0.4% 100.0%
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.

Kensington occupancy rates

Out of the 2,888 occupied housing units in Kensington, 50% are owner-occupied, while 50% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,888
-2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,444
Owner occupied
1,444
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,444 50% -6.7%
Owner occupied 1,444 50% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
11.1%
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.

Kensington housing costs

Housing costs in Kensington come to a median of $931 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,039.

Median housing costs per month
$931/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 Kensington
$1,039/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 Kensington

Kensington education at a glance

About 39.1% of the population in Kensington went to high school, while 27% pursued college studies. Another 12.2% earned an associate degree and 11.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 211 3.8% 8.2%
High school diploma 2,148 39.1% 1.3%
College diploma 1,483 27% -6.4%
Associate degree 670 12.2% -0.6%
Bachelor's degree 652 11.9% 6.9%
Graduate degree 327 6% 9.0%
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 Kensington

How much people earn in Kensington

The average annual household income in Kensington was $59,561 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,955, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kensington
$59,561/year
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kensington
$44,955/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Kensington income by age

In Kensington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,867. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,542 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,924, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,652 in earnings. Overall, 71.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,924 4.6%
25 - 44 $40,867 0.2%
45 - 64 $56,542 13.6%
Over 65 $46,652 1.4%
Above poverty level
4,991
Below poverty level
2,005
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,991 71.3% 1.0%
Below poverty level 2,005 28.7% -4.4%

Employment in Kensington

Workforce and job types in Kensington

81.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 60.7% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,459
Blue collar
561
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,459 81.4% 1.2%
Blue collar 561 18.6% 1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
60.7%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
17.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 177 5.9% 2.9%
Private companies 1,833 60.7% 6.8%
Governmental workers 480 15.9% -5.7%
Not for profit companies 529 17.5% -9.7%

Transportation in Kensington

How people get around in Kensington

In Kensington, the average commute time is 4 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
4 min
33.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,950 78.4% -4.7%
Taxicab 58 2.3% -3.3%
Bus or trolleybus 403 16.2% 9.5%
Motorcycle 4 0.2% 33.3%
Bicycle 4 0.2% -33.3%
Walk 68 2.7% -12.8%
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 Kensington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14215 42,524 16,733 $44,955 $59,561

Explore more communities

FAQs about Kensington demographics 

What is the total population of Kensington?

Kensington has a total population of 7,340 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 Kensington?

The gender ratio in Kensington is as follows:
  • 43.3% males (3,179 residents)
  • 56.7% females (4,162 residents)

What is the median age in Kensington?

The median age in Kensington is 31.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kensington?

The age distribution in Kensington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.2% (1,553 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.1% (1,478 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (1,940 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (1,423 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.9% (947 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kensington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kensington is as follows:
  • White: 16.3% (1,194 residents)
  • Black or African American: 64.7% (4,750 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 11.4% (833 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (351 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (200 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.4% of the population in Kensington.

How many housing units are there in Kensington?

There are 3,247 housing units in Kensington, reflecting a -2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Kensington has a total of 2,888 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kensington?

Kensington has a median household income of $44,955, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Kensington?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.4% (2,459 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.6% (561 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (177 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.7% (1,833 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (480 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.5% (529 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