Gowanda, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,683
-8.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,828/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,270
-2.8% year-over-year change

Gowanda population

How many people live in Gowanda

Gowanda is home to 2,683 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.4% of Gowanda locals are male, and 55.6% are female.

Total population
2,683
-8.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.4%
1,191
Female
55.6%
1,492
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,191 44.4% -16.5%
Female 1,492 55.6% -0.7%
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 Gowanda is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 27.1% are children under 15, then 6.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
27.1%
15 to 24
6.8%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 728 27.1% -8.8%
15 to 24 181 6.8% -31.2%
25 to 44 624 23.3% -1.3%
45 to 64 653 24.3% -9.1%
Over 65 497 18.5% -4.0%
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 Gowanda, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,625 97.8% -6.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 39 1.4% -58.5%
Non-citizens 19 0.7% -50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.1%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 2,390 89.1%
Black or African American 28 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 132 4.9%
Two or more races 128 4.8%
Other 5 0.2%

Households in Gowanda

A peek inside Gowanda households

Gowanda has 1,034 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.4% are families, while the remaining 39.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,034
-8.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
410
Family households
624
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 410 39.6% -12.6%
Family households 624 60.4% -6.3%
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 Gowanda

The housing landscape of Gowanda

Gowanda's housing consists of 1,270 units, with 66.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,270
-2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 846 66.6%
1 unit, attached 5 0.4%
2 units 99 7.8%
3 or 4 units 210 16.5%
5 to 9 units 84 6.6%
20 to 49 units 26 2%
Homes built since 2020
11
37.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gowanda

In Gowanda, the median construction year is 1938. About 57.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.6% 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 725 57.1% 3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 147 11.6% 15.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 170 13.4% 7.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 89 7% -30.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 40 3.2% -36.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 82 6.5% -13.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6 0.5% -53.9%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.9% 37.5%
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.

Gowanda occupancy rates

Out of the 1,034 occupied housing units in Gowanda, 72.4% are owner-occupied, while 27.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,034
-8.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
285
Owner occupied
749
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 285 27.6% -31.5%
Owner occupied 749 72.4% 4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
18.6%
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.

Gowanda housing costs

Housing costs in Gowanda come to a median of $800 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $753.

Median housing costs per month
$800/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 Gowanda
$753/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 Gowanda

Gowanda education at a glance

About 58.8% of the population in Gowanda went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 11.1% earned an associate degree and 6.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 48 2.6% -44.8%
High school diploma 1,101 58.8% -3.1%
College diploma 318 17% -14.3%
Associate degree 207 11.1% -18.2%
Bachelor's degree 115 6.1% -9.4%
Graduate degree 83 4.4% 9.2%
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 Gowanda

How much people earn in Gowanda

The average annual household income in Gowanda was $65,924 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,828, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gowanda
$65,924/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gowanda
$51,828/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Gowanda income by age

In Gowanda, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,199 overall. Overall, 83.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $55,250 3.1%
45 - 64 $52,199 2.7%
Over 65 $39,293 -5.7%
Above poverty level
2,113
Below poverty level
409
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,113 83.8% -9.8%
Below poverty level 409 16.2% -2.1%

Average renter income in Gowanda

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gowanda, their median household income was $37,008 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,008
Rent-to-income ratio
24.4%
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 Gowanda

Workforce and job types in Gowanda

The job market in Gowanda is powered by 980 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 55.5% are employed by private companies, and 26.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
980
-7.4% year-over-year change
White collar
760
Blue collar
220
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 760 77.6% -11.0%
Blue collar 220 22.4% 7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
55.5%
Governmental workers
26.7%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 98 10% 36.1%
Private companies 544 55.5% -8.3%
Governmental workers 262 26.7% -2.6%
Not for profit companies 76 7.8% -38.7%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-41.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gowanda stands at 3.2%, 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 Gowanda

How people get around in Gowanda

Commuting methods vary: 89.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.9% 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 850 89.2% -9.1%
Subway or elevated 6 0.6% N/A
Walk 66 6.9% 11.9%
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 Gowanda by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14070 5,001 2,031 $53,310 $72,197

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FAQs about Gowanda demographics 

What is the total population of Gowanda?

Gowanda has a total population of 2,683 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 -8.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gowanda?

The gender ratio in Gowanda is as follows:
  • 44.4% males (1,191 residents)
  • 55.6% females (1,492 residents)

What is the median age in Gowanda?

The median age in Gowanda is 37.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gowanda?

The age distribution in Gowanda is as follows:
  • Under 15: 27.1% (728 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.8% (181 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (624 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (653 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (497 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gowanda?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gowanda is as follows:
  • White: 89.1% (2,390 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (28 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.9% (132 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (128 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (5 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Gowanda.

How many housing units are there in Gowanda?

There are 1,270 housing units in Gowanda, reflecting a -2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gowanda has a total of 1,034 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gowanda?

Gowanda has a median household income of $51,828, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Gowanda, with a workforce of 980 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.6% (760 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.4% (220 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (98 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.5% (544 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.7% (262 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (76 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