Lackawanna, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,753
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,110/yr
8.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,321
1.3% year-over-year change

Lackawanna population

How many people live in Lackawanna

Lackawanna is home to 19,753 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Lackawanna locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
19,753
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
9,527
Female
51.8%
10,226
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,527 48.2% 2.4%
Female 10,226 51.8% -2.3%
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 Lackawanna is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.8% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.8%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,316 21.8% 8.8%
15 to 24 2,108 10.7% -0.4%
25 to 44 5,067 25.6% -4.5%
45 to 64 4,952 25.1% -5.3%
Over 65 3,310 16.8% 4.8%
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 Lackawanna, 85.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.6% of locals are Caucasian, 15.7% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.6%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,966 85.9% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,284 11.6% 8.0%
Non-citizens 503 2.6% 36.7%
Racial breakdown
White
68.6%
Black or African American
15.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
5.1%
Value Percent
White 13,548 68.6%
Black or African American 3,095 15.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 127 0.6%
Asian 319 1.6%
Two or more races 1,651 8.4%
Other 1,013 5.1%

Households in Lackawanna

A peek inside Lackawanna households

Lackawanna has 8,384 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.8% are families, while the remaining 45.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,384
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,793
Family households
4,591
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,793 45.2% -3.6%
Family households 4,591 54.8% 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 Lackawanna

The housing landscape of Lackawanna

Lackawanna's housing consists of 9,321 units, with 46.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% 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 3.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,321
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,346 46.6%
1 unit, attached 319 3.4%
2 units 1,949 20.9%
3 or 4 units 1,186 12.7%
5 to 9 units 457 4.9%
10 to 19 units 272 2.9%
20 to 49 units 176 1.9%
50 or more units 327 3.5%
Mobile home 289 3.1%
Homes built since 2020
49
16.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lackawanna

In Lackawanna, the median construction year is 1954. About 30.9% 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. Then, 1.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,876 30.9% 4.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,080 11.6% -1.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,982 21.3% -6.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,481 15.9% -5.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 693 7.4% 14.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 337 3.6% 9.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 511 5.5% 49.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 162 1.7% -22.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 150 1.6% -15.7%
Built in 2020 or later 49 0.5% 16.7%
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.

Lackawanna occupancy rates

Out of the 8,384 occupied housing units in Lackawanna, 56.2% are owner-occupied, while 43.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,384
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,672
Owner occupied
4,712
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,672 43.8% -3.6%
Owner occupied 4,712 56.2% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
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.

Lackawanna housing costs

Housing costs in Lackawanna come to a median of $865 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $872.

Median housing costs per month
$865/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 Lackawanna
$872/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 Lackawanna

Lackawanna education at a glance

About 43.3% of the population in Lackawanna went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 13.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,050 7% 32.9%
High school diploma 6,449 43.3% -4.0%
College diploma 2,877 19.3% -11.3%
Associate degree 1,623 10.9% -7.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,028 13.6% 0.1%
Graduate degree 862 5.8% 2.4%
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 Lackawanna

How much people earn in Lackawanna

The average annual household income in Lackawanna was $61,687 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,110, reflecting a +8.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lackawanna
$61,687/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lackawanna
$52,110/year
8.2% year-over-year change

Lackawanna income by age

In Lackawanna, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,763. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,757 overall. Overall, 76.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $56,763 4.7%
45 - 64 $60,757 3.6%
Over 65 $43,834 12.6%
Above poverty level
14,913
Below poverty level
4,558
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,913 76.6% -1.0%
Below poverty level 4,558 23.4% 2.4%

Average renter income in Lackawanna

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lackawanna, their median household income was $26,515 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,515
Rent-to-income ratio
39.5%
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 Lackawanna

Workforce and job types in Lackawanna

The job market in Lackawanna is powered by 7,962 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 69.3% are employed by private companies, and 18.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,962
-9.7% year-over-year change
White collar
5,678
Blue collar
2,284
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,678 71.3% -7.6%
Blue collar 2,284 28.7% -14.6%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
69.3%
Governmental workers
18.1%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 351 4.4% -29.8%
Private companies 5,515 69.3% -11.0%
Governmental workers 1,440 18.1% 1.7%
Not for profit companies 656 8.2% -7.3%
Unemployment rate
6.9%
12.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lackawanna stands at 6.9%, 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 Lackawanna

How people get around in Lackawanna

Commuting methods vary: 84.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 6,528 84.5% -10.9%
Taxicab 60 0.8% 76.5%
Bus or trolleybus 242 3.1% -34.6%
Subway or elevated 13 0.2% N/A
Walk 163 2.1% 68.0%
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 Lackawanna by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14218 20,312 8,613 $54,748 $67,324

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FAQs about Lackawanna demographics 

What is the total population of Lackawanna?

Lackawanna has a total population of 19,753 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 Lackawanna?

The gender ratio in Lackawanna is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (9,527 residents)
  • 51.8% females (10,226 residents)

What is the median age in Lackawanna?

The median age in Lackawanna is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lackawanna?

The age distribution in Lackawanna is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.8% (4,316 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (2,108 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (5,067 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (4,952 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (3,310 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lackawanna?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lackawanna is as follows:
  • White: 68.6% (13,548 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15.7% (3,095 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (127 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (319 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (1,651 residents)
  • Other: 5.1% (1,013 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.9% of the population in Lackawanna.

How many housing units are there in Lackawanna?

There are 9,321 housing units in Lackawanna, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lackawanna has a total of 8,384 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lackawanna?

Lackawanna has a median household income of $52,110, representing a +8.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.1% in Lackawanna, with a workforce of 7,962 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.3% (5,678 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.7% (2,284 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (351 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.3% (5,515 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.1% (1,440 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (656 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