Tonawanda City, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,030
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,326/yr
-5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,412
2.0% year-over-year change

Tonawanda population

How many people live in Tonawanda

Tonawanda is home to 15,030 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Tonawanda locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
15,030
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
7,628
Female
49.2%
7,402
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,628 50.8% 1.1%
Female 7,402 49.2% -1.3%
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 Tonawanda is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.9% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.4% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.9%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
28.4%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,090 13.9% -5.9%
15 to 24 1,558 10.4% -4.9%
25 to 44 4,276 28.4% 2.3%
45 to 64 4,005 26.6% 2.2%
Over 65 3,101 20.6% 0.6%
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 Tonawanda, 91.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,733 91.4% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 547 3.6% 0.2%
Non-citizens 750 5% 4.3%
Racial breakdown
White
91.8%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 13,798 91.8%
Black or African American 94 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 0.1%
Asian 266 1.8%
Two or more races 836 5.6%
Other 18 0.1%

Households in Tonawanda

A peek inside Tonawanda households

Tonawanda has 7,085 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.8% are families, while the remaining 42.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,085
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,992
Family households
4,093
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,992 42.2% 5.7%
Family households 4,093 57.8% 0.7%
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 Tonawanda

The housing landscape of Tonawanda

Tonawanda's housing consists of 7,412 units, with 74.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.9% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,412
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,524 74.5%
1 unit, attached 67 0.9%
2 units 788 10.6%
3 or 4 units 299 4%
5 to 9 units 256 3.4%
10 to 19 units 36 0.5%
20 to 49 units 71 1%
50 or more units 211 2.8%
Mobile home 160 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
42
90.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tonawanda

In Tonawanda, the median construction year is 1951. About 37.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 0.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% 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 2,799 37.8% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 586 7.9% 21.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,651 35.8% -2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 679 9.2% 7.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 316 4.3% 18.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 217 2.9% -17.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 60 0.8% 275.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 0.2% -50.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 49 0.7% 44.1%
Built in 2020 or later 42 0.6% 90.9%
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.

Tonawanda occupancy rates

Out of the 7,085 occupied housing units in Tonawanda, 73.2% are owner-occupied, while 26.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,085
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,900
Owner occupied
5,185
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,900 26.8% 5.3%
Owner occupied 5,185 73.2% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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.

Tonawanda housing costs

Housing costs in Tonawanda come to a median of $974 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $835.

Median housing costs per month
$974/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 Tonawanda
$835/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 Tonawanda

Tonawanda education at a glance

About 32.2% of the population in Tonawanda went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 17% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 499 4.1% 1.2%
High school diploma 3,951 32.2% -8.2%
College diploma 2,916 23.7% 8.4%
Associate degree 1,557 12.7% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,087 17% 4.5%
Graduate degree 1,274 10.4% 16.4%
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 Tonawanda

How much people earn in Tonawanda

The average annual household income in Tonawanda was $77,501 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 $58,326, reflecting a -5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tonawanda
$77,501/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tonawanda
$58,326/year
-5.3% year-over-year change

Tonawanda income by age

In Tonawanda, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,919. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,526 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,368, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,819 in earnings. Overall, 86.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,368 -22.3%
25 - 44 $70,919 -8.8%
45 - 64 $72,526 4.0%
Over 65 $37,819 -10.0%
Above poverty level
12,912
Below poverty level
2,051
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,912 86.3% -1.2%
Below poverty level 2,051 13.7% 16.2%

Average renter income in Tonawanda

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tonawanda, their median household income was $30,718 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,718
Rent-to-income ratio
32.6%
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 Tonawanda

Workforce and job types in Tonawanda

The job market in Tonawanda is powered by 7,231 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 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, 3.4% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,231
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
5,886
Blue collar
1,345
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,886 81.4% 4.2%
Blue collar 1,345 18.6% -5.7%
Employer type
Self employees
3.4%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 244 3.4% -9.3%
Private companies 4,762 65.9% 2.1%
Governmental workers 1,128 15.6% 5.3%
Not for profit companies 1,097 15.2% 2.5%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
6.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tonawanda stands at 6.2%, 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 Tonawanda

How people get around in Tonawanda

Commuting methods vary: 80.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 5,703 80.5% 0.6%
Subway or elevated 17 0.2% N/A
Ferryboat 32 0.4% 10.3%
Bicycle 62 0.9% 26.5%
Walk 36 0.5% 12.5%
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 Tonawanda by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14150 41,260 19,548 $71,406 $87,322

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FAQs about Tonawanda demographics 

What is the total population of Tonawanda?

Tonawanda has a total population of 15,030 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 Tonawanda?

The gender ratio in Tonawanda is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (7,628 residents)
  • 49.2% females (7,402 residents)

What is the median age in Tonawanda?

The median age in Tonawanda is 43.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tonawanda?

The age distribution in Tonawanda is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.9% (2,090 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (1,558 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.4% (4,276 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (4,005 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (3,101 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tonawanda?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tonawanda is as follows:
  • White: 91.8% (13,798 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (94 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (266 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (836 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (18 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.4% of the population in Tonawanda.

How many housing units are there in Tonawanda?

There are 7,412 housing units in Tonawanda, 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 Tonawanda and what is the average household size?

Tonawanda has a total of 7,085 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tonawanda?

Tonawanda has a median household income of $58,326, representing a -5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Tonawanda, with a workforce of 7,231 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.4% (5,886 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.6% (1,345 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.4% (244 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (4,762 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (1,128 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.2% (1,097 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