Western New York, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,125,314
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,286/yr
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
532,109
0.2% year-over-year change

Western New York population

How many people live in Western New York

Western New York is home to 1,125,314 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Western New York locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
1,125,314
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
554,591
Female
50.7%
570,723
Value Percent YoY change
Male 554,591 49.3% 0.0%
Female 570,723 50.7% -0.4%
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 Western New York is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 182,798 16.2% -0.9%
15 to 24 135,940 12.1% -0.4%
25 to 44 270,164 24% 0.3%
45 to 64 298,506 26.5% -2.0%
Over 65 237,905 21.1% 2.3%
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 Western New York, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.9% of locals are Caucasian, 4.8% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,054,577 93.7% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 48,140 4.3% 3.0%
Non-citizens 22,598 2% 3.3%
Racial breakdown
White
84.9%
Black or African American
4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 955,110 84.9%
Black or African American 54,594 4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6,109 0.5%
Asian 28,874 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 279 0%
Two or more races 61,751 5.5%
Other 18,597 1.6%

Households in Western New York

A peek inside Western New York households

Western New York has 481,780 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.7% are families, while the remaining 39.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
481,780
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
189,198
Family households
292,582
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 189,198 39.3% 0.1%
Family households 292,582 60.7% 0.5%
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 Western New York

The housing landscape of Western New York

Western New York's housing consists of 532,109 units, with 68.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
532,109
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 364,472 68.5%
1 unit, attached 14,995 2.8%
2 units 48,462 9.1%
3 or 4 units 26,108 4.9%
5 to 9 units 22,826 4.3%
10 to 19 units 10,550 2%
20 to 49 units 7,897 1.5%
50 or more units 14,194 2.7%
Mobile home 22,379 4.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 226 0%
Homes built since 2020
3,355
70.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Western New York

In Western New York, the median construction year is 1965. About 23.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.3% 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 124,556 23.4% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 40,217 7.6% -1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 91,093 17.1% -2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 63,729 12% 0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 65,719 12.4% 3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 45,243 8.5% -0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 42,034 7.9% -1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 33,163 6.2% -0.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 23,000 4.3% 5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 3,355 0.6% 70.5%
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.

Western New York occupancy rates

Out of the 481,780 occupied housing units in Western New York, 73.4% are owner-occupied, while 26.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
481,780
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
128,151
Owner occupied
353,629
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 128,151 26.6% -0.6%
Owner occupied 353,629 73.4% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
9.5%
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.

Western New York housing costs

Housing costs in Western New York come to a median of $905 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $872.

Median housing costs per month
$905/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 Western New York
$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 Western New York

Western New York education at a glance

About 33.4% of the population in Western New York went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 12.4% earned an associate degree and 18.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 22,472 2.5% 2.2%
High school diploma 301,129 33.4% -1.3%
College diploma 171,918 19.1% -2.2%
Associate degree 112,294 12.4% -0.6%
Bachelor's degree 167,573 18.6% 2.1%
Graduate degree 126,507 14% 3.5%
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 Western New York

How much people earn in Western New York

The average annual household income in Western New York was $87,795 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,286, reflecting a +1.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Western New York
$87,795/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Western New York
$69,286/year
1.5% year-over-year change

Western New York income by age

In Western New York, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,329. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,513 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,522, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,994 in earnings. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,522 0.8%
25 - 44 $84,329 2.1%
45 - 64 $86,513 3.9%
Over 65 $50,994 2.0%
Above poverty level
956,303
Below poverty level
129,104
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 956,303 88.1% -0.7%
Below poverty level 129,104 11.9% 2.6%

Employment in Western New York

Workforce and job types in Western New York

79.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 62.8% are employed by private companies, and 17.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
430,544
Blue collar
108,573
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 430,544 79.9% -0.3%
Blue collar 108,573 20.1% -2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
62.8%
Governmental workers
17.8%
Not for profit companies
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 44,239 8.2% 1.9%
Private companies 338,707 62.8% -1.6%
Governmental workers 95,801 17.8% 0.4%
Not for profit companies 60,370 11.2% 0.8%

Transportation in Western New York

How people get around in Western New York

In Western New York, the average commute time is 979 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.7% 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
979 min
4.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 439,893 95.7% -2.3%
Taxicab 1,114 0.2% 30.9%
Bus or trolleybus 4,349 1% -4.8%
Railroad 8 0% -42.9%
Ferryboat 135 0% 4.7%
Motorcycle 385 0.1% -6.5%
Bicycle 1,395 0.3% 16.7%
Walk 12,460 2.7% -2.2%
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 Western New York 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
14028 1,257 516 $89,188 $101,491
14030 2,067 744 $78,182 $89,978
14031 9,885 4,202 $103,750 $142,414
14006 9,260 4,224 $65,972 $77,313
14008 1,423 619 $77,702 $106,039
14012 2,911 1,179 $72,083 $88,366

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FAQs about Western New York demographics 

What is the total population of Western New York?

Western New York has a total population of 1,125,314 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Western New York?

The gender ratio in Western New York is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (554,591 residents)
  • 50.7% females (570,723 residents)

What is the median age in Western New York?

The median age in Western New York is 43.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Western New York?

The age distribution in Western New York is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (182,798 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (135,940 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (270,164 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (298,506 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.1% (237,905 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Western New York?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Western New York is as follows:
  • White: 84.9% (955,110 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.8% (54,594 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (6,109 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (28,874 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (279 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (61,751 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (18,597 residents)

What percentage of the population in Western New York are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in Western New York.

How many housing units are there in Western New York?

There are 532,109 housing units in Western New York, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Western New York and what is the average household size?

Western New York has a total of 481,780 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Western New York?

Western New York has a median household income of $69,286, representing a +1.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Western New York?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.9% (430,544 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.1% (108,573 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (44,239 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.8% (338,707 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.8% (95,801 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.2% (60,370 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