Dunkirk city, New York Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Dunkirk city, New York has a total population of 12,597, the 156th largest city in New York, with a median household income of $49,003, which is 42% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 42% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x.
Dunkirk city Quick Facts
How Dunkirk city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Dunkirk city Rankings in New York
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Other Cities in Chautauqua County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamestown city | 28,401 | $44,878 | 24.0% | $79,100 |
Cities Similar to Dunkirk city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endicott village | 13,456 | $46,685 | $109,800 | 20.9% | 29.5% |
| Olean city | 13,798 | $47,553 | $90,500 | 29.1% | 24.1% |
| Fulton city | 11,339 | $52,123 | $100,900 | 15.8% | 24.1% |
| Geneva city | 12,573 | $68,242 | $140,300 | 34.1% | 18.3% |
| Gloversville city | 15,010 | $49,155 | $95,500 | 16.4% | 21.6% |
Population Overview
Dunkirk city is a small city located in New York, within Chautauqua County. The total population is 12,597. It ranks as the 156th most populous out of 1,287 cities and towns in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in Dunkirk city is 43.1 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 39.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Dunkirk city is $49,003. This is 42% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%. This is 82% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.6%. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $91,200. Housing costs are 77% lower than the state median of $403,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Dunkirk city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 58.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 54.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Dunkirk city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 33.2%. The Black or African American population (3.8%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (33.2% vs 19.6%). The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 8.8%.
Education
15.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Dunkirk city, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,287 Census-designated places in New York. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Dunkirk city, New York?
Dunkirk city, New York has a population of 12,597 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Dunkirk city, NY?
The median household income in Dunkirk city is $49,003, which is 38% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Dunkirk city, NY?
The poverty rate in Dunkirk city is 24.9%. This means approximately 3,105 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Dunkirk city, New York?
Dunkirk city's population is 59.7% White, 3.8% Black, 33.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Dunkirk city, NY?
The median home value in Dunkirk city is $91,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x.
How educated is Dunkirk city, New York?
15.4% of adults (25+) in Dunkirk city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.