Erie County, New York Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Erie County is located in New York with a total population of 950,044. It is the 8th most populous county out of 62 in New York. The county encompasses 5 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Erie County is 40.3 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Erie County is $71,175. This is 16% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%. This is 2% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. This is 22% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $217,400. Housing costs are 46% lower than the state median of $403,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 65.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% higher than the state average of 54.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Erie County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 73.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 12.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.3%) is well below the state average of 19.6%.

Education

36.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% 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 92.4%. Notably, 16.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.