Lackawanna city, New York Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lackawanna city, New York has a total population of 19,779, the 92nd largest city in New York, with a median household income of $48,185, which is 43% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 43% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Lackawanna city Quick Facts
How Lackawanna 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+)
Lackawanna city Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Erie County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo city | 276,397 | $48,050 | 27.4% | $152,300 |
| Tonawanda Town CDP | 56,973 | $76,644 | 9.8% | $199,400 |
| North Tonawanda city | 30,338 | $66,774 | 12.1% | $184,900 |
| Tonawanda city | 15,044 | $61,619 | 12.0% | $159,500 |
Cities Similar to Lackawanna city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plattsburgh city | 19,878 | $53,962 | $189,600 | 38.9% | 24.2% |
| Amsterdam city | 18,162 | $50,193 | $119,800 | 19.7% | 20.9% |
| Lockport city | 20,699 | $59,153 | $131,800 | 24.4% | 16.0% |
| Cortland city | 17,465 | $55,368 | $143,800 | 26.1% | 21.9% |
| Oswego city | 17,028 | $53,286 | $114,600 | 28.5% | 21.1% |
Population Overview
Lackawanna city is a small city located in New York, within Erie County. The total population is 19,779. It ranks as the 92nd most populous out of 1,287 cities and towns in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lackawanna city is 38.2 years. This is 4% lower than the state median of 39.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lackawanna city is $48,185. This is 43% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 39% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%. This is 65% 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 5.6%. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $126,500. Housing costs are 69% lower than the state median of $403,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Lackawanna city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 55.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% higher than the state average of 54.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Lackawanna city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 72.1% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 14.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (9.4%) is well below the state average of 19.6%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 8.8%.
Education
20.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 49% 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 86.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna city, New York?
Lackawanna city, New York has a population of 19,779 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lackawanna city, NY?
The median household income in Lackawanna city is $48,185, which is 39% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lackawanna city, NY?
The poverty rate in Lackawanna city is 22.6%. This means approximately 4,452 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lackawanna city, New York?
Lackawanna city's population is 72.1% White, 14.0% Black, 9.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lackawanna city, NY?
The median home value in Lackawanna city is $126,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Lackawanna city, New York?
20.0% of adults (25+) in Lackawanna city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.