Dunkirk, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Dunkirk, New York is 12,597 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 156th-largest city in New York. The median household income is $49,003, the median home value is $91,200, and the median age is 43.1.
The population has declined 1.2% since 2010 (12,526 → 12,379).
12,597
Population
2772
People / sq mi
$49,003
Median Income
$91,200
Median Home Value
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Dunkirk covers 4.5 sq mi of land at 2772 people per square mile.
About Dunkirk, NY
Housing cost is the defining feature of Dunkirk: the median home is valued at $91,200. Dunkirk is a city in New York with a population of 12,597.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $49,003, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 17.9%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $91,200, with typical rent around $905.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US cities, 15.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (4.7%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Dunkirk city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Dunkirk city had a population of 12,526 in 2010 and 12,379 in 2024, a -1.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,731 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.06%.
12,379
Population (2024)
12,526
Population (2010)
12,731
Peak (2020)
-0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,526 |
| 2011 | 12,446 |
| 2012 | 12,359 |
| 2013 | 12,291 |
| 2014 | 12,187 |
| 2015 | 12,047 |
| 2016 | 11,905 |
| 2017 | 11,809 |
| 2018 | 11,774 |
| 2019 | 11,756 |
| 2020 | 12,731 |
| 2021 | 12,647 |
| 2022 | 12,501 |
| 2023 | 12,442 |
| 2024 | 12,379 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.4% |
| Black or African American | 7.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$49,003
Median Household Income
$27,848
Per Capita Income
17.9%
Poverty Rate
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$91,200
Median Home Value
$905
Median Rent
58.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.4%
High School+
15.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
81.3%
Public Transit
4.7%
Work From Home
17.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
12.3%
Foreign Born
78.4%
Non-English at Home
8.4%
Veterans
19.2%
With Disability
96.8%
Health Insurance
91.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 33.4% |
| Manufacturing | 18.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.4% |
| Retail Trade | 6.5% |
| Public Administration | 6.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.7% |
| Construction | 2.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.2% |
| Information | 1.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dunkirk, New York has a population of 12,597 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 156th-largest city in New York.
The median household income in Dunkirk, New York is $49,003, with 17.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Dunkirk, New York is $91,200, with median monthly rent at $905 and a homeownership rate of 58.4%.
The median age in Dunkirk, New York is 43.1 years. The population is 53.8% male and 46.2% female.
The population has declined 1.2% since 2010 (12,526 → 12,379).
Dunkirk city, NY Climate
Dunkirk city, NY has an average annual temperature of 8.8°C (48°F) and receives about 1058 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.8°C
Avg Temp
1058
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 64 mm |
| February | -4° / 26° | 55 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 69 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 82 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 85 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 99 mm |
| July | 21° / 71° | 94 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 98 mm |
| September | 16° / 62° | 120 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 99 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 106 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 87 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Dunkirk city, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Dunkirk city, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dunkirk
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.