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).
Where to stay in Dunkirk
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.