Erie County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in New York
The population of Erie County, New York is 950,044 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in New York. The median household income is $71,175, the median home value is $217,400, and the median age is 40.3.
The population of Erie County has grown 3.4% since 2010 (919,160 → 950,602), a +0.24% annualized rate.
950,044
Population
+0.24%
Annual growth
911
People / sq mi
$71,175
Median Income
$217,400
Median Home Value
Erie County covers 1,043 sq mi of land at 911.1 people per square mile.
About Erie County, NY
Erie County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.1% of the population. With 950,044 residents, Erie County is a county in New York. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in New York in the country, at #8 by population.
The typical household here earns about $71,175, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $217,400, with typical rent around $1,037.
About 36.9% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. About 11.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Erie County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Erie County had a population of 919,160 in 2010 and 950,602 in 2024, a 3.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 953,023 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.25%.
950,602
Population (2024)
919,160
Population (2010)
953,023
Peak (2021)
0.25%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 919,160 |
| 2011 | 919,901 |
| 2012 | 919,998 |
| 2013 | 921,015 |
| 2014 | 921,934 |
| 2015 | 920,858 |
| 2016 | 918,992 |
| 2017 | 919,378 |
| 2018 | 919,941 |
| 2019 | 918,813 |
| 2020 | 952,353 |
| 2021 | 953,023 |
| 2022 | 948,745 |
| 2023 | 948,386 |
| 2024 | 950,602 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 74.6% |
| Black or African American | 12.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,175$-13,403 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,092 |
| Per-capita income | $41,560 |
| Poverty rate | 9.6%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Erie County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.9% of workers.
How residents commute
3.0%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
74.1%
Public transit
11.4%
Work from home
21.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$217,400$-185,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,037
Median rent
65.5%
Homeownership rate
439,987
Total housing units
92.9%
Occupied
7.1%
Vacant
34.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.2%
With health insurance
93.2%
With broadband internet
10.1%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
88.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
36.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New York
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Part of New York
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County rankings
Common questions about Erie County, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Erie County, New York has a population of 950,044 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in New York. Population density is 911 people per square mile.
The population of Erie County has grown 3.4% since 2010 (919,160 → 950,602), a +0.24% annualized rate.
The median household income in Erie County, New York is $71,175, with mean (average) household income of $95,092 and per-capita income of $41,560. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Erie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (74.6%), Black or African American (12.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Erie County, New York is 40.3 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Erie County is $217,400 and median monthly rent is $1,037. 65.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 439,987 total housing units, 7.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Erie County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Erie County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
Erie County, NY Climate
Erie County, NY has an average annual temperature of 8.6°C (47°F) and receives about 986 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.6°C
Avg Temp
986
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 24° | 70 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 57 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 69 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 75 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 82 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 93 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 82 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 90 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 100 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 83 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 95 mm |
| December | -1° / 29° | 90 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 Erie County, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Erie County, 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 -9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.