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 a county in New York with a population of 950,044. It ranks #8 among counties in New York by population. The median age is 40.3, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Erie County is $71,175, near the US median of $74,580. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $217,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,037. The homeownership rate of 65.5% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Erie County reflects 36.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.4% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.3 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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.