IncomeBy County

Erie County, New York

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-7% vs. New York average
$71,175
Median Household Income
$41,560
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,175
-7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$41,560
+5% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
32.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in New York
#31 / 62
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Erie County Compares

Erie County$71,175
New York Average$76,433
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,175
Median Household Income
$41,560
Per Capita Income
$217,400
Median Home Value
32.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Erie County

Income Verdict

Erie County has a median household income of $71,175 and per capita income of $41,560 — a gap of $29,615, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,037/month and a median household income of $71,175, rent consumes approximately 17.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $71,175 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $41,560 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Erie County earns approximately 6.9% below the New York state median household income of $76,433.

Data Story

About Household Income in Erie County, New York

Erie matches national income closely

Erie County's median household income of $71,175 sits just 4.8% below the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the American middle. This near-parity reflects a diversified manufacturing and services economy anchored by Buffalo's regional institutions.

Below state average but stable

Erie's $71,175 falls modestly short of New York's $76,433 state average by $5,258, ranking it in the middle band of the state's 62 counties. Buffalo's presence as a major regional hub helps sustain household incomes above many rural upstate peers.

Regional economic center pays off

Erie's $71,175 outpaces rural counties like Delaware ($60,226) and Chenango ($62,093) but lags wealthy Hudson Valley counties like Dutchess ($97,273). As Western New York's economic anchor, Buffalo keeps Erie incomes relatively competitive within the state.

Affordable housing in major city

With a median home value of $217,400 and a 17.5% rent-to-income ratio, Erie offers genuine affordability for a county anchored by a major metropolitan area. Buffalo's lower real-estate prices compared to New York City and other state metros help stretch household earnings.

Leverage Buffalo's economic stability

Erie's $71,175 median income and affordable housing create a genuine opportunity to build savings while employed in a stable regional economy. Establish automatic contributions to a 401(k) or IRA, then use the extra cash flow to explore down-payment funds or investment accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Erie County, New York?
The median household income in Erie County, New York is $71,175, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Erie County?
The per capita income in Erie County is $41,560, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $71,175.
How does Erie County compare to the New York average?
Erie County's median household income of $71,175 is lower than the New York state average of $76,433. The per capita income is $41,560, compared to the state average of $41,133.
What is the per capita income in Erie County, New York?
The per capita income in Erie County, New York is $41,560, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Erie County a low-income area in New York?
Erie County's median household income of $71,175 is below the New York average of $76,433. The per capita income of $41,560 is also comparable to the state average of $41,133. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Erie County rank for income in New York?
Erie County ranks #31 out of 62 counties in New York by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,175 and per capita income of $41,560, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Erie County

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Your income is above the Erie County median

County median: $71,175 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-7%

vs. National Median

-5%

vs. Erie County MedianAbout equal
vs. New York Average▼ 7% below
vs. National Median▼ 5% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.7x

Your monthly income ($5,931) vs. median rent ($1,037/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Schoharie County
New York
$71,188
+0%
Waupaca County
Wisconsin
$71,189
+0%
Jefferson County
Washington
$71,143
+0%
Crook County
Wyoming
$71,209
+0%
Lincoln County
Washington
$71,227
+0%
Becker County
Minnesota
$71,117
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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