Dunkirk, NY
Population 12,597 · New York
About Dunkirk, NY
Dunkirk is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 12,597 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,003 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dunkirk features a median home value of $91,200, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dunkirk one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $905, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,299 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (3,372 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,405 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dunkirk shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dunkirk have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Dunkirk residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 27.8% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dunkirk, NY
Compared to national averages, Dunkirk has a median household income of $49,003 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,200, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $905 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Dunkirk's income is 49% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 76% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Dunkirk, NY?
Dunkirk offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $905/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,003) that falls below the national average. However, Dunkirk’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dunkirk has a population of 12,597 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Dunkirk with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Dunkirk
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | 12,573 | $68,242 | $140,300 | Compare |
| North Merrick | 12,544 | $156,023 | $644,700 | Compare |
| Ridge | 12,506 | $88,266 | $404,900 | Compare |
| Stony Point | 12,694 | $122,828 | $472,600 | Compare |
| Manorville | 12,737 | $135,695 | $546,600 | Compare |
| Patchogue | 12,368 | $104,423 | $446,700 | Compare |
| Stony Brook | 12,827 | $162,054 | $587,300 | Compare |
| Haverstraw | 12,273 | $67,447 | $361,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Dunkirk With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunkirk
What is the population of Dunkirk, NY?
The population of Dunkirk, NY is 12,597 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Dunkirk?
The median household income in Dunkirk, NY is $49,003 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dunkirk?
The median home value in Dunkirk, NY is $91,200, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dunkirk?
The median monthly rent in Dunkirk, NY is $905, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dunkirk?
The unemployment rate in Dunkirk, NY is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dunkirk, NY a good place to live?
Dunkirk offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,597 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dunkirk, NY?
15.4% of residents in Dunkirk aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Dunkirk?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dunkirk, NY: median home value is $91,200 (63% below national), median rent is $905/month, and median household income is $49,003. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dunkirk?
The poverty rate in Dunkirk, NY is 24.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Dunkirk, NY?
Dunkirk's population is 1.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 27.8% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 3.8% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.