Lackawanna, NY
Population 19,779 · New York
About Lackawanna, NY
Lackawanna is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 19,779 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,185 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lackawanna features a median home value of $126,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lackawanna one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $823, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,204 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (4,670 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (3,811 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lackawanna shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lackawanna have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Lackawanna 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 0.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lackawanna, NY
Compared to national averages, Lackawanna has a median household income of $48,185 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,500, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $823 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Lackawanna's income is 50% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 67% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Lackawanna, NY?
Lackawanna offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $823/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,185) that falls below the national average. However, Lackawanna’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lackawanna has a population of 19,779 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Lackawanna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Lackawanna
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamaroneck | 19,840 | $125,459 | $705,200 | Compare |
| Plattsburgh | 19,878 | $53,962 | $189,600 | Compare |
| East Northport | 19,672 | $153,380 | $601,300 | Compare |
| Roosevelt | 19,636 | $135,158 | $454,100 | Compare |
| Nanuet | 20,089 | $113,582 | $502,700 | Compare |
| Huntington | 20,117 | $162,066 | $733,000 | Compare |
| East Massapequa | 20,142 | $145,875 | $596,700 | Compare |
| Lynbrook | 20,251 | $138,866 | $592,400 | 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 Lackawanna With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lackawanna
What is the population of Lackawanna, NY?
The population of Lackawanna, NY is 19,779 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 Lackawanna?
The median household income in Lackawanna, NY is $48,185 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lackawanna?
The median home value in Lackawanna, NY is $126,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lackawanna?
The median monthly rent in Lackawanna, NY is $823, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lackawanna?
The unemployment rate in Lackawanna, NY is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lackawanna, NY a good place to live?
Lackawanna offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,779 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lackawanna, NY?
20.0% of residents in Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lackawanna, NY: median home value is $126,500 (48% below national), median rent is $823/month, and median household income is $48,185. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lackawanna?
The poverty rate in Lackawanna, NY is 22.6%, 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 Lackawanna, NY?
Lackawanna's population is 0.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 14.0% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.