Niagara Falls, NY
Population 48,198 · New York
About Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 48,198 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,535 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Niagara Falls features a median home value of $104,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Niagara Falls one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $784, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 26,161 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (13,001 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (9,626 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Niagara Falls shows an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Niagara Falls have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Niagara Falls 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 1.1% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Niagara Falls Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Niagara Falls, NY
Compared to national averages, Niagara Falls has a median household income of $48,535 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,400, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $784 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Niagara Falls's income is 50% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 73% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Niagara Falls, NY?
Niagara Falls offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $784/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,535) that falls below the national average. However, Niagara Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Niagara Falls has a population of 48,198 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Niagara Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Niagara Falls
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton | 47,357 | $44,331 | $117,400 | Compare |
| Irondequoit | 50,438 | $76,871 | $169,000 | Compare |
| Troy | 51,054 | $57,688 | $192,500 | Compare |
| West Seneca | 45,329 | $75,465 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Levittown | 51,557 | $139,696 | $564,000 | Compare |
| Freeport | 44,102 | $118,755 | $479,700 | Compare |
| Hicksville | 43,868 | $148,008 | $617,100 | Compare |
| West Babylon | 43,239 | $127,785 | $490,500 | 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 Niagara Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Niagara Falls
What is the population of Niagara Falls, NY?
The population of Niagara Falls, NY is 48,198 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 Niagara Falls?
The median household income in Niagara Falls, NY is $48,535 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Niagara Falls?
The median home value in Niagara Falls, NY is $104,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Niagara Falls?
The median monthly rent in Niagara Falls, NY is $784, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Niagara Falls?
The unemployment rate in Niagara Falls, NY is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Niagara Falls, NY a good place to live?
Niagara Falls offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 48,198 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Niagara Falls, NY?
22.8% of residents in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Niagara Falls, NY: median home value is $104,400 (57% below national), median rent is $784/month, and median household income is $48,535. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Niagara Falls?
The poverty rate in Niagara Falls, NY is 23.7%, 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 Niagara Falls, NY?
Niagara Falls's population is 1.1% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 17.1% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.