Tonawanda, NY
Population 15,044 · New York
About Tonawanda, NY
Tonawanda is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 15,044 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,619 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 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 Tonawanda features a median home value of $159,500, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tonawanda in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $776, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,268 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (5,092 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (1,804 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tonawanda shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tonawanda have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.0% of Tonawanda residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tonawanda, NY
Compared to national averages, Tonawanda has a median household income of $61,619 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $159,500, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $776 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Tonawanda's income is 36% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 59% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Tonawanda, NY?
Tonawanda offers affordable housing with a median home value of $159,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $776/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,619) that falls below the national average. However, Tonawanda’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tonawanda has a population of 15,044 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Tonawanda with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Tonawanda
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mastic | 15,031 | $106,491 | $370,500 | Compare |
| Depew | 15,065 | $75,226 | $180,800 | Compare |
| Riverhead | 15,073 | $83,521 | $449,000 | Compare |
| Gloversville | 15,010 | $49,155 | $95,500 | Compare |
| Kenmore | 15,097 | $75,768 | $192,600 | Compare |
| Greenlawn | 14,986 | $161,442 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Johnson City | 15,130 | $51,667 | $110,600 | Compare |
| South Farmingdale | 14,953 | $162,527 | $584,400 | 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 Tonawanda With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tonawanda
What is the population of Tonawanda, NY?
The population of Tonawanda, NY is 15,044 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 Tonawanda?
The median household income in Tonawanda, NY is $61,619 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tonawanda?
The median home value in Tonawanda, NY is $159,500, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tonawanda?
The median monthly rent in Tonawanda, NY is $776, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tonawanda?
The unemployment rate in Tonawanda, NY is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tonawanda, NY a good place to live?
Tonawanda offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,044 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tonawanda, NY?
26.0% of residents in Tonawanda 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 Tonawanda?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tonawanda, NY: median home value is $159,500 (35% below national), median rent is $776/month, and median household income is $61,619. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tonawanda?
The poverty rate in Tonawanda, NY is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tonawanda, NY?
Tonawanda's population is 0.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.