Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dunkirk, NY
Thinking of moving to Dunkirk, NY? This charming lakeside city of 12,473 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $88,300 and average 2-bedroom rents near $725. Residents enjoy short commute times (about 16 minutes), a welcoming community, and access to local schools and healthcare. While crime rates are moderate and educational attainment is below state averages, Dunkirk’s proximity to Lake Erie, seasonal climate, and low housing costs make it a practical choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Dunkirk, NY
Demographics - Dunkirk, NY
Dunkirk, NY is home to approximately 12,500 residents with a median age of 38.9, reflecting a balanced mix of working adults and families. The city is predominantly White (73%) with a growing diversity, and about 12% speak a non-English language at home. Its moderate population density gives Dunkirk a small-city feel while maintaining a close-knit community atmosphere.
Population:
12,473
Density:
3,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.9
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.2%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
19.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dunkirk, NY?
Living in Dunkirk is notably affordable, with a median home value under $90,000 and typical rents around $700. Daily expenses, including groceries and utilities, are generally below national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. State taxes range from 4% to 8.82%, but overall, the cost of living index is significantly lower than most U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$88,300
Gross Rent:
$695
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$102
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.2
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
47.6
Utilities:
102.1
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
93.5
Crime
Is Dunkirk, NY a safe place to live?
Dunkirk experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at about 1 in 312 and property crime at 1 in 56. While these figures are higher than some small towns, many residents find the city manageable with standard safety precautions. The community is active in local initiatives to promote safety and neighborhood awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,780
Crime Index:
2,100
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Dunkirk, NY year-round?
Dunkirk’s climate features cold, snowy winters with average lows near 17°F, and mild summers that rarely exceed 78°F. The city receives around 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about half the year. Residents experience all four seasons, making it ideal for those who appreciate a variety of weather.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Dunkirk’s households have a median income of around $39,000, and about a quarter of residents live below the poverty line. Commute times are short, averaging under 16 minutes, and less than 2% of locals use public transportation. Educational attainment is moderate, with over 80% of adults having at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$49,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,100
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
25.2%
Non English Speakers:
11.8%
Rent:
$695
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
15.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Dunkirk, NY?
Local students attend public schools such as Dunkirk Senior High and School 3 Elementary, both offering manageable class sizes with student-teacher ratios around 13:1. Private education is available through Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, and higher education is accessible nearby at SUNY Fredonia, just three miles away. Educational opportunities span preschool through college, supporting lifelong learning for families in the city.
Public Schools
Name:
Dunkirk Senior High School
Street:
75 W 6th St
Phone:
716-366-9300
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
School 3 Elementary
Street:
742 Central Ave
Phone:
716-366-0563
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
Northern Chautauqua Catholic School
Street:
336 Washington Ave
Phone:
716-366-0630
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Fredonia
City:
Fredonia
State:
NY
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to Brooks-TLC Hospital System, which provides general and emergency care locally. With nearly 94% health insurance coverage and 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people, basic healthcare needs are well-supported in the area. The healthcare index indicates services are accessible, though some may seek specialized care in nearby cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Brooks-TLC Hospital System
Address:
529 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048
Phone:
(716) 366-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dunkirk, NY?
Dunkirk’s housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices around $88,300 and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $725. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the city has a moderate vacancy rate, offering options for both buyers and renters. Home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years, making it a practical market for first-time homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$88,300
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Dunkirk residents are served by the New York State DMV office located conveniently on Vineyard Drive. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and renewals, with additional information available on the state DMV website. The local office ensures easy access for drivers and new residents alike.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3988 Vineyard Dr, Dunkirk, NY 14048
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.