Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lackawanna, NY
Considering a move to Lackawanna, NY? With a population of 17,644, this city offers affordable living, with median home prices at $111,000 and average rents around $820. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 22 minutes, nearby access to Buffalo, and essential amenities. While crime rates are higher than average, the city features accessible healthcare and public schools with low student-teacher ratios. Enjoy four true seasons and a reasonable cost of living, making Lackawanna a practical choice for individuals and families alike.
Demographics - Lackawanna, NY
Demographics - Lackawanna, NY
Lackawanna, NY is home to 17,644 residents with a moderate population density of 3,900 per square mile. The community is diverse, with a median age of 39 and a mix of ethnic backgrounds, including significant White and Black populations. About 9% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to the city's multicultural character.
Population:
17,644
Density:
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
62.5%
Black:
23.2%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
12.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lackawanna, NY?
Lackawanna offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $111,000 and average rent of $820 per month. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is below the national average at 89.7. State income taxes range from 4% to 10.9%, making it accessible for a range of budgets.
Median House Value:
$111,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,270
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.7
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
57.2
Utilities:
107.1
Transportation:
93.2
Health Care:
102.8
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Lackawanna, NY a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher-than-average crime, with about 502 violent crimes and 2,098 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents face a 1 in 199 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime, making safety awareness important for newcomers. These rates suggest the need for attentive community engagement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
502
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,098
Crime Index:
2,600
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 199
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Lackawanna, NY year-round?
Lackawanna enjoys all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters (average lows around 19°F), pleasant summers reaching up to 80°F, and moderate spring and fall temperatures. The city receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 48% of the year. Weather conditions invite a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Residents typically earn a median household income of $42,000, with a family income of $57,000 and a poverty rate of 22.4%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is just under 22 minutes. Public transport is used by a small portion of the population, supporting a close-knit, working-class community.
Median Income:
$28,800
Household Income:
$42,000
Family Income:
$57,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,400
Income Male:
$34,500
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
9.2%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
6.3%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
14.4%
Education
How are the schools in Lackawanna, NY?
Local education options include public schools like Lackawanna High School and Martin Road Elementary, both offering small class sizes for more personalized learning. Private and parochial schooling is available, and higher education is within easy reach at SUNY Erie Community College and D'Youville University in Buffalo. Families can expect a supportive educational environment from elementary through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Lackawanna High School
Street:
550 Martin Rd
Phone:
716-821-5610
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Martin Road Elementary School
Street:
135 Martin Rd
Phone:
716-821-5610
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4

Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Victory School
Street:
2760 S Park Ave
Phone:
716-828-9434
Students:
215

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Erie Community College
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
10,300
Name:
D'Youville University
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Lackawanna benefits from proximity to major hospitals like Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and Erie County Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and 94.5% health insurance coverage, most residents have reliable access to healthcare. The local healthcare index reflects generally good service availability for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
Address:
565 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220
Phone:
(716) 826-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Erie County Medical Center
Address:
462 Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215
Phone:
(716) 898-3000
Type:
General & Trauma
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lackawanna, NY?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $111,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $820. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area experiences a moderate home appreciation rate of 4.7% per year. Rental vacancy rates are relatively high, offering plenty of options for renters and buyers alike.
Median Home Price:
$111,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Lackawanna residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Buffalo. Services such as licensing and registration are easily accessible, with support available online and by phone. This makes managing vehicle needs straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
170 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
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.