RANK #267 / 996 · POP 951,232 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.7%
Erie County, New York, is defined by its connection to Lake Erie and the city of Buffalo, its county seat. The region offers a mix of urban amenities and natural landscapes, with the northern half being relatively flat and the southern half featuring the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, though Buffalo has a Metro Rail system and bus services. The community offers various parks and cultural events. Notable towns include Amherst, Clarence, and Orchard Park, known for their public schools.
Life in Erie County blends urban and suburban experiences, attracting families and young professionals. The economy, historically driven by manufacturing, has diversified, with significant employment in healthcare and education, anchored by institutions like the University at Buffalo. Tourism also contributes to the economy, with attractions like Canalside offering recreational activities. The county emphasizes community development, including initiatives for housing, childcare, and transportation, to attract and retain talent.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Erie County has a Boom Town Index score of 73/100, ranking #267 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.3% and a median household income of $68,014, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Erie County is $197,400 with median rent at $984/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3445, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.3%. Home values changed +3.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.17% of Erie County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.