Niagara County Public RecordsNew York

Niagara County, NY, had an estimated 2023 population of about 206,000. The median age is 44.6 years, with 20% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. Females make up 51.2% of residents. Racially, the population is 87.2% White, 6.7% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.0% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and those identifying as two or more races together account for about 4.5%.

Niagara County, NY, has 20 public high schools and 6 colleges, including Niagara University and Niagara County Community College. About 89% of residents hold a high school diploma, while 22% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools average a 6/10 GreatSchools rating. Notable adult education offerings include vocational programs at Orleans/Niagara BOCES. School safety initiatives are robust, with most districts employing resource officers. Educational programs range from AP/honors classes to technical training, supporting diverse student needs.

As of 2023, Niagara County, NY had an employment rate of approximately 56%. Key industries include health care and social assistance (20%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (11%). The largest occupational categories are office & administrative support (13%) and sales (10%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 22.5 minutes, and roughly 40% work outside the county, mainly in Erie County (including Buffalo).

Niagara County, NY, boasts a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $170,000 as of 2024. Rental units comprise roughly 31% of housing, with median rents near $900/month. Popular housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and apartments, particularly in Lockport, Niagara Falls, and North Tonawanda. The region has seen property values rise about 5% year-over-year. Neighborhoods range from historic districts to suburban developments. Property taxes average 2.9% of assessed value, translating to approximately $4,900 annually for a median-priced home.

Niagara County, NY, has approximately 146,000 registered voters, with about 38% Republican, 32% Democrat, and 24% unaffiliated. The Board of Elections administers local, state, and federal elections; major polling places exceed 100 locations countywide. In the 2020 presidential race, Donald Trump received 53% and Joe Biden 44% of county votes. Key issues in recent ballots include economic development and infrastructure. Election administration is overseen by bipartisan commissioners, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Voting options include early voting, absentee ballots, and in-person voting on Election Day.

Niagara County, NY, has seen a recent crime rate of around 1,860 incidents per 100,000 residents, below the national average of 2,300. In 2022, there were approximately 1,400 property crimes and 300 violent crimes reported. The county sheriff’s office encourages community reporting, and local law enforcement prioritizes transparency, regularly publishing crime statistics. Efforts such as increased patrols and neighborhood watch programs have contributed to a gradual decline in criminal activity over the past five years, enhancing overall public safety.