Population demographics by age, race, and location by Census Tract, yearly from 2010 to a projected 2025.

Population measures provide insight on how communities are changing in size and composition. The racial and ethnic makeup of a community can offer insight into its levels of diversity, which also may reflect particular challenges and opportunities. The age of a population can affect a community's character and the services that it requires.

Age

The population of Erie County has been declining over the years and is projected to continue this trend. This overall decrease is accompanied by a notable shift in demographics: the younger population is steadily declining, while the older population is increasing. This shift suggests significant changes in the age distribution within the county

Race

On the topic of race and ethnicity, between the years 2010 to 2024, the population of White Erie County residents was decreased  by -25,546 residents or nearly -11%. Conversely all other races saw an increase, with the highest being Asian (3561) and residents of Two or More races (2065). 

Over Time

The population of Erie County is currently declining, and projections indicate that this trend will continue through 2030. This decline poses significant challenges, including reduced consumer spending and potential difficulties for local businesses.

EVS analyzes the data in each topic category using indicators, which report a targeted and digestible number, rate, or amount to represent Erie County as a whole. While this does not cover every aspect of the topic, it assists in establishing Erie's performance relative to the prior year(s). The indicators for the Demographics: Population topic are:

This indicator measures the total population for Erie County for the latest data year. The trend for Total Population was down and worse in 2024, with a reported decrease of -784 residents within the County, representing -0.29%. 

This indicator measures the median age for the entire epopulation of Erie County for the latest data year. The trend for Median Age was up and worse in 2019 with a reported increase of +0.3 years within the County. An aging population carries with it concerns including the decline in working-age population, an increase in health care costs, and all-around changes to the economy.

This indicator measures the percentage of the entire population of Erie County for tha latest data year which are Black, Hispanic, Asian, American/Alaskan native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, or are of two-or-more races. The trend for Population of Color was up and better in 2019 with a reported increase of +.3% within the County. While the population of color has been increasing incrementally since 2000, the largest factor for the increased percentage of the population of color comes from the decrease of Erie County's White residents.

Analysis performed by the Data Center on data from Lightcast, as of 08/2024.