Buffalo's population continues to decline: Search the Census figures to see how other areas are doing
Niagara Frontier has small losses
It’s probably no surprise to anyone, but Buffalo and just about every other city in upstate New York shrank ever so slightly last year, according to the latest estimates from the U. S. Census Bureau.
The losses reflect a continual decline in population that has plagued much of the state outside New York City for the last half century.
The good news for Erie and Niagara counties from the estimates released today is that the losses were almost minimal — none had a population drop of more than one percentage point.
The City of Good Neighbors lost 2,552 of those good neighbors between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007 — a 0.93 percent decline.
Niagara Falls also posted a loss during that period, with 369 leaving the city, reducing the population by 0.71 percent.
A few suburban towns posted gains, albeit tiny ones. Wheatfield boasted the biggest, drawing 605 people — a 3.78 percentage increase. In addition, Orchard Park added 445 people and Clarence, 57.
Overall, Erie County said goodbye to 5,001 residents while Niagara County lost 165.
While upstate lost residents overall, the state added 15,741 people, bringing the total to 19.3 million.
New York City, by far the largest city in the nation at 8.27 million, added 23,960 people. The Big Apple logged the sixth largest population gain in the country.
So where are all the upstaters going?
The new census estimates show that Charlotte, N. C., a popular destination for snow-weary, job-seeking ex-Western New Yorkers, is now the 19th most populous city in the country.
In addition, California and Texas, also popular with Buffalo expatriates, each had five cities on the list of the nation’s 25 fastest-growing cities.
Mayor Byron W. Brown said in a statement Wednesday that the figures “indicate that we’re still challenged by the decades-long impact of a shifting national economy and other related factors that have led to population loss.”
He added that he believes that in the last couple of years, the city’s economy has stabilized “and we will continue to build upon the city’s assets that will provide incentives for additional investment and growth in Buffalo.”
Marti Gorman, organizer of Buffalo Homecoming — an annual event that welcomes ex- Buffalonians back to the city — said she believes Buffalo can someday add to its ranks again.
“The world is changing in ways that favor Buffalo,” she said.
She pointed to Buffalo’s short commutes — as an incentive to people feeling the price crunch at gasoline stations — along with the city’s proximity to Canada, as benefits that could draw people.
In addition, she has learned from her homecoming events that former Buffalo residents in their 20s and 30s who left Buffalo but are now starting families, along with empty-nesters who left Western New York, are eager to return.
They want to be with their loved ones and enjoy the benefits of Buffalo’s low-cost living, Gorman said.
“I believe Buffalo is on the rise,” she said. “Buffalo will grow to greatness.”
News wire services contributed to this report.
