2023 Cattaraugus County, New York Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Cattaraugus County, New York, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Cattaraugus County, New York Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
76,479
Median Age
42.5 years
Median Household Income
$58,248
Bachelor's Degree+
20.67%
Uninsured Rate
6.3%
Total Households
31,822
Total Workers
32,715
Citizenship Rate
99.4%
Total Veterans
5,067
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Families in Poverty
2,441
SNAP Recipients
16.78%
Households w/ SNAP
5,339

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Cattaraugus County, New York by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Cattaraugus County, New York is 76,479. The median age of the population in Cattaraugus County, New York is 42.5 years. The median age for males is 41.7 years, and for females it is 43.1 years.

The age distribution of the population in Cattaraugus County, New York by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 5.54%
5–17 years (children) 16.48%
18–24 years (young adults) 8.79%
25–34 years 10.91%
35–54 years 23.12%
55–64 years 14.89%
65 years and over (seniors) 20.27%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Cattaraugus County, New York

The total dependency ratio in Cattaraugus County, New York is 73.26. The youth dependency ratio is 38.14, and the old-age dependency ratio is 35.12. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Cattaraugus County, New York, including Olean (14760) (17,272).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Cattaraugus County, New York?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Cattaraugus County, New York
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Cattaraugus County, New York is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Cattaraugus County, New York is calculated at 21.56, suggesting a low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Cattaraugus County, New York by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 88.38%
Two or More Races 4.38%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 2.54%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 2.28%
Black/African American Alone 1.38%
Asian Alone 0.72%
Some Other Race Alone 0.32%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Cattaraugus County, New York over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $58,248. This figure is based on a total of 31,822 households.

The distribution of household income in Cattaraugus County, New York across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 16.96%
$20,000 to $34,999 14.58%
$35,000 to $49,999 12.72%
$50,000 to $74,999 16.77%
$75,000 to $149,999 29.75%
$150,000 or more 9.22%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Cattaraugus County, New York, explore the data for: Olean (14760) ($52,569).


Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Cattaraugus County, New York.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Cattaraugus County, New York is based on a total of 23,732 properties.

The property value distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 6.10%
$25,000 to $49,999 7.44%
$50,000 to $99,999 31.25%
$100,000 to $199,999 34.75%
$200,000 to $499,999 18.51%
$500,000 to $999,999 1.55%
$1,000,000 or more 0.40%

Educational Attainment in Cattaraugus County, New York (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Cattaraugus County, New York.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Cattaraugus County, New York, totaling 52,917 individuals.

89.22% of Cattaraugus County, New York population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 20.67%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 10.78%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 40.12%
Some college or associate's degree 28.43%
Bachelor's Degree 11.44%
Graduate or professional degree 9.23%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Cattaraugus County, New York?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Cattaraugus County, New York.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Cattaraugus County, New York shows that 6.3% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 4,795 individuals out of a total population of 75,717 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 13.8% for males and 8.9% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 8.0% of males and 4.4% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Cattaraugus County, New York, uninsured rates for children are 6.5% for males and 8.6% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.4% for males and 0.6% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 6.5% 8.6%
18-34 years 13.8% 8.9%
35-64 years 8.0% 4.4%
65+ years 0.4% 0.6%

Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Cattaraugus County, New York based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Cattaraugus County, New York shows that 99.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 76,036 individuals out of a total population of 76,479 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 97.8% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.3% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 1.2% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (911 individuals), while 0.6% are non-citizens (443 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 97.8%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.1%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.3%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 1.2%
Not a U.S. citizen 0.6%
Total U.S. Citizens 99.4%

Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Cattaraugus County, New York show that 85.4% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 27,307 workers out of a total workforce of 31,965 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.4% (135 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (4.9%) and bicycling (0.3%).

7.6% of workers in Cattaraugus County, New York report working from home. An additional 1.4% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 85.4% 27,307
Public transportation 0.4% 135
Bicycle 0.3% 86
Walked 4.9% 1,555
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.4% 452
Worked from home 7.6% 2,430
Total Workers - 31,965

Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Cattaraugus County, New York, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Cattaraugus County, New York totals 32,715 workers. Of these, 16,813 (51.4%) are male and 15,902 (48.6%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Cattaraugus County, New York is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 11,388 (34.8%) 8,520 (26.0%)
Private Non-Profit 1,015 (3.1%) 2,350 (7.2%)
Government (All Levels) 2,756 (8.4%) 4,242 (13.0%)
  • Local Government 1,580 2,883
  • State Government 898 1,050
  • Federal Government 278 309
Self-Employed 1,589 (4.9%) 744 (2.3%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Cattaraugus County, New York.


Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Cattaraugus County, New York, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 5,067 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Cattaraugus County, New York.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 1,995 veterans (39.4% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 904 veterans (17.8%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Cattaraugus County, New York is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 1,995 39.4%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 904 17.8%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 579 11.4%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 553 10.9%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 447 8.8%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 284 5.6%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 163 3.2%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 66 1.3%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 23 0.5%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 23 0.5%
Between Korean War and World War II 11 0.2%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 10 0.2%
Korean War and World War II 9 0.2%
Total Veterans 5,067 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Cattaraugus County, New York, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 19,543 families in Cattaraugus County, New York.

Of these families, 2,441 (12.5%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 6,920 families (35.4%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 10,182 families (52.1%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Cattaraugus County, New York is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,138 5.8%
50-74% of Poverty 639 3.3%
75-99% of Poverty 664 3.4%
100-124% of Poverty 789 4.0%
125-149% of Poverty 757 3.9%
150-174% of Poverty 1,140 5.8%
175-184% of Poverty 279 1.4%
185-199% of Poverty 506 2.6%
200-299% of Poverty 3,449 17.6%
300-399% of Poverty 3,024 15.5%
400-499% of Poverty 2,681 13.7%
500%+ of Poverty 4,477 22.9%
Total Families 19,543 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Cattaraugus County, New York 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Cattaraugus County, New York, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 31,822 total households in Cattaraugus County, New York. Of these, 5,339 households (16.78%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 2,102 (39.37%) have children under 18 years, while 3,237 (60.63%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 755 (14.14%) 317 (5.94%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 314 (5.88%) 128 (2.40%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 998 (18.69%) 169 (3.17%)
Nonfamily Households 35 (0.66%) 2,623 (49.13%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Cattaraugus County, New York. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Cattaraugus County, New York is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years5.54%
5–17 years (children)16.48%
18–24 years (young adults)8.79%
25–34 years10.91%
35–54 years23.12%
55–64 years14.89%
65 years and over (seniors)20.27%

The racial and ethnic composition of Cattaraugus County, New York is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 88.38%, Two or More Races: 4.38%, American Indian and Alaska Native Alone: 2.54%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Cattaraugus County, New York is $58,248. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Cattaraugus County, New York is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 16.96%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 14.58%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 12.72%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 16.77%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 29.75%, High Income ($150,000+): 9.22%.

Approximately 25.69% of households in Cattaraugus County, New York earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Cattaraugus County, New York is: Less than $25,000: 6.10%, $25,000-$49,999: 7.44%, $50,000-$99,999: 31.25%, $100,000-$199,999: 34.75%, $200,000-$499,999: 18.51%, $500,000-$999,999: 1.55%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.40%.

There are 23,732 owner-occupied housing units in Cattaraugus County, New York. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 1.95% of owner-occupied housing units in Cattaraugus County, New York are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 20.67% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Cattaraugus County, New York (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 10.78%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 40.12%, Some college or associate's degree: 28.43%, Bachelor's degree: 11.44%, Graduate or professional degree: 9.23%.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 89.22% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 6.3% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 4,795 individuals out of a total population of 75,717 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Cattaraugus County, New York. For young adults (18-34 years), 13.8% of males and 8.9% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 8.0% of males and 4.4% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Cattaraugus County, New York have uninsured rates of 6.5% for males and 8.6% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.4% for males and 0.6% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 99.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 76,479 people, 76,036 are U.S. citizens.

Cattaraugus County, New York has 911 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 1.2% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Cattaraugus County, New York is: 97.8% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.3% were born abroad of American parent(s), 1.2% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 0.6% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 85.4% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 31,965 total workers, 27,307 use personal vehicles for their commute.

135 workers in Cattaraugus County, New York use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.4% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Cattaraugus County, New York include: 7.6% work from home, 4.9% walk to work, 0.3% bicycle, and 1.4% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Cattaraugus County, New York. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Cattaraugus County, New York has 32,715 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 34.8% of male workers and 26.0% of female workers in this category.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, there are 2,756 male government workers and 4,242 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 8.4% of male workers and 13.0% of female workers.

Self-employment in Cattaraugus County, New York includes 1,589 males (4.9%) and 744 females (2.3%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 5,339 households (16.78% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 31,822 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Cattaraugus County, New York, 2,102 (39.37%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Cattaraugus County, New York include diverse household types. Among households with children, 998 (18.69%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 755 (14.14%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Cattaraugus County, New York, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 5,067 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Cattaraugus County, New York. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Cattaraugus County, New York is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,995 veterans (39.4% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 904 veterans (17.8%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Cattaraugus County, New York provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 44.3% of all veterans in Cattaraugus County, New York. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 2,245 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 2,441 families (12.5% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 19,543 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Cattaraugus County, New York, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Cattaraugus County, New York has 6,920 families (35.4%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 2,686 families (13.7%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Cattaraugus County, New York, 1,138 families (5.8%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 10,182 families (52.1%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.