Niagara County, New York

Niagara County is in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2020 census, the population was 212,666.[2] The county seat is Lockport.[3] The county name is from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra; meaning the strait or thunder of waters.[4]

Niagara County
County
Niagara County Clerks Office
Niagara County Clerks Office
Flag of Niagara County
Flag
Official seal of Niagara County
Seal
Map of New York highlighting Niagara County
Location within the U.S. state of New York
Map of the United States highlighting New York
New York's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 43°19′N 78°47′W
Country United States
State New York
FoundedMarch 11, 1808
SeatLockport
Largest cityNiagara Falls
Area
 • Total1,140 sq mi (3,000 km2)
 • Land522 sq mi (1,350 km2)
 • Water617 sq mi (1,600 km2)  54%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total212,666[1]
 • Density407.1/sq mi (157.2/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts24th, 26th
Websitewww.niagaracounty.com

Niagara County is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area, and across the Canada–US border is the province of Ontario.

It is the location of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara, and has many parks and lake shore recreation communities. In the summer of 2008, Niagara County celebrated its 200th birthday with the first settlement of the county, of Niagara Falls.

History

When counties were established in the New York colony in 1683, the present Niagara County was part of Albany County. Prior to the British, the area was part of New Netherland.[5]

Albany was an enormous county, including the northern part of New York State as well as all of the present State of Vermont and, in theory, extending westward to the Pacific Ocean. This county was reduced in size on July 3, 1766, by the creation of Cumberland County, and further on March 16, 1770, by the creation of Gloucester County, both containing territory now in Vermont.[6]

On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining under the name Albany County. One of the other pieces, Tryon County, contained the western portion (and thus, since no western boundary was specified, theoretically still extended west to the Pacific). The eastern boundary of Tryon County was approximately five miles west of the present city of Schenectady, and the county included the western part of the Adirondack Mountains and the area west of the West Branch of the Delaware River. The area then designated as Tryon County now includes 37 counties of New York State. The county was named for William Tryon, colonial governor of New York.[7]

In the years prior to 1776, most of the Loyalists in Tryon County fled to Canada including the likes of local judge John Butler and militia commander Sir John Johnson.[8] In 1784, following the peace treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War, the name of Tryon County was changed to honor the general, Richard Montgomery, who had captured several places in Canada and died attempting to capture the city of Quebec, replacing the name of the hated British governor.[9]

In 1789, Ontario County was split off from Montgomery. In turn, Genesee County was created from Ontario County in 1802.[10]

Niagara County was created from Genesee County in 1808. It was, however, larger than the present Niagara County even though it consisted of only the Town of Cambria.[11]

From 1814 to 1817, records of Cattaraugus County were divided between Belmont (the seat of Allegany County) and Buffalo (then in Niagara County). Niagara County governed the western portion of Cattaraugus County, then known as the town of Perry.[12]

In 1821, Erie County was created from Niagara County.[13]

The county has a number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places.[14]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,139 square miles, of which 522 square miles (1,350 km2) is land and 617 square miles (1,600 km2) (54%) is water.[15]

Niagara County is in the most western part of New York State, just north of the city Buffalo and1,140 square miles (3,000 km2) bordering Lake Ontario on its northern border, and the Niagara River Canada on its western border.[16]

The county's primary geographic feature is Niagara Falls, the riverbed of which has eroded seven miles south over the past 12,000 years since the last ice age. The Niagara River and Niagara Falls, are in effect, the drainage ditch for four of the Great Lakes which constitute the world's largest supply of fresh water.[17] The water flows north from Lake Erie, then through the Niagara River, goes over Niagara Falls, and then on to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, eventually emptying into the North Atlantic Ocean.[18] Today, tourists and visitors to the Falls see a diminished flow of water over the Falls, since a portion of the flow has been diverted for hydroelectric power purposes. Both the American and Canadian side of the Niagara River have massive electrical power plants.[19]

The Niagara Gorge is the path Niagara Falls has taken over thousands of years as it continues to erode.[20] Niagara Falls started at the Niagara Escarpment which cuts Niagara County in half in an east–west direction. North of the Escarpment lies the Lake Ontario plain, which is a fertile flatland used to grow grapes, apples, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. The grape variety Niagara, source of most American white grape juice but not esteemed for wine, was first grown in the county, in 1868. Viticulture, or wine culture has begun to take place, with several wineries below the escarpment. This has helped to improve the depressed economy of the region.

Adjacent counties and areas

Major highways
Main articles: Highways in Niagara County, New York and List of county routes in Niagara County, New York

State protected areas

Government and politics

Structure

Niagara County is governed by a 15-member Legislature, with the Chairman of the Legislature as the de facto head of county government. Currently, there are 11 members of the Republican-led Majority Caucus and four members of the Democrat-led Minority Caucus. The Legislature formerly consisted of 19 members, but was downsized to 15 seats effective January 1, 2012 based on the results of a public referendum.

A subordinate county manager reports to the County Legislature. Governing functions of the Legislature rely on a committee system. There are five standing committees and one long-term ad hoc committee: Administration; Community Services; Community Safety and Security; Economic Development; Public Works; and the ad hoc Refuse Disposal District Committee.

The dominant political party in the Niagara County Legislature is currently the Republican Party, which is ancestrally the dominant party in Niagara County.

Other entities

In addition to the areas mentioned above, much of Niagara County is serviced by a Water District and a Sewer District. Both bodies are subordinate to the County Legislature; the former has a direct relationship, while the latter is currently under limited oversight of the town supervisors within the district.

State and federal government
United States presidential election results for Niagara County, New York[21]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 56,068 53.85% 46,029 44.21% 2,026 1.95%
2016 51,961 56.23% 35,559 38.48% 4,882 5.28%
2012 43,240 48.58% 43,986 49.42% 1,787 2.01%
2008 46,348 48.65% 47,303 49.65% 1,621 1.70%
2004 47,111 48.78% 47,602 49.29% 1,867 1.93%
2000 40,952 43.91% 47,781 51.23% 4,537 4.86%
1996 31,438 35.15% 44,203 49.42% 13,803 15.43%
1992 30,401 31.48% 35,649 36.91% 30,534 31.61%
1988 42,537 48.97% 43,801 50.42% 530 0.61%
1984 51,289 55.23% 41,368 44.55% 201 0.22%
1980 38,760 44.86% 40,405 46.77% 7,229 8.37%
1976 46,101 51.09% 43,667 48.39% 471 0.52%
1972 54,777 58.22% 38,991 41.44% 323 0.34%
1968 38,796 44.12% 41,999 47.77% 7,130 8.11%
1964 28,663 29.86% 67,260 70.07% 62 0.06%
1960 50,001 49.13% 51,680 50.78% 84 0.08%
1956 62,433 67.43% 30,161 32.57% 0 0.00%
1952 54,843 59.97% 36,504 39.91% 108 0.12%
1948 35,858 49.65% 34,119 47.24% 2,242 3.10%
1944 37,614 51.76% 34,850 47.96% 202 0.28%
1940 36,729 52.39% 33,207 47.37% 165 0.24%
1936 30,144 49.08% 29,207 47.56% 2,064 3.36%
1932 30,852 58.33% 20,765 39.26% 1,274 2.41%
1928 33,229 63.35% 16,881 32.18% 2,343 4.47%
1924 25,874 67.98% 7,993 21.00% 4,195 11.02%
1920 21,193 68.29% 7,416 23.90% 2,423 7.81%
1916 12,212 57.54% 8,367 39.42% 645 3.04%
1912 5,654 30.06% 7,647 40.66% 5,507 29.28%
1908 11,145 54.75% 8,574 42.12% 637 3.13%
1904 10,881 56.81% 7,550 39.42% 724 3.78%
1900 9,352 53.13% 7,726 43.90% 523 2.97%
1896 8,626 55.69% 6,441 41.58% 423 2.73%
1892 6,663 45.83% 6,850 47.12% 1,024 7.04%
1888 6,886 49.19% 6,429 45.92% 684 4.89%
1884 5,875 46.49% 6,193 49.01% 569 4.50%
1880 6,478 51.75% 5,937 47.42% 104 0.83%
1876 5,575 48.26% 5,890 50.98% 88 0.76%
1872 5,404 54.99% 4,396 44.73% 27 0.27%
1868 5,118 52.16% 4,695 47.84% 0 0.00%
1864 4,839 53.02% 4,287 46.98% 0 0.00%
1860 4,992 57.16% 3,741 42.84% 0 0.00%
1856 3,906 50.37% 1,864 24.04% 1,985 25.60%
1852 3,413 46.55% 2,863 39.05% 1,056 14.40%
1848 2,828 45.28% 1,313 21.02% 2,104 33.69%
1844 3,100 52.55% 2,589 43.89% 210 3.56%
1840 2,964 56.40% 2,219 42.23% 72 1.37%
1836 2,267 51.41% 2,143 48.59% 0 0.00%
1832 2,167 62.34% 1,309 37.66% 0 0.00%
1828 1,759 67.78% 836 32.22% 0 0.00%
OfficeDistrictArea of the countyOfficeholderPartyFirst took officeResidence
CongressmanNew York's 26th congressional districtNorth Tonawanda, Tonawanda, Niagara Falls[22]Brian HigginsDemocratic2013Buffalo, Erie County
CongressmanNew York's 27th congressional districtAll points not in 26th[23]Chris JacobsRepublican2020Orchard Park, Erie County
State Senator62nd State Senate DistrictAll[24]Robert G. OrttRepublican2015Newfane, Niagara County
State Assemblyman140th State Assembly DistrictNorth Tonawanda[25]William Conrad IIIDemocratic2020Kenmore, Erie County
State Assemblyman144th State Assembly DistrictRoughly the north and east parts of the county (Towns of Hartland, Lockport, Newfane, Porter, Royalton, Somerset, Wilson)[26]Michael NorrisRepublican2017Lockport, Niagara County
State Assemblyman145th State Assembly DistrictRoughly the west part of the county (Towns of Cambria, Lewiston, Niagara, Wheatfield, City of Niagara Falls, Tuscarora Reservation)[27]Angelo MorinelloRepublican2017Niagara Falls, Niagara County
State Assemblyman146th State Assembly DistrictPendleton[28]Karen McMahonDemocratic2018East Amherst, Erie County

Niagara County is part of:

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18108,971—
182022,990156.3%
183018,482−19.6%
184031,13268.4%
185042,27635.8%
186050,39919.2%
187050,4370.1%
188054,1737.4%
189062,49115.4%
190074,96120.0%
191092,03622.8%
1920118,70529.0%
1930149,32925.8%
1940160,1107.2%
1950189,99218.7%
1960242,26927.5%
1970235,720−2.7%
1980227,354−3.5%
1990220,756−2.9%
2000219,846−0.4%
2010216,469−1.5%
2020212,666−1.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[29]
1790-1960[30] 1900-1990[31]
1990-2000[32] 2010-2019[2]

As of the census of 2010, there were 216,469 people, 87,846 households, and 58,593 families residing in the county. The population density was 420 inhabitants per square mile (160/km2). There were 95,715 housing units at an average density of 183 units per square mile (71/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 90.70% White, 6.15% Black or African American, 0.94% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.6% were of German, 18.1% Italian, 11.3% Irish, 11.2% Polish and 8.3% English ancestry. 94.5% spoke English, 1.6% Spanish and 1.0% Italian as their first language.

There were 87,846 households, out of which 30.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.30% were married couples living together, 12.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.30% were non-families. 28.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.70% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 28.40% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 15.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,136, and the median income for a family was $47,817. Males had a median income of $37,468 versus $24,668 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,219. About 8.20% of families and 10.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.00% of those under age 18 and 7.30% of those age 65 or over.

2020 Census
Niagara County Racial Composition[33]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 173,691 82.0%
Black or African American (NH) 16,206 7.62%
Native American (NH) 2,294 1.1%
Asian (NH) 2,439 1.2%
Pacific Islander (NH) 45 0.02%
Other/Mixed (NH) 10,173 5.0%
Hispanic or Latino 7,818 4.0%

Education

Niagara University is located in Lewiston, New York. Niagara County Community College is located in Sanborn, New York. Many Niagara County residents also attend Erie and other Western New York County Schools. In the Buffalo Metro area there are more than 20 public and private colleges and universities offering programs in technical and vocational training, graduate, and professional studies.

K-12 school districts

School districts include:[34]

Communities
Map of Niagara County's municipalities

Larger settlements
# Location Population Type Area
1 Niagara Falls 50,193 City Greater Niagara
2 North Tonawanda 31,568 City Greater Niagara
3 Lockport 21,165 City Southeast
4 South Lockport 8,234 CDP Southeast
5 Newfane 3,822 CDP Lake Shore
6 Lewiston 2,701 Village Greater Niagara
7 Youngstown 1,935 Village Greater Niagara
8 Middleport 1,840 Village Southeast
9 Sanborn 1,645 CDP Greater Niagara
10 Rapids 1,636 CDP Southeast
11 Ransomville 1,419 CDP Lake Shore
12 Wilson 1,264 Village Lake Shore
13 Gasport 1,248 CDP/Hamlet Southeast
14 Olcott 1,241 CDP Lake Shore
15 Barker 533 Village Lake Shore

Towns

Hamlets
Also a map showing Niagara County's municipalities, but with Census Designated Places and Hamlets

CDPs

Indian reservations

See also

Footnotes
  1. "US Census 2020 Population Dataset Tables for New York". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  2. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
  3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. "The Region: Ongiara". Archived from the original on February 6, 2009. Retrieved October 9, 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2008
  5. "Founding and History of the New York Colony". ThoughtCo. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  6. Clute, Penelope D. (2010). "The Historical Society of the New York Courts County Legal History" (PDF). Northern New York American- Canadian Genealogical Society. 1 (1): 27 – via Historical Associations.
  7. "Onondaga County". Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York. October 21, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  8. "Flashes of Duplin's history and government - ECU Digital Collections". digital.lib.ecu.edu. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  9. "The Unveiling of Canadian History Vol 2: FORLORN HOPE – Quebec, Nova Scotia, and the War for Independence". the Canadian patriot. November 17, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  10. and Archives Center, Ontario County Records (2014). "A Guide for Family and Local History Research". Ontario County Records and Archives Center. 1 (1): 49 – via RECORDS, ARCHIVES, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES (RAIMS).
  11. "Niagara County > County Information". www.niagaracounty.com. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  12. "Early History of Cattaraugus County: A Brief Overview". Cattaraugus County. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  13. "Erie County History Article – New York Roots". Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  14. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  15. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  16. "Niagara | The State of New York". www.ny.gov. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  17. Warren, Earl (March 4, 2010). "History of the landmarked Niagara Falls". HISTORY. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  18. "Where Does the Water of Niagara Falls Come From?". Niagara Falls Canada. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  19. Hotels, Niagara Falls (March 18, 2020). "Why Does Water Keep Flowing Over Niagara Falls?". Niagara Falls Hotels. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  20. "Top Five: Niagara Gorge Views". www.niagaraparks.com. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  21. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
  22. W, Eric (April 2, 2012). "Congressional District 26" (PDF). View 2012 Congressional Maps. Albany, New York: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  23. W, Eric (April 2, 2012). "Congressional District 27" (PDF). View 2012 Congressional Maps. Albany, New York: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  24. W, Eric (March 2, 2012). "Senate District 62" (PDF). View 2012 Senate District Maps. Albany, New York: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  25. W, Eric (January 25, 2012). "Assembly District 140" (PDF). View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps. Albany, New York: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
  26. W, Eric (January 25, 2012). "Assembly District 144" (PDF). View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps. Albany, New York: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
  27. W, Eric (January 25, 2012). "Assembly District 145" (PDF). View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps. Albany, New York: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
  28. W, Eric (January 25, 2012). "Assembly District 146" (PDF). View Proposed 2012 Assembly District Maps. Albany, New York: The New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
  29. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  30. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  31. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  32. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  33. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Niagara County, New York".
  34. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Niagara County, NY" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2022. - Text list

Further reading

43.32°N 78.79°W / 43.32; -78.79

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