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
Flag Seal
Location within the U.S. state of New York
New York's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 43°19′N 78°47′W / 43.32°N 78.79°W / 43.32; -78.79
Country	United States
State	New York
Founded	March 11, 1808
Seat	Lockport
Largest city	Niagara Falls
Area
• Total	1,140 sq mi (3,000 km^2)
• Land	522 sq mi (1,350 km^2)
• Water	617 sq mi (1,600 km^2)  54%
Population  (2020)
• Total	212,666^[1]
• Density	407.1/sq mi (157.2/km^2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts	24th, 26th
Website	www.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

• Orleans County - east
• Genesee County - southeast
• Erie County - south
• Regional Municipality of Niagara, Ontario, Canada - west

Major highways

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

•   Interstate 190 (Niagara Thruway)
•   U.S. Route 62
•  
    US 62 Business
•   New York State Route 18
•   New York State Route 31
•   New York State Route 78
•   New York State Route 93
•   New York State Route 104
•   New York State Route 265
•   New York State Route 384
•   New York State Route 425
•   Niagara Scenic Parkway
•   LaSalle Expressway

State protected areas

• De Veaux Woods State Park, north of the City of Niagara Falls.
• Devil's Hole State Park, immediately north of the City of Niagara Falls.
• Fort Niagara State Park, located at the mouth of the Niagara River.
• Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park, in the Town of Lewiston.
• Four Mile Creek State Park, on the shore of Lake Ontario.
• Golden Hill State Park, on the shore of Lake Ontario.
• Hartland Swamp Wildlife Management Area—a conservation area in the Town of Hartland.
• Joseph Davis State Park, along the Niagara River.
• Niagara Reservation State Park, in the City of Niagara Falls.
• Reservoir State Park, south of the power reservoir.
• Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, partly in the Town of Royalton.
• Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, on the shore of Lake Ontario.

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. The 2024 Legislature, consists of 12 members of the Republican-led Majority Caucus and three 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.

2024 Legislature

Chairman: Rebecca J. Wydysh
Vice Chairman: Anthony J. Nemi
Majority Leader: Randy R. Bradt
Minority Leader: Christopher A. Robins

1st District: Irene M. Myers
2nd District: Rebecca J. Wydysh
3rd District: Christopher J. McKimmie
4th District: Jeffrey Elder
5th District: Christopher A. Robins
6th District: Christopher Voccio
7th District: Jesse P. Gooch
8th District: Richard L. Andres
9th District: Randy R. Bradt
10th District: David E. Godfrey
11th District: Anthony J. Nemi
12th District: Carla L. Speranza
13th District: Richard E. Abbott
14th District: Shawn A. Foti
15th District: Michael A. Hill

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%

Office	District	Area of the county	Officeholder	Party	First took office	Residence
Congressman	New York's 26th congressional district	North Tonawanda, Tonawanda, Niagara Falls^[22]	Brian Higgins	Democratic	2013	Buffalo, Erie County
Congressman	New York's 27th congressional district	All points not in 26th^[23]	Chris Jacobs	Republican	2020	Orchard Park, Erie County
State Senator	62nd State Senate District	All^[24]	Robert G. Ortt	Republican	2015	Newfane, Niagara County
State Assemblyman	140th State Assembly District	North Tonawanda^[25]	William Conrad III	Democratic	2020	Kenmore, Erie County
State Assemblyman	144th State Assembly District	Roughly the north and east parts of the county (Towns of Hartland, Lockport, Newfane, Porter, Royalton, Somerset, Wilson)^[26]	Michael Norris	Republican	2017	Lockport, Niagara County
State Assemblyman	145th State Assembly District	Roughly the west part of the county (Towns of Cambria, Lewiston, Niagara, Wheatfield, City of Niagara Falls, Tuscarora Reservation)^[27]	Angelo Morinello	Republican	2017	Niagara Falls, Niagara County
State Assemblyman	146th State Assembly District	Pendleton^[28]	Karen McMahon	Democratic	2018	East Amherst, Erie County

Niagara County is part of:

• The 8th Judicial District of the New York Supreme Court
• The 4th Division of the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1810	8,971		—
1820	22,990		156.3%
1830	18,482		−19.6%
1840	31,132		68.4%
1850	42,276		35.8%
1860	50,399		19.2%
1870	50,437		0.1%
1880	54,173		7.4%
1890	62,491		15.4%
1900	74,961		20.0%
1910	92,036		22.8%
1920	118,705		29.0%
1930	149,329		25.8%
1940	160,110		7.2%
1950	189,992		18.7%
1960	242,269		27.5%
1970	235,720		−2.7%
1980	227,354		−3.5%
1990	220,756		−2.9%
2000	219,846		−0.4%
2010	216,469		−1.5%
2020	212,666		−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^[34]

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:^[35]

• Barker Central School District
• Lewiston-Porter Central School District
• Lockport City School District
• Newfane Central School District
• Niagara Falls City School District
• Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District
• North Tonawanda City School District
• Royalton-Hartland Central School District
• Starpoint Central School District
• Wilson Central School District

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

• Cambria
• Hartland
• Lewiston
• Lockport
• Newfane
• Niagara
• Pendleton
• Porter
• Royalton
• Somerset
• Wheatfield
• Wilson

Hamlets

 

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

• Nashville
• Orangeport
• Pekin

CDPs

• Newfane
• Niagara University
• Olcott
• Ransomville
• Rapids
• Sanborn
• South Lockport

Indian reservations

• Tuscarora Reservation
• Tonawanda Reservation

See also

•  New York (state) portal

• List of counties in New York
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Niagara County, New York
• Niagara (electoral district)

Footnotes

1. "US Census 2020 Population Dataset Tables for New York". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
2. . 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. . 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. 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. . 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. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 26, 2020.
34. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Niagara County, New York".
35. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Niagara County, NY" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2022. - Text list

Further reading

• History of Niagara County, New York: With Illustrations Descriptive of Its Scenery, Private Residences, Public Buildings, Fine Blocks, Public Manufactures, and Portraits of Old Pioneers and Prominent Residents. New York: Sanford & Co., 1878.
• John Theodore Horton, Edward Theodore Williams, and Harry Stevens Douglass, History of Northwestern New York: Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee and Orleans Counties. Lewis Publishing Co., 1947.
• Robert D. Kostoff, A History of Niagara County, New York. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 2001.
• Niagara County Pioneer Association, Souvenir History of Niagara County, New York: Commemorative of the 25th Anniversary of the Pioneer Association of Niagara County. Lockport, NY: The Lockport Journal, 1902.
• William Pool, Landmarks of Niagara County, New York. Syracuse, NY: D. Mason & Co., 1897.
• Sullivan, James; Williams, Melvin E.; Conklin, Edwin P.; Fitzpatrick, Benedict, eds. (1927), "Chapter V. Niagara County.", History of New York State, 1523–1927 (PDF), vol. 2, New York City, Chicago: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., p. 693-98, hdl:2027/mdp.39015019994048, Wikidata Q114149636
• Samuel T. Wiley and Winfield Scott Garner, Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Niagara County, New York. Philadelphia: Gresham Publishing Co., 1892.
• Edward T. Williams, Niagara County, New York: A Concise Record of Her Progress and People, 1821-1921, Published during Its Centennial Year. In Two Volumes. Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1921.

External links

• Niagara County webpage
• Niagara County at Curlie

43°19′N 78°47′W / 43.32°N 78.79°W / 43.32; -78.79