Median Income
$49,946
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,700
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$709
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.3%
40% higher than US avg
How Gowanda Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,929
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density1,842/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,946
Per Capita$24,635
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty17.3%
County GDP$3,919M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,700
Rent$709
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$152,101
Health
Obesity37.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F
AQI36 (Good)
Rain49.1 in/yr
Elevation765 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+91.1%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 34%
Commute22 min
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Gowanda a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gowanda receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Gowanda offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gowanda is $49,946, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 17.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gowanda is $84,700, 70% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $709 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Gowanda has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.1 inches, including 133.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Gowanda has a population of 2,929 with a density of 1,842 people per square mile. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (89.7%), with 5.7% Hispanic, 1.6% Black.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 95.9% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Spanish | 4.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
The median household income in Gowanda is $49,946, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,946 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,635 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,039 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,456 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.3% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,778 |
| County GDP | $3,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 201 |
| Healthcare | 159 |
| Retail | 284 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,494 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Gowanda is $84,700, 70% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $709 (39% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $152,101.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,700 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $152,101 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $709 |
| 39% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,494 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.67% |
In Gowanda, 37.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.1% report depression. 29.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Gowanda vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,681/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 159 |
Crime Rates: Gowanda vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
Safety Score
Gowanda has an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation is 49.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 49.1 inches |
| 29% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 133.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 765 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,842/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4604°N, 78.9345°W |
| County FIPS | 36009 |