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Is Cheektowaga a Good Place to Live? Cheektowaga, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cheektowaga ranks #351 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #167 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($185,500, #58 of 524) and low rents ($1,055/mo, #68 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (83.8%, #334 of 437).
Cheektowaga by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cheektowaga's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Cheektowaga: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Cheektowaga safe?
What is the cost of living in Cheektowaga?
Cheektowaga's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $185,500.
| Measure | Cheektowaga | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.8#482 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $185,500#186 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,055/mo#273 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.5%#288 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Cheektowaga safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Cheektowaga alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Cheektowaga crime rate or rank it on safety. New York as a whole records 368 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Cheektowaga?
The median household in Cheektowaga earns $68,613, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Cheektowaga | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $68,613#846 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.7%#553 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cheektowaga?
The median resident of Cheektowaga is 39.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #810 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cheektowaga | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.6%#810 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 71.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cheektowaga's schools and health?
Cheektowaga's 13 public schools graduate 83.8% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.1 students per teacher and $22,333 spent per pupil. 32.7% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Cheektowaga | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83.8%#768 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.1#34 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,333#109 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32.7%#587 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.8%#134 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,877 students are enrolled in Cheektowaga's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cheektowaga?
The average commute in Cheektowaga is 20.6 minutes (New York 33.2); 1.5% of workers take transit and 11.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cheektowaga scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.7°F and winters 27.8°F, with 40.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cheektowaga | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.6 min#389 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.3% | 48.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.5% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 5.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.4% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.7#506 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.1 | 19 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 33.3 | 19.5 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 41.8 | 26.4 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 54.7 | 36.5 | 3.4 |
| May | 67.4 | 48.3 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 75.6 | 58.1 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 80.2 | 63.1 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 79 | 61.7 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 54.5 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 59.6 | 43.9 | 4 |
| Nov | 47.8 | 34.2 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 37.2 | 25.6 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Buffalo.
| Measure | Cheektowaga | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 48.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 40.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Buffalo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cheektowaga?
Erie County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Erie County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Cheektowaga | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#416 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Erie County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Erie County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0015% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Cheektowaga compare with similar-size cities?
Cheektowaga is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #167 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,056.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #351 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 min |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #996 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 | 38 min |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #933 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 | 23.7 min |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #800 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 | 19.3 min |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #626 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #51 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 | 27.7 min |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Cheektowaga compare with the rest of New York?
Cheektowaga ranks #8 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 60.9 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 20% below the New York median.
| City | Rank in NY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #1 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #2 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #3 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #4 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #5 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #6 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 |
| Irondequoit, NYPop. 50,657 | #7 | 62.0 | $79,162 | $1,159/mo | no data |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #8 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data |
| Troy, NYPop. 51,033 | #9 | 58.6 | $58,477 | $1,175/mo | 345 |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #10 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #11 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #12 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 |
| New York, NYPop. 8,483,844 | #13 | 54.8 | $80,483 | $1,821/mo | 660 |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #14 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #15 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 |
| Rochester, NYPop. 208,772 | #16 | 50.3 | $47,213 | $1,081/mo | 572 |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #17 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #18 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #19 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #20 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 |
All 20 New York cities we track, by overall score. New York statewide: median income $85,820, violent crime 368.4 per 100,000.
How is Cheektowaga's score calculated?
Cheektowaga scores 60.9 out of 100, #351 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with New York's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Cheektowaga. Similar-size median 55.5.
49.3 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cheektowaga. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.1 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cheektowaga's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
77.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Cheektowaga's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
79.6 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cheektowaga. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cheektowaga. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cheektowaga's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
61.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Cheektowaga alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Cheektowaga.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cheektowaga's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cheektowaga has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Cheektowaga
Is Cheektowaga, NY a good place to live?
Cheektowaga ranks #351 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #167 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($185,500, #58 of 524) and low rents ($1,055/mo, #68 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (83.8%, #334 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Cheektowaga?
Cheektowaga's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $185,500.
Is Cheektowaga safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Cheektowaga alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Cheektowaga crime rate or rank it on safety. New York as a whole records 368 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Cheektowaga?
The median household in Cheektowaga earns $68,613, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Cheektowaga?
Median rent in Cheektowaga is $1,055/mo (Census), #273 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cheektowaga?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Cheektowaga is $185,500, #186 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Cheektowaga?
Cheektowaga's 13 public schools graduate 83.8% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.1 students per teacher and $22,333 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cheektowaga?
The average commute is 20.6 minutes, #389 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cheektowaga?
Cheektowaga averages 48.8°F over the year, 69.7°F in summer and 27.8°F in winter, with 40.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cheektowaga walkable?
Cheektowaga scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Cheektowaga at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Erie County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cheektowaga?
Erie County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Cheektowaga?
Cheektowaga has 76,056 residents. The median resident of Cheektowaga is 39.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #810 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cheektowaga compare with the rest of New York?
Cheektowaga ranks #8 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 60.9 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 20% below the New York median.
What cities are similar in size to Cheektowaga?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cheektowaga's population of 76,056 are Broomfield, CO (#106 overall), Pittsburg, CA (#996 overall), Southfield, MI (#933 overall), Scranton, PA (#800 overall), and Wesley Chapel, FL (#626 overall). Cheektowaga is #351.