New YorkPop. 45,303Small cities
Is West Seneca a Good Place to Live? West Seneca, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Seneca ranks #230 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in New York. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
West Seneca by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Seneca'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 West Seneca: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is West Seneca safe?
What is the cost of living in West Seneca?
West Seneca'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 $1,106/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $232,800.
| Measure | West Seneca | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 95.8#482 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $232,800#336 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,106/mo#336 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.7%#136 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 West Seneca safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for West Seneca alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a West Seneca 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 West Seneca?
The median household in West Seneca earns $79,709, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | West Seneca | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $79,709#621 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in West Seneca?
The median resident of West Seneca is 43.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Seneca | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 43.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 34.5%#630 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 76.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are West Seneca's schools and health?
West Seneca's 9 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $22,179 spent per pupil. 30.9% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | West Seneca | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 11.5#52 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $22,179#113 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 30.9%#449 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.3%#301 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 4.9%#59 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,954 students are enrolled in West Seneca's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Seneca?
The average commute in West Seneca is 23 minutes (New York 33.2); 0.4% of workers take transit and 10.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Seneca scores 10.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #644 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 | West Seneca | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.2% | 48.7% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 24.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 5.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.2% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.5#644 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | West Seneca | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 48.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 69.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 27.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 40.7 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 West Seneca?
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 | West Seneca | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#416 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 West Seneca compare with similar-size cities?
West Seneca is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #43 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 45,303.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #230 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data | 23 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 min |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #148 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 | 24.8 min |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #756 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 | 28 min |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #247 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 | 17 min |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #981 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 | 23.1 min |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #202 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 | 18.7 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 West Seneca compare with the rest of New York?
West Seneca ranks #5 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 63.7 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 7% 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 West Seneca's score calculated?
West Seneca scores 63.7 out of 100, #230 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 West Seneca. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.1 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Seneca. Similar-size median 52.2.
65.5 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Seneca's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
82.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
West Seneca's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
77.0 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Seneca. Similar-size median 46.7.
58.7 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Seneca. Similar-size median 47.3.
43.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Seneca's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
50.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
61.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving West Seneca alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for West Seneca.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Seneca's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories West Seneca 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 West Seneca
Is West Seneca, NY a good place to live?
West Seneca ranks #230 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in New York. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in West Seneca?
West Seneca'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 $1,106/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $232,800.
Is West Seneca safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for West Seneca alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a West Seneca 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 West Seneca?
The median household in West Seneca earns $79,709, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in West Seneca?
Median rent in West Seneca is $1,106/mo (Census), #336 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 16.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Seneca?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in West Seneca is $232,800, #336 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in West Seneca?
West Seneca's 9 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $22,179 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Seneca?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Seneca?
West Seneca 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 West Seneca walkable?
West Seneca scores 10.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #644 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 West Seneca 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 West Seneca?
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 West Seneca?
West Seneca has 45,303 residents. The median resident of West Seneca is 43.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Seneca compare with the rest of New York?
West Seneca ranks #5 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 63.7 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 7% below the New York median.
What cities are similar in size to West Seneca?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Seneca's population of 45,303 are Potomac, MD (#19 overall), Huntington, WV (#1221 overall), Riverton, UT (#148 overall), Columbia, TN (#756 overall), and Charlottesville, VA (#247 overall). West Seneca is #230.