The Unique Context of Economic Mobility in East Bayfront

2026 Economic Mobility Summit

Created for Guy McPerson

East Bayfront is a neighborhood that mixes residential and commercial uses where most families live in single-family homes. Today, more than 2,700 people live in the part of the neighborhood covered by the primary census tract in the area.

During the last decade, the population in this portion of East Bayfront has remained around the same size. However, we can see that the area has changed in other ways.

This part of East Bayfront is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the nation. Around 40% of residents live below the poverty line, which is about two times greater than the average for Erie County and about three times more than the national average.

We can also observe how some of the indicators linked to future prosperity are currently performing.

Homeownership is low in this portion of East Bayfront. Around 40% of homes are owner-occupied.

Housing growth during the last decade was negative in this part of East Bayfront. The number of local homes fell by 7%.

Long-term vacancy is very low in this portion of East Bayfront. Only 2% of homes sit empty and off the market.

Self-employment rates are low in this part of East Bayfront. Just 2% of workers work for themselves, which is very low compared to other neighborhoods in the nation.

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