POPULATION GAINS & LOSSES
Westchester County’s population grew by 3% from 923,459 to 949,113 between the 2000 and 2010 Census, a higher rate of growth than the New York State average of 2% during this period but lower than the nation’s growth at 10%. The largest percentage gains during the decade were in Harrison (14%), Somers (11%), and Rye Brook (9%); the largest numeric increases were in New Rochelle (4,880), White Plains (3,776), and Harrison (3,318).
The Census Bureau recorded population loss in 10 Westchester County municipalities, although municipalities may challenge these counts through the Bureau’s Question Count Resolution program. The largest percentage losses were found in Larchmont (-10%), Scarsdale (-4%), and Bedford (-4%); numeric losses were greatest in Mount Vernon (-1,089), Bedford (-798), and Scarsdale (-657).
Population gain in Westchester was largely fuelled by an increase in the population who identify as Hispanic or Latino. The Hispanic population grew by 62,908 and now constitute 22% of the county’s population. Every municipality in the county recorded a gain in Hispanic population. Hispanic or Latino population now constitute a majority in Port Chester (59%) and Sleepy Hollow (51%).
(Source Westchester County Department of Planning 25 April 2013)
INCOME
Westchester’s median household income as of the 2005-2009 U.S. Census American Community Survey was $79,585, which exceeds the median for New York State ($55,233) and the New York Metropolitan Area ($63,553). Westchester’s communities include wide variations in median household and family incomes. Scarsdale’s median household income as of 2005-2009 was $208,750, the highest of any municipality in the county. Pound Ridge and New Castle followed at $193,624 and $192,503, respectively.
The only municipalities in the county with median household incomes below the state median are Mount Vernon ($50,455), Port Chester ($51,652), and Yonkers ($54,469).
(Source Westchester County Department of Planning 15 August 2012)
SENIOR HOUSING
Living on a fixed income is always a challenge. Seniors may want to consult Westchester County’s Income Limits to determine income eligibility for affordable housing programs. There may be a wait list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers program, which is administered by 17 municipalities in Westchester, and assists families in paying their rent.
Some seniors with equity in their homes may be interested in a reverse mortgage to provide additional income or, if purchasing a home, from homebuyer counselling.
The Senior Housing Glossary explains New York State’s senior housing terms – such as Assisted Living and Adult Home, and can help when making a decision on the type of housing needed. At the Crossroads, a publication which lists options for residential and healthcare facilities in Westchester County, includes adult homes, assisted living, enriched housing and retirement residences.
Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services provides additional helpful information related to seniors. Seniors may also benefit from the financial education information on on the Department of Consumer Affair’s Web site.
(Source Westchester County Department of Planning 25 April 2013)
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR:
American Community Survey – Westchester County Profile
http://planning.westchestergov.com/images/stories/Census/MunProfiles/westchestercounty_2005-2009.pdf
American Community Survey Municipal Profiles
http://planning.westchestergov.com/municipal-profiles
Total Population and Percent Change by Municipality, Westchester County, 1940?2010
http://planning.westchestergov.com/images/stories/Census/populationchangemun1940_2010.pdf
Population by 5-yr Cohorts Westchester County, 2010 Census
http://planning.westchestergov.com/images/stories/Census/2010pop5yearcohorts.pdf
Race and Hispanic Origin by Municipality, Westchester County, 2010
http://planning.westchestergov.com/images/stories/Census/racehispanicorigin.pdf
Veteran Population 2005-2009
http://planning.westchestergov.com/images/stories/Census/veteranpop05-09.pdf