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Lackawanna, NY

Frequently asked questions

Lackawanna, NY

Lackawanna is a city in Erie County, New York, United States, just south of the city of Buffalo in western New York State. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in New York, growing in population by 10% from 2010 to 2020. It is part of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. The city of Lackawanna is in the southwestern part of Erie County.

The town's name derives from the Lackawanna Steel Company, which owned the steel plant around which the city developed. During the early 20th century, the Lackawanna steel plant was the largest in the world. The word "Lackawanna" refers to the steel company's original location in the river valley of the same name, in eastern Pennsylvania. That place name, in turn, might come from Lenape lèkaohane, meaning "sandy stream", or lechauhanne, [lɛxaohánɛk], meaning "forks of the river".

Originally part of the Buffalo Creek Reservation, the area was not open to settlement until 1842 when the Seneca Indians sold it. In 1851, the town of Seneca was formed; the name was changed to West Seneca in 1852. The area now known as Lackawanna was then called West Seneca or Limestone Hill. Lackawanna was a center of steel manufacture throughout most of the 20th century. In 1899, the Lackawanna Steel Company, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, since its founding, purchased all the land along the West Seneca shore of Lake Erie. Construction was started in 1900, and the Lackawanna Steel Company relocated to the area in 1902. The plant began operations in 1903. In 1909, the area's residents voted to split from West Seneca, forming the city of Lackawanna.

The city has an area of 6.6 square miles (17.1 km²), of which 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²), or 0.75%, is water. Lackawanna sits on Lake Erie, although the Bethlehem Steel facility's remnants occupy the waterfront. Smokes Creek (named after Seneca Indian Chief Sayenqueraghta, who was nicknamed "Old Smoke") runs through the city before it discharges into Lake Erie. Abbott Road is a major road that runs north-south through the city. Ridge Road is the main east-west road in the city.

Lackawanna places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with Mercy Hospital of Buffalo serving as a significant healthcare provider for residents. Additionally, Lackawanna State Park offers a serene Tranquil Moments Wellness Spa provides a relaxing retreat with massages, facials, and holistic therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind. LA Fitness features state-of-the-art equipment, a swimming pool, group fitness classes, and personal training programs. The Hot Yoga Spot hosts yoga and Pilates classes focused on core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Lackawanna Chiropractic focuses on spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness through comprehensive chiropractic services. Planet Fitness promotes a judgment-free environment with a wide array of exercise equipment and group fitness classes. Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access to modern fitness equipment and personalized training sessions. These diverse facilities and activities make Lackawanna a hub for wellness and active living, enhancing the well-being of its residents.

Top sites in Lackawanna, NY are Tifft Nature Preserve, Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica, Buffalo, and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

Population: 19,629 (2024). ZIP code: 14218. Area code: 716. Elevation: 623 ft (190 m). Area: 6.60 sq mi (17.09 km²).

FAQs

What is Lackawanna, NY famous for?

Lackawanna was a center of steel manufacture throughout most of the 20th century. In 1899, the Lackawanna Steel Company, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania since its founding purchased all the land along the West Seneca shore of Lake Erie. Construction was started in 1900 and the Lackawanna Steel Company relocated to the area in 1902. The plant began operations in 1903. In 1909, the area's residents voted to split from West Seneca, forming the city of Lackawanna.

What are the most common types of industries and occupations in Lackawanna, NY?

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Lackawanna, NY, are Health Care & Social Assistance (1,808 people), Retail Trade (1,315 people), and Manufacturing (1,245 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Lackawanna, NY, though some of these residents may live in Lackawanna, NY, and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

What are the demographics of Lackawanna, NY?

White: 74.81% Black or African American: 15.29% Two or more races: 6.43%. The average household income in Lackawanna is $58,496 with a poverty rate of 21.54%. The median age in Lackawanna is 39.1 years: 39.4 years for males, and 38.3 years for females.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lackawanna

Data USA

World Population Review

Catholic Health

NYS Parks

Mercy Hospital of Buffalo

Tranquil Moments Wellness Spa

LA Fitness

The Hot Yoga Spot

Lackawanna Chiropractic

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Tifft Nature Preserve

Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

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