Census Numbers Confirm People Are Leaving the City

The 2010 census results for New York are out today.  Rochester remains the state's third largest city - with more than 210,000 residents.  Buffalo seeing a 11% decline with now 261,000 residents.  Syracuse dropping as well with 145,000 residents.

With Rochester the city's population dropped more than 4% in the past 10 years.  “We don't have the best schools, we don't have the best jobs for working parents,” Marie Halfman said. “I'm not surprised people are leaving."

While citizens aren't surprised, Acting Mayor Carlos Carballada was glad to learn things weren't worse.

In a statement he said, "We're pleased that Rochester has maintained a population well over 200,000.  This is significant as census information not only determines Congressional representation, but also influences how more than $300 billion in federal funding is distributed."

Even though Rochester lost people, Monroe County grew in population.  Nearly all the counties in our area saw some growth, but Ontario County saw the most with a 7.7% increase.

The Town of Victor alone grew by 45%.

"It's great,” Rochester resident Kathy Boyle said. “It's still local.  We can't have all of our eggs in one basket everywhere."

Residents hope Rochester will be able to turn things around by the 2020 census.  "Oh yeah they can turn it around," Halfman said.  "I'm not a Polyanna,” Boyle said. “I don't have my head in the sand, but I think I think if everybody just picks their dream, picks their piece and go after it. I'm hoping things will be better.”