The results of the 2020 U.S. Census recently came in, and for most areas of Chautauqua County, the data showed a noticeable drop in population.
Overall the county lost 7,248 residents since 2010, with the population currently at 127,659.
County Executive PJ Wendel said while the 5.4% population decrease is unfortunate, the county is focusing on those who still reside locally.
“Obviously the numbers have gone down, which is disappointing,” Wendel said, “but 127,659 people are still here and that’s where our focus currently is.”
The county executive could not pinpoint all of the determining factors as to why the population has gone down, but did note the growing population of retirees who move to other parts of the country or who take up primary residence in Florida. He added that he’s not sure if it’s anything related specifically to county events or activities, but there is a big focus being placed on talent attraction and retention.
“People could be leaving for other opportunities,” Wendel said. “Maybe their skillsets aren’t in Chautauqua County. As we build for the future of the county, we are focusing on talent attraction and talent retention.”
Wendel said even before the census results were released, talent retention and attraction were a focus, as they are also looking at bringing new businesses into the county to provide an ample workforce for residents.
Bringing business back may go a long way to rebuilding the numbers in parts of the county, specifically in Jamestown.
The population in the county’s largest city dropped 7.8% since 2010, losing 2,434 residents in that timeframe. The city’s current population rests at 28,712 people.
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist said there are likely several contributing factors, but the loss of manufacturing companies may be one of the biggest.
“I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you why,” Sundquist said. “It’s pretty hard to say. I’m not quite sure of any factors around it other than larger manufacturing in the city. Many manufacturers and larger employers closed down and moved out, taking workers with them or leaving them to look for other opportunities.”
Sundquist said recovery funds on the way in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic could be the shot in the arm the city needs to recoup some of those lost job opportunities.
“A lot goes into economic development, new manufacturers, companies and jobs in the city,” Sundquist said. “We’ve got a lot of open spots but don’t have people to fill them. Being able to attract a new workforce to Jamestown helps fill the need of a lot of manufacturers. Recovery funds can provide a shot in the arm for development and help attract new companies.”
Sundquist hopes the city will be able to rebuild some of its lost population over the next 10 years.
While most of Chautauqua County experienced a dip in population, one place that didn’t was the city of Dunkirk. The current population sits at 12,743, which is an increase of 180 people since 2010. With most other locations seeing dips, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas said that with all of the improvements made in Dunkirk over the last several years, he’s happy to see the increase.
“Things are happening here in the city,” Rosas said. “The development department is working hard, and a lot of good jobs are available. There have been a lot of improvements to the public parks and the waterfront, and new businesses have opened up. All together, that’s why we’re seeing an increase.”
While Sundquist noted that a contributing factor to Jamestown’s dip was the departure of manufacturing companies, Dunkirk recently welcomed in two such companies with the expansion of Wells Manufacturing and Athenex. Rosas noted that these two companies represent a regional impact, while more things remain on the way.
“The Wells expansion is a huge announcement for the city, and Athenex coming is another huge opportunity,” Rosas said. “These have a regional impact in all our communities.”
Rosas added that city officials are trying to add more higher-end housing to the city in order to retain these people, while they are also working on helping out those who are less fortunate.
“We’re working on providing programs for some of the less fortunate people who own homes but can’t afford to fix them,” Rosas said. “We have funds to help those who can’t help themselves.”
Both Rosas and Sundquist took the time to thank those involved on working on the census, for making a concerted effort to get everyone counted. Rosas mentioned Adam Dolce, executive director of the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County, specifically, for his efforts in working to get an accurate count, while Sundquist said Jamestown had a great complete count committee made up of various nonprofits and agencies.
As for how to regain some of the population loss, Wendel said there is no set way to get people back, just as there was no set reason as to why people left. Wendel added that the business climate all across New York state has to be called into question.
“There are several pieces to this,” Wendel said. “There’s no silver bullet as to why people left and there isn’t one to bring people back either. We have to ask ourselves if we’re business-friendly statewide.”
New York state’s overall population increased by 823,147 residents since 2010, and the overall population now sits at 20,201,249.
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