Summary Background

Summary description of the current economic development situation of the Southern Tier West region of New York State (Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties), comprised of the northern-most counties in the federally designated Appalachia region. The region’s economic situation is consistent with this designation.

Population

Decreasing population in all three counties and major metro communities, in contrast to increasing State and national population.

Ongoing outmigration of population, including especially the young, working-age segment of the population, the high-skill white collar/professional worker segment of the population, and the college graduate segment of the population. Residents are leaving primarily in search of employment elsewhere. The loss of manufacturing jobs also is causing skilled manufacturing workers and even lower skilled workers to leave.

Ongoing aging of the region’s population / increasing dependent population (particularly the 65+ age cohort) as a percentage of total regional population. Results include a smaller labor force, a growing public assistance burden, and a less attractive economic development environment.

Ongoing increase in both racial diversity and diversity of origin.