According to Zip Data Maps, this is the poorest zip code in Western New York. Based on 2018 data from the United States Internal Revenue Service, the poorest zip code in WNY is 14211. It is the area known as Schiller Park and MLK Park. The 'Adjusted Gross Income' is $26,820 and the 'Median Household Income' is $26,496. The AGI for the poorest zip is only 11 percent of the AGI of the wealthiest zip ($225,910), which shows the widening gap between the working poor and the wealthy.

The Poorest Zip Code 14211 in WNY

If you happen to live in the 14211 zip code and are looking for other options, a couple of new affordable housing complexes are available in Buffalo and WNY.

Buffalo’s Newest Affordable Housing Complex Is Opening Soon to Residents

A brand new affordable housing complex is opening soon in Buffalo and gives residents access to a fresh food grocery store. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on October 21, 2021, that 201 Ellicott Street will soon open to residents. The $76 million apartment building in downtown Buffalo has been under construction for at least a year. The location will provide Buffalonians with 201 mixed-income affordable homes. The complex was built on a former city-owned parking lot, which underwent brownfield remediation first. The building has 131 one-bedroom apartments and 70 two-bedroom apartments.

Most apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. 44 apartments are affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the AMI.

There are quite a few amenities at 201 Ellicott Street, including Buffalo's first mobility hub which is designed to encourage residents to walk, bike, take public transit, and carshare. There's also an onsite gym, laundry facilities on each floor, a community room, and bicycle storage. There is also an outdoor recreational area and residents will enjoy an onsite Reddy Bike station.

Leasing for the units is currently open and you can reach out to Belmont Housing by calling (716) 884-7791 or visiting its website if you are interested. The fresh food grocery store that residents of 201 Ellicott Street will have access to is the Braymiller Market. It is already open.

201 Ellicott Street

$37 Million Affordable Housing Development Now Open in Cheektowaga

A new $37 million housing development offering affordable housing has opened in Cheektowaga. There are 110 apartments at the Apple Blossom Apartments.  They provide affordable housing for low-income Western New Yorkers and adults who require supportive services. The complex features three buildings named after apple varieties, Gala, Empire, and Cortland, which are all grown here in New York State.  Families that earn 60 percent or less of the median income in the area are eligible to rent an apartment at Apple Blossom.

Here's a breakdown of who gets apartments:

- 48 apartments for people who are eligible to receive on-site mental health treatment services
- 12 apartments for people who meet the criteria of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, including those living with serious mental illness, with a substance use disorder or living with HIV or AIDS
- 50 apartments for families that meet the income eligibility
- 28 of the apartments are ADA accessible
- 45 of the apartments offer hearing and vision accessibility

Even though the 14211 zip code is the poorest in WNY, Buffalo nor Erie County are in the top 10 counties with the highest poverty rate in New York State.

10 Counties in New York With the Highest Poverty Rates

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