Highlighting new economic data, Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel Jr. said that the county is seeing significant progress in his 2026 State of the County Address.
That data, from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released in February, found Chautauqua County ranked as the ninth fastest-growing county economy in New York state, with a gross domestic product (GDP) increase of 4.6% from the previous year. Over the past five years, the county’s GDP has grown 29%.
“What we’re doing is working,” Wendel said. “The latest data confirms that Chautauqua County is on a strong upward trajectory, and our commitment to smart growth, collaboration, and investment is paying off.”
During the address, Wendel touted the rise in median household income, which has increased from $46,820 in 2019 to $58,351 in 2024, according to American Community Survey five-year estimates, and poverty rates, which have declined from 19.4% in 2014 to 17.4% in 2024.
Additionally, unemployment in Chautauqua County sits at 4.7% as of December 2025.
“Our progress is not only reflected in economic output, but in the real, positive impact on our residents,” Wendel said. “While there is still work ahead, the trajectory is clear. We are seeing our efforts pay off. The key metrics used to measure the health of our economy are moving in a positive direction, and we are committed to building on this success for the benefit of all our residents.”
