We Can’t Afford Our Own City
The typical salary in Yonkers is $41,905, while the median family income is $81,097. Approximately 16% of the population in Yonkers lives below the poverty line. According to a recent study by Bwqa 19 WLTX, an individual needs to earn $114,691 annually to live comfortably in New York State. This figure represents an average, and due to the higher cost of living and additional expenses, residents of the city likely require an even higher income.
This begs the question of what can be done to help residents and why wages are so low.
Wealthy County, Poor City
Although Yonkers is located in Westchester County, one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, it has a significantly higher poverty rate, and its income levels are below the national average. Additionally, Yonkers is ranked as one of the most heavily taxed cities in the country relative to its size.
In the United States, there are approximately 347,275,807 people with an average age of 38.5 years. The average family income is $78,538, while the average national wage is $43,289. Additionally, 11% of the population lives in poverty nationwide.
Development Without Opportunity
Yonkers has experienced a significant increase in major construction projects, with over 7,000 housing units approved or underway. This development is expected to attract an additional 18,000 to 20,000 people to the area. Although 7,000 rental units are planned, including 700 that are designated as affordable, these may still be out of reach for current residents. Additionally, due to state and federal funding, applicants for these units often face competition from individuals across the entire state.
The decline of small businesses in Yonkers has led to a loss of entry-level jobs, leaving some areas with no retail presence and many empty storefronts. Even Lionsgate, despite its increasing presence, has faced challenges in attracting small businesses and temporary workers. Additionally, it is advocating for the introduction of jobs that typically require union membership.
Political Priorities Misaligned
The city has struggled with persistent issues in recent years, even with a long-serving mayor and a supportive council. The 2025 budget highlighted the mayor’s achievements, branding the city as “Hollywood on the Hudson,” but did not propose any concrete solutions for working-class families. Despite the electorate’s desires, the mayor’s term was extended by two additional terms. It is crucial to address these concerns in order to resolve the city’s long-standing problems.
Politicians often visit food pantries and fundraisers for developers, but there remains a noticeable disconnect between their appearances and genuine concern for the impoverished.
The Future at Stake
Residents of Yonkers earn too much to qualify for government assistance, yet they do not earn enough to afford housing. This situation necessitates a discussion with residents about how to address these issues while also creating higher-paying jobs for the community.
The question for the current administration is: as you continue to ignore the working families and their quality of life, who will pay the taxes to support the city in the next decade?
