Prepared for

The Italian Academy Foundation, Inc.

founded 1947

© 2011

Research report prepared by:

Mika Roinila, PhD

September 14, 2011

 

 ITALIAN ACADEMY FOUNDATION, INC.

The Italian Academy Foundation, Inc. (IAF), established in 1947, is a non-for profit 501©(3), tax-exempt corporation that pursues a unique form of cultural diplomacy, presenting Italian realities to U.S. audiences.

The Italian Academy Foundation, Inc. has adopted “cultural diplomacy” to describe its mission, referring to the staging of cultural events, art, musical and other programmes, together with the publication of materials, notably the Italian Journal, that will present Italian realities –past and present–to US audiences. Our concerts and symposia, exhibitions and performances are designed to provide uplifting experiences in which Italianita is the essential subject. Italian Academy Foundation artists are articulate ambassadors; their art, a brilliant discourse that promotes mutuality and understanding. (Visit website.)

 

DATA SOURCE AND METHODOLOGY

The following report and analysis examines the spatial distribution of Italian Americans in cities, towns and census designated places (CDPs) within the state of New York using two data sets. The first includes data obtained from the 2000 U.S. Census, while the second part of the report deals with data obtained from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey results published by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The 2000 Census reflects the total number of individuals who claim Italian ancestry. This includes single and multiple ancestries collectively. Single ancestry is defined as an individual who is 100% Italian with Italian parents. Multiple ancestries include more than an Italian ancestry, which is mixed with other ancestral groups.

The American Community Survey (ACS) is the cornerstone of the government’s effort to keep pace with the nation’s changing population and ever-increasing demands for timely and relevant data about population and housing characteristics. The ACS, conducted as part of the 2010 Decennial Census Program, provides current demographic, socio-economic and housing information about America’s communities every year – information that until now was only available once a decade.

In 2010, the Census Bureau released the first 5-year estimates for small areas. These first 5-year estimates are based on ACS data collected from 2005 through 2009. Data from the 2005-2009 ACS 5-year estimates is now available for more than 600,000 geographic areas (http://www.census.gov/acs/www/).

Three types of estimates are available from the American Community Survey: 1-year estimates (based on data collected in a single year), 3-year estimates (based on data collected in three consecutive years) and 5-year estimates (based on data collected in five consecutive years). These resources are explained below:

1-Year Estimates

The 2009 ACS 1-year estimates are based on data collected between January 2009 and December 2009.

  • Published for selected geographic areas with populations of 65,000 or greater
  • Represent the average characteristics over calendar year 2009
  • Have smaller sample size than the 3-year and 5-year estimates
  • Are more current than the 3-year estimates and 5-year

3-Year Estimates

The 2007-2009 ACS 3-year estimates are based on data collected between January 2007 and December 2009.

  • Published for selected geographic areas with populations of 20,000 or greater
  • Represent the average characteristics over the 3-year period of time
  • Have larger sample size than the 1-year estimates but smaller than the 5-year
  • Are less current than the 1-year estimates however more current than the 5-year

5-Year Estimates

The 2005-2009 ACS 5-year estimates are based on data collected between January 2005 and December 2009. For areas with a population less than 20,000, 5-year estimates provide the most detail in studies involving communities throughout each state. The first 5-year estimates based on ACS data collected from 2005 through 2009 will be released in 2010.

  • Published for small geographic areas
  • Represent the average characteristics over the 5-year period of time
  • Have larger sample size than the 1-year and 3-year estimates
  • Are less current than the 1-year and 3-year estimates

For the work in this report, the 5-year estimates provide the best data for the analysis of all population distributions in New York. The methodology of this report involves statistical and descriptive analysis of available data, which presents absolute and relative populations within the state.

The following definitions are used in this report:

City is defined as a type of incorporated place in 49 states and the District of Columbia. In the United States, the classification of population centers is a matter of state law; consequently, the definition of a city varies widely from state to state http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City). Generally, all incorporated municipalities designated as cities are independent of the adjacent or surrounding county while a town is an incorporated municipality which remains a part of an adjacent or surrounding county. The largest incorporated municipalities by population are all cities, although some smaller cities have a smaller population than some towns.

 

Town definition varies from state to state. In some states, a town is an incorporated municipality, that is, one with a charter received from the state, similar to a city. In others, a town is unincorporated. In most places, town refers to a small incorporated municipality of less than 10,000 people, although some of these municipalities may be called “cities.”

Census Designated Place (CDP) is defined as a geographic entity that serves as the statistical counterpart of an incorporated place for the purpose of presenting census data for an area with a concentration of population, housing, and commercial structures that is identifiable by name, but is not within an incorporated place. For Census 2000, for the first time, CDPs did not need to meet a minimum population threshold to qualify for the tabulation of census data   (http://www.census.gov/mso/www/c2000basics/chapter4.htm).

Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas (metro and micro areas) are geographic entities defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for use by Federal statistical agencies in collecting, tabulating, and publishing Federal statistics. The term “Core Based Statistical Area” (CBSA) is a collective term for both metro and micro areas. A metro area contains a core urban area of 50,000 or more population, and a micro area contains an urban core of at least 10,000 (but less than 50,000) population. Each metro or micro area consists of one or more counties and includes the counties containing the core urban area, as well as any adjacent counties that have a high degree of social and economic integration (as measured by commuting to work) with the urban core (http://www.census.gov/population/www/metroareas/metroarea.html).

 

ITALIAN AMERICANS

Italians have had a phenomenal role in the development of America. The explorations and arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 in the Caribbean, the explorations of Giovanni Cabotto (John Cabot) in 1497 of the continent of North America for the English in 1497, and the discoveries of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano who sailed for the French and explored New York Harbor and Narragansett Bay in 1524, all helped in forming and developing our nation. In fact, the Americas were named after the first name of the Italian explorer, financier, navigator and cartographer Amerigo Vespucci (Italians in America 1999).

“In the years before about 1880 the immigrants to American were usually from northern Italy, the more prosperous and powerful region in what had become a unified country only in 1870.” (Allen 1988: 122). These early Italians were highly respected among Americans, and the colonial era was influenced by Italian culture, architecture, and art. Italian physician Filippo Mazei was a friend to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and supported the Revolutionary War.  Francesco Vigo was a fur trader who helped gain the Northwest Territory and 1775. The fresco work in the interior of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC was done by Greek/Italian-American historical painter Constantino Brumidi, and Italian hero Giuseppi Garibaldi was asked to help in the American Civil War with the North (Italians in America 1999).

Italian-speaking immigrants present the historian with some difficulties. Italy was becoming a nation in the 1860s, and immigrants did not identify themselves as Italians. Rather, they associated their identities with the regions they came from, such as Genoese, Neapolitans, Pugliesi, Sicilians, or Tuscans (Schaefer 2010). While many had left northern Italy prior to unification, after unification, people throughout Italy began to emigrate. Many escaped economic problems, and Italians from the Mezzogiorno fled unemployment, high birth rates, overpopulation, cholera and malaria epidemics. Mezzogiorno is a term for the region of southern part of Italy, recognized for high unemployment, lower educational attainment, and generally poorer conditions than what is found in northern Italy. This was the region of heavy emigration away from Italy, and this is the source region for many who live in the United States today. Between 1876 and 1930, more than 5 million Italians landed in USA, with 1920 being the peak year with 349,042 people arriving in the country. By 1920, almost 25% of all Italians in USA lived in New York City (Schaefer 2010).

In the 2000 U.S. Census, Italian Americans constituted the fifth largest ancestral group in America with about 15.6 million people, 5.6% of the total U.S. population. The top ten locations for Italian Americans in the United States were found in the following states, headed by New York State:

1. New York 2,737,146 

2. New Jersey 1,503,637

3. California 1,450,884

4. Pennsylvania 1,418,465

5. Florida 1,003,977

6. Massachusetts 860,079

7. Illinois 744,274

8. Ohio 675,749

9. Connecticut 634,364

10. Michigan 450,952

 

In 2000, the top 10 U.S. communities with the highest percentages of people claiming Italian ancestry were found in the following sites, including several located in New York State:

1. Johnson, RI town 46.7%

2. Hammonton, NJ town 45.9%

3. Frankfort, NY village 44.7%

4. East Haven, CT town 43.1%

5. Roseto, PA borough 41.8%

6. Franklin Square, NY populated place 40.0%

7. North Massapequa, NY populated place 38.9%

8. Frankfort, NY town 38.5%

9. Totowa, NJ town 37.7%

10. Lowellville, OH village 37.4%

 

Source:  Italian ancestry (http://www.epodunk.com/ancestry/Italian.html)

As noted by the data examined in this report (Tables 3 & 4), Franklin Square shows itself prominently as the most concentrated location with an Italian presence. In comparison to the table noted above, the data in this report reveals that for 2000, Franklin Square had the highest concentration (47.6%) of Italian Americans in the nation when compared to all the locations listed above (Italian Ancestry). The difference in percentages may be due to the geographic label given to Franklin Square as a “populated place” as noted above vs. a Census Designated Place (Tables 3 & 4).

Moving to the most recent time period of 2005-2009, the American Community Survey estimates that there were some 17.8 million Italian Americans in the United States, representing 5.9% of the total population of the country. The state of New York maintained the most Italian Americans with an estimated 2.8 million residents.  Similar to the 2000 Census, the top ten concentrations of Italian Americans in the United States were found were the following states:

1. New York 2,847,190 6. Massachusetts 919,402

2. Pennsylvania 1,593,070 7. Illinois 825,512

3. California 1,571,961 8. Ohio 754,475

4. New Jersey 1,546,071 9. Connecticut 677,077

5. Florida 1,231,328 10. Michigan 485,921

 

ITALIANS IN NEW YORK

Much literature is available on the Italians in America as well as on the Italians of New York. While relatively old, the 1938 printing of the Italians of New York by the Workers of the Federal Writer’s Project is an excellent historical narrative of all the issues involved in the migration process. The book covers the early settlement of Italians to New York, reasons for mass emigration from Italy, the struggles in establishing life in a new country, to the ties to religious life, employment, social activities, and assimilation. The book is a treasure trove of information dealing with the history of Italians in New York.  A second book by the Workers of the Writer’s Program is New York: A Guide to the Empire State (1940), with material on the Italian settlements in New York cities with historical detail that is noted in this report as well.

The earliest arrival of Italians in New York dates to the early 1820s, as Italians fled Southern Europe from abortive revolts against Austria. At the turn of the 20th century, between 1876 and 1924, over four and a half million Italians arrived in the United States. The year 1907 set the record for most Italians, as 300,000 arrived that single year. Overall, the 4.5 million arrivals left a population of only approximately 14 million in Italy. Unable to earn a livelihood in their home country, they became migratory laborers. Many migratory laborers eventual returned back to the home country, and Italians were known for having high return rates, with up to 30% of Italians returning to Italy. Italian remigration to the United States occurred for many several times in their lifetime (The Story of Italian Immigration).

“As estimated 97 percent of Italians arrivals after 1880 landed in New York (Nelli 1983), where those who had no special job opportunities awaiting elsewhere could easily sign up for construction work somewhere through a labor agency. So many newcomers stayed in New York that it became easily the largest center of Italians in the country. Poor immigrants swarmed into the densely crowded tenements on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and others who came earlier sought better living further up Manhattan in Greenwich Village, East Harlem, or across the East River in Brooklyn. When subways were built to the North Bronx and to Queens, Italians bought land near the end of the lines for homes and gardens (Glazer and Moynihan 1963)” (Allen 1988: 123).

“Staten Island, also within New York City, was another attractive destination, still rural in many areas. In these areas Italian immigrants and their children typically sought a village life and were ion large part successful in developing geographically concentrated ethnic neighborhoods. In 1920 New York City had five times more people of Italian foreign stock than any other American city” (Allen 1988: 123).

“Upon their arrival in New York, many settled along the water-level route from New York City to Buffalo, but of all locations in New York State, New York City and its surrounding areas have the oldest history of settlement along with the highest concentrations. The immigration waves of the 1880s and the 1890s brought tens of thousands of Italians to the lower East side stretches along the east of Chinatown, from Brooklyn Bridge to 14th street. Another major concentration developed in Italian Harlem, bordering the East River opposite Ward’s and Randall’s Islands, and this eventually became “the largest colony of Italian-Americans in the country. Half the families had no income in 1937. During prohibition years it was the center of gang leaders. Social organizations, among them Harlem House, have exercised a reforming influence” (Writers’ Program 1940).

The presence of Italian Americans in New York State has remained high throughout the years. In 1980, New York State was home to 1,937,791 single ancestry Italians (Allen 1988: 272). These were individuals who claimed two Italian parents and were 100% Italian. In New York, the five counties with the highest populations included Kings County/Brooklyn (307,044), Queens County (235,081), Nassau County (212,490), Suffolk County (204,582), and Westchester County (157,090) (Allen 1988: 272-274). If Italians with a multiple ancestry were included in these numbers, the total number of Italians in the state would be higher. “In 1980, the greater New York City area still had five times as many people of Italian ancestry as any other metropolitan area… Most of the old neighborhoods in the city retained their Italian village character for many decades (Glazer and Moynahan 1963), but the Italian concentration that had existed in East Harlem in the 1920s disappeared by the 1960s, as Puerto Ricans and blacks crowded into those declining tenements. Mulberry Street on the Lower East Side, in the 1890s the focus of a  large immigrant slum area, has become the respected symbol of Italian roots in New York,  with street festivals and Italian restaurants that cater to New Yorkers and tourists alike” (Allen 1988: 126).

“After WWI, the South Village section of Greenwich Village was home to many Italians. Avoiding the invasion of other ethnic groups for decades, it was a viable and thriving ethnic community for decades. Then, in the 1970s, with the legalization of old loft apartments, the influx of artists and young professionals from the adjacent SoHo section elevated prices and pressured many South Villagers to move out” (Allen 1988: 126).

“Most Italians, like the majority of Americans since WWII, envisioned the suburbs as the American dream. They moved outward from Manhattan in every direction. There were over 200,000 people of Italian ancestry in each of the suburban Long Island counties (Nassau and Suffolk). The move across the Hudson River to New Jersey, begun over a century ago, has given most northern New Jersey counties populations of over 10 percent Italian ancestry” (Allen 1988: 126). Still, in 1980, the “older suburban county of Westchester had the highest percentage of people of Italian ancestry in the country” (Allen 1988: 126).

In 1990, the number of Italians in New York state declined to 1,747,705 claiming single ancestry (1990 Census). Based on data available from the 1990 Census, the top five counties with Italians claiming single origin included Kings County (211,797), Suffolk County (211,019), Nassau County (199,642), Queens County (183,558), and Westchester County (148,569)  (1990 Census, http://factfinder.census.gov).

In 2000, a total of 2,737,146 residents claimed Italian ancestry in New York State, representing 14.4% of the state’s population. This includes both first and second ancestry reports, and is a large increase from the 1990 numbers. When first ancestry Italian numbers are considered, the top five counties with highest concentrations included Suffolk County (348,210), Nassau County (279,335), Westchester County (172,349), Kings County (169,922), and Queens County (168,443) (http://factfinder.census.gov).

The following sections examine Italians that are found in cities and CDPs in New York State in more detail. Both absolute and relative distributions are examined, along with maps and additional information that may be helpful in understanding the distributions better.

Finally, the appendices provide information from the 2000 US Census, and include cities, town, and census designated places with a total population of over 20,000 residents who claimed Italian ancestry.  A total of 81 cities, towns, and CDPs had Italian residents in 2000 (Appendix 3). Changes in Italian populations are noted in the 2005-2009 American Community Survey (Appendix 4). It must be remembered that the data in Appendix 4 is based on estimates only.

I trust that the data provided here provides some insights and understanding of the Italians in New York and where they are located. It is unfortunate that more accurate information of the true numbers and locations of Italians in New York will not be available from the 2010 Census since the ancestry question was not asked in the Census questionnaires.

ABSOLUTE DISTRIBUTION IN NEW YORK STATE

(2000 & 2005-2009)

In absolute terms, the highest number of Italians has always been found in New York City. Nearly 700,000 Italian Americans resided in the Big Apple in 2000 (Table 1 and Map 1). Much of the history and concentration of Italians in New York City has already been noted, and continues to this day.  The most concentrated area with Italians based on the 2000 Census within New York City was found in the Knickerbocker Village and Greenwich Village sections (Zip Code 10282), where 11.2% of the total population claimed Italian ancestry (ZipAtlas 2011). Estimates from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey show a slight decline in numbers, with about 689,000 residents claiming Italian ancestry (Table 2 & Map 2).

In both data sets, the second most populous city with an Italian presence is the city of Yonkers. “The 2000 Census reported a total of 36,907 Italians in the city, and for the 2005-2009 period, Yonkers maintained its second-place ranking with an estimated population of 34,735 (Tables 1 &2, Maps 1 & 2).  Historically, Yonkers has played “a double role as a residential suburb for New York City commuters and as an important manufacturing center. Italians generally worked in the mills and factories. The more recent Italian, Slav and Polish arrivals outnumber the earlier Irish, Scotch and German groups. These newcomers hold the balance of power in elections and take an absorbing interest in sports. In the second half of the nineteenth century, Yonkers enjoyed a national reputation for the products of its looms, spindles, and machine shops. New industries were added and attracted Italians as well as other nationalities” (Writers’ Program 1940).  Yonkers is home to many organizations which belong to an umbrella organization known as The Westchester Coalition of Italian American Organizations. WCIAO unifies, promotes, supports, protects, and coordinates all things Italian American in the area. Member organizations from Yonkers include Circolo Culturale Calabreses, Le Amiche Lodge, Palenese Civic & Social Club, St. Donato Mutual Aid Society, and Salerno Club ed Amici (WCIAO 2011). In 2000, the heaviest concentration of Italians within the city of Yonkers was found in the southeastern part of the city (Zip Code 10704), where 32.4% of residents claimed Italian ancestry (Zip Atlas 2011).”(Roinila 2011:11).

“Of importance is the New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island, NY–NJ–CT–PA Census Metropolitan Statistical Area (21.2 million pop.), which was home to an estimated 3.4 million Italians or 16.01% of the overall population in the 2000 Census (Appendix 1) (http://factfinder.census.gov/).  For the 2005-2009 period, changes in identifying the metropolitan area were made. The area was called the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area (part), and resulted in a “smaller” MSA population for the region, with a total of 12.5 million residents and 1.7 million Italian Americans (Appendix 2) (http://factfinder.census.gov/). “ (Roinila 2011:11).

The third most populous location for Italian ancestry is found in the city of Buffalo, with a total of 34,739 Italians in 2000, and a lower estimated 33,144 during the 2005-2009 period (Tables 1 & 2). The history of Italians in Buffalo indicates that the number of Italians was higher in the past. In the 1930s, Buffalo was home to some 80,000 Italians, who had immigrated predominantly from Sicily. These Italians found work in almost “every type of commercial endeavor and shared with the Poles the heavy labor in steel mills and iron foundries. Italian singing societies long played an important part in the city’s cultural life” (Writers’ Program 1940). The highest concentration of Italians in Buffalo is found in the northern part of the city in the neighborhood of North Delaware and North Park (Zip Code 14216), where up to 25.8% of the residents are of Italian ancestry  (ZipAtlas 2011). This northern area of Buffalo near Tonawanda CDP, located only a short drive north of Buffalo ranks 10th in Italians in both he 2000 Census (14,480),  and the 2005-2009 ACS (13,950) (Tables 1 & 2, Maps 1 & 2). These two locations collectively are part of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, which was home to a total of 190,038 Italian Americans in 2000, and represented the second highest concentration in the state (Appendix 1). During the 2005-2009 American Community Survey, the Buffalo-Niagara Falls Metro Area maintained its second highest ranking, with an estimated 195,431 Italians (Appendix 2).

Fourth ranked Rochester city, on the shores of Lake Ontario was home to 22,077 residents of Italian ancestry in 2000, and the estimated numbers of Italians declined slightly to 20,283 during the 2005-2009 ACS (Tables 1 & 2). In the 1930s, Rochester was home to some 55,000 Italians, who settled in the area and appeared to be less compact as a “racial group than those in other cities”. During this early period, Italians worked in many industries, including clothing and shoe manufacturing (Writers’ Program 1940). When residential patterns based on available 2000 Census data is examined, it appears that while a small downtown section of Rochester around the junction of Main Street and State Street has a 38.9% Italians (Zip Code 14614), all other regions around the city show much lower percentages. Several surrounding areas have as small a concentration as 2.8% Italians (ZipAtlas 2011).  When nearby Irondequoit city (Maps 1 & 2), which ranked 9th in both data sets (14,968 and 13,994) is included in the count for Italian Americans as part of the Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area, the total Italian population of the region climbs to 183,815 (Appendix 1). The Rochester Metro Area was home to an estimated 183,773 during the 2005-2009 period (Appendix 2).

The 5th ranked city for Italians in New York is Syracuse city, where a total of 20,778 Italians lived in 2000, and during the 2005-2009 period, an estimated 19,260 Italian were found (Tables 1 & 2, Maps 1 & 2).  “Historically, the Italians in Syracuse dominated the city’s north side and were employed in the steel mills, chemical plants, and clothing factories. The Italians also had their own business section along North State and North Salina Streets (Writers’ Program 1940). This concentration has not changed over the years, and Little Italy remains in the north side of the city. The highest percentage concentrations of Italians in 2000 was found in the Lyncourt (Zip Code 13208) neighborhood in northeastern Syracuse where 24.35% of the residents claimed Italian ancestry (Zip Atlas, 2011) .

The 6th ranked location for Italians in 2000 was found in Levittown CDP, located on Long Island, which has the highest percentage concentrations within the state (see following section). In 2000, a total of 18,020 Italian Americans resided here, while the 2005-2009 period showed an increased Italian presence with an estimated 18,539 residents (Tables 1 & 2).

The city of Utica ranked 7th in the 2000 Census, and was home to 15,831 Italian Americans (Table 1). “Italians in Utica historically lived in a distinct district, where they were principally knitting mill workers. There were 13,000 Italians in the city in the late 1930s, and the Italian section was found in northeast Utica where ‘a distinct air of the homeland prevails. Weddings are gala affairs; at funerals files of marchers tramp to the dirge of a muffled band; and Saints’ days are celebrated with parades and fireworks. The textile industry, the backbone of Utica’s economic structure, began with the opening of the woolen mills in 1847, and of the cotton millsin1848. The manufacture of locomotive headlights was started in 1851, of steam gauges in 1861, of firearms in 1862, of knit goods in 1863. The manufacture of worsted and caps was started in 1886. A wave of Italian

immigration, attracted by the varied industries, reached its crest in 1910’ (Writers’ Program 1940). Over time, the preferred residential areas have shifted, and in 2000, the highest concentration of Italians was found in the southern part of the city (Zip Code 13501), where 28.9% of all residents had Italian ancestry (Zip Atlas 2011). An Italian festival found in Utica is the Festival of Saints Cosmos and Damian, held every September (NIAF 2011).”(Roinila 2011:21).

Utica fell from the top 10 list during the American Community Survey and was replaced by New Rochelle city, which ranked 8th with 14,442 Italian Americans in the 2005-2009 ACS (Table 2). “According to the New York: A Guide to the Empire State (1940), New Rochelle was home to some 5,000 descendants of the early Italian laborers that were imported in the 1880s to lay railroad lines. Many of them lived in the poorer sections of the city (Writers’ Program 1940). In 2000, a total of 22.9% of the city’s residents in the southern part (Zip Code 10805) of New Rochelle closest to the shore of Long Island Sound were of Italian ancestry (Zip Atlas 2011).”(Roinila 2011: 12).

Finally, West Babylon CDP was ranked 8th in the 2000 Census (15,785), and climbed into 7th place during the 2005-2009 period (17,636) (Tables 1 & 2).

 

Table 1

Top 10 Italian Locations in New York State According to

2000 Absolute Numbers

 

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place
County Total population Italians in      absolute numbers Percent Italians
1. New York city New York 8008278 692739 8.65
2. Yonkers city Westchester 196086 36907 18.82
3. Buffalo city Erie 292648 34379 11.75
4. Rochester city Monroe 219766 22077 10.05
5. Syracuse city Onondaga 147326 20778 14.10
6. Levittown CDP Nassau 53063 18020 33.96
7. Utica city Oneida 60679 15831 26.09
8. West Babylon CDP Suffolk 43452 15785 36.33
9. Irondequoit CDP Monroe 52346 14968 28.59
10. Tonawanda CDP Erie 61729 14480 23.46

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, Census 2000 American Fact Finder obtained from http://www.census.gov (accessed on September 8, 2011).

 Table 2

Top 10 Italian Locations in New York State According to

2000 Absolute Numbers from 2005-2009 Census Estimates

City, Town, or Census

Designated Place

 

County Total Population(estimate) Italians in absolute numbers (estimate) Margin of Error(+/-) Percent Italians(estimate)
1. New York city New York 8302659 689035 8,243 8.30
2. Yonkers city Westchester 199055 34735 1,673 17.45
3. Buffalo city Erie 273335 33144 1,604 12.13
4. Rochester city Monroe 208001 20283 1,326 9.75
5. Syracuse city Onondaga 139386 19260 1,056 13.82
6. Levittown Nassau 53600 18539 1,154 34.59
7. West Babylon Suffolk 44991 17636 1,186 39.20
8. New Rochelle Westchester 73723 14442 1,115 19.59
9. Irondequoit Monroe 50179 13994 802 27.89
10. Tonawanda Erie 57219 13950 833 24.38

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2005-2009. B04003. Total Ancestry Reported – Universe: Total Ancestry Categories Tallied for People with one or more ancestry categories reported Data Set: 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Obtained from http://www.census.gov (accessed on September 8, 2011).

 

RELATIVE DISTRIBUTION IN NEW YORK STATE

(2000 & 2005-2009)

 

The relative distribution of Italians in any location is difficult to explain in detail and without detailed research. Thus, I will not attempt to find reasons for the following information and will only briefly look at the percentage concentrations found for the 2000 Census and 2005-2009 American Community Survey.

The relative distribution of Italians in New York State shows a distinct concentration of the highest percentages in Long Island. Suffolk and Nassau Counties dominate in the top ten lists. Based on the 2000 Census, and the 2005-2009 American Community Survey, the top ten locations were all found in the New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island, NY–NJ–CT–PA Census Metropolitan Statistical Area (Tables 3 & 4, Maps 3 & 4). Only one change is noted in the two data sets, with 5th ranked Harrison Village in 2000 giving way to Smithtown CDP in the 2005-2009 period (Tables 3 & 4).

In 2000, the highest percentage of Italians found in all urban locations of New York State with more than 20,000 residents, 1st place was claimed by Franklin Square CDP (47.61%), followed by 2nd place Deer Park CDP (42.1%). In examining the locations of the top ten concentrations, it is clear that clustering has taken place (Map 3 & 4). Three clusters are clearly found on Long Island where the percentage concentrations are highest. Franklin Square CDP and 6th ranked Massapequa CDP (39.59%) in southern Nassau County are relatively close to each other at a distance of some 14 miles, and this can be considered the first cluster of Italians.

Clustering is much clearer in settlements found in central Suffolk County, where 3rd ranked Selden CDP (40.1%), 4th ranked Holbrook CDP (39.89%), and 5th ranked Ronkonkoma CDP (39.73%) are all found within a seven mile radius of Holbrook. A third cluster – even tighter than above – if found in southwestern Suffolk County, where 2nd ranked Deer Park CDP (42.1%), 7th ranked Lindenhurst Village (38.77%), and 9th ranked West Islip CDP (38.4%) are found within a five mile radius of West Islip.

Two outliers to this clustering appeared in the 200 Census, with 8th ranked Shirley CDP (38.58%) located towards the eastern end of Long Island, and 10th ranked Harrison Village in Westchester County (38.04%).

During the 2005-2009 period, the relative distribution of Italians changed somewhat, with some additions to the clustered pattern exhibited in 2000. The first cluster mentioned above remained the same, with 1st ranked Franklin Square CDP having a slightly lower estimated percentage (45.09%) while  Massapequa CDP climbed in ranking to 3rd place (42.56%) (Table 4 & Map 4).

The clustering of Italian communities in central Suffolk County included four communities in the 2005-2009 ACS. In addition to 2nd ranked Holbrook CDP (42.92%), 4th ranked Ronkonkoma CDP (42.16%), and 7th ranked Selden CDP (39.89%), there was the addition of 10th ranked Smithtown CDP (38.07%). All four locations are within an 8 mile radius of Ronkonkoma CDP.

The third cluster of high percentage Italian communities remained in western Suffolk County, where 5th ranked West Islip CDP (41.12%), 6th ranked Lindenhurst village (40.98%) and 8th ranked West Babylon CDP (39.2%) are found. All three locations are found within a four mile radius of West Babylon CDP.

Even though the 2005-2009 percentage concentration increased for Shirley CDP (39.03%), its ranking fell from 8th place to 9th (Tables 3 & 4). Shirley CDP was the only outlier to the clustering that appeared so clearly on Long Island during the 2000 Census and the 2005-2009 American Community Survey (Maps 3 & 4).

Table 3

Top 10 Italian Locations in New York State

According to 2000 Percentage Concentration

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place
County Total population Italians in      absolute numbers Percent Italians
1.Franklin Square CDP Nassau 29342 13970 47.61
2. Deer Park CDP Suffolk 28262 11899 42.10
3. Selden CDP Suffolk 21813 8748 40.10
4. Holbrook CDP Suffolk 27528 10982 39.89
5. Ronkonkoma CDP Suffolk 20044 7963 39.73
6. Massapequa CDP Nassau 22652 8969 39.59
7. Lindenhurst village Suffolk 27933 10831 38.77
8. Shirley CDP Suffolk 25395 9797 38.58
9. West Islip CDP Suffolk 29105 11177 38.40
10. Harrison village Westchester 24143 9185 38.04

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, Census 2000 American Fact Finder obtained from http://www.census.gov (accessed on September 8, 2011).

Table 4

Top 10 Italian Locations in New York State According to Percentage Concentration from 2005-2009 Census Estimates

City, Town, or Census

Designated Place

 

County Total Population(estimate) Italians in absolute numbers (estimate) Margin of Error(+/-) Percent Italians(estimate)
1. Franklin Square CDP Nassau 30530 13765 948 45.09
2. Holbrook CDP Suffolk 27665 11874 919 42.92
3. Massapequa CDP Nassau 23188 9868 859 42.56
4. Ronkonkoma CDP Suffolk 20480 8634 848 42.16
5. West Islip CDP Suffolk 29281 12039 960 41.12
6. Lindenhurst village Suffolk 28687 11757 890 40.98
7. Selden CDP Suffolk 21168 8444 852 39.89
8. West Babylon CDP Suffolk 44991 17636 1,186 39.20
9. Shirley CDP Suffolk 28452 11104 845 39.03
10. Smithtown CDP Suffolk 28018 10666 840 38.07

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2005-2009. B04003. Total Ancestry Reported – Universe: Total Ancestry Categories Tallied for People with one or more ancestry categories reported Data Set: 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Obtained from http://www.census.gov (accessed on September 8, 2011).

 

APPENDIX 1

Metropolitan Areas in New York with Italians in absolute numbers and percentages of total population, based on 2000 Census.

Metropolitan Area

 

Total Population Italians in absolute numbers  Percent Italians
Albany–Schenectady–Troy, NY MSA 875583 148073 16.91
Binghamton, NY MSA 252320 30485 12.08
Buffalo–Niagara Falls, NY MSA 1170111 190038 16.24
Elmira, NY MSA 91070 9451 10.38
Glens Falls, NY MSA 124345 12014 9.66
Jamestown, NY MSA 139750 20041 14.34
New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island, NY–NJ–CT–PA CMSA 21199865 3394397 16.01
Rochester, NY MSA 1098201 183815 16.74
Syracuse, NY MSA 732117 115057 15.72

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, Census 2000 American Fact Finder obtained from http://www.census.gov (accessed on August 27, 2011).

 APPENDIX 2

Metropolitan Areas in New York with Italians in absolute numbers and percentages of total population, based on 2005-2009 Estimates.

Metropolitan Area

 

Total Population(Estimate) Italians in absolute numbers (Estimate) Margin of Error(+/-) Percent Italians(Estimate)
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Metro Area; New York 852162 149310 3,236 17.52
Binghamton, NY Metro Area; New York 245576 31784 1,253 12.94
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY Metro Area; New York 1128813 195431 3,349 17.31
Elmira, NY Metro Area; New York 88161 9999 886 11.34
Glens Falls, NY Metro Area; New York 128229 14257 950 11.12
Ithaca, NY Metro Area; New York 100583 8181 750 8.13
Kingston, NY Metro Area; New York 181510 36176 1,642 19.93
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area (part); New York 12513287 1732791 11,721 13.85
Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY Metro Area; New York 668735 135765 3,180 20.30
Rochester, NY Metro Area; New York 1033026 183773 3,597 17.79
Syracuse, NY Metro Area; New York 645302 108480 2,777 16.81
Utica-Rome, NY Metro Area; New York 293468 58574 1,920 19.96

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2005-2009. B04003. Total Ancestry Reported – Universe: Total Ancestry Categories Tallied for People with one or more ancestry categories reported Data Set: 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.  Obtained from http://www.census.gov  (accessed on August 27, 2011).

APPENDIX 3

NEW YORK Cities, Towns and CDPs with Italians in absolute numbers and percentages of total population, based on 2000 U.S. Census

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place
County Total population Italians in      absolute numbers Italians as percentage of total population
Albany city Albany 95658 11816 12.35
Auburn city Cayuga 28574 6310 22.08
Baldwin CDP Nassau 23455 4844 20.65
Bay Shore CDP Suffolk 23852 4951 20.76
Binghamton city Broome 47380 6057 12.78
Brentwood CDP Suffolk 53883 4273 7.93
Brighton CDP Monroe 35588 4167 11.71
Buffalo city Erie 292648 34379 11.75
Centereach CDP Suffolk 27177 9983 36.73
Central Islip CDP Suffolk 31881 3182 9.98
Cheektowaga CDP Erie 79986 12577 15.72
Commack CDP Suffolk 36330 12124 33.37
Copiague CDP Suffolk 21922 6765 30.86
Coram CDP Suffolk 34979 11086 31.69
Deer Park CDP Suffolk 28262 11899 42.10
Dix Hills CDP Suffolk 26096 7359 28.20
East Meadow CDP Nassau 37501 10662 28.43
East Northport CDP Suffolk 20810 5759 27.67
East Patchogue CDP Suffolk 20865 6867 32.91
Elmira city Chemung 30940 3412 11.03
Elmont CDP Nassau 32657 5997 18.36
Franklin Square CDP Nassau 29342 13970 47.61
Freeport village Nassau 43783 3981 9.09
Garden City village Nassau 21662 6552 30.25
Glen Cove city Nassau 26622 7103 26.68
Harrison village Westchester 24143 9185 38.04
Hauppauge CDP Suffolk 20127 7556 37.54
Hempstead village Nassau 56544 1548 2.74
Hicksville CDP Nassau 41260 11616 28.15
Holbrook CDP Suffolk 27528 10982 39.89
Huntington Station CDP Suffolk 29968 6080 20.29
Irondequoit CDP Monroe 52346 14968 28.59
Islip CDP Suffolk 20644 6026 29.19
Ithaca city Tompkins 29006 2853 9.84
Jamestown city Chautauqua 31730 5853 18.45
 

 

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place

 

 

County

 

 

Total population

 

 

Italians in      absolute numbers

 

 

Italians as percentage of total population

Kingston city Ulster 23387 3762 16.09
Levittown CDP Nassau 53063 18020 33.96
Lindenhurst village Suffolk 27933 10831 38.77
Lockport city Niagara 22279 3495 15.69
Long Beach city Nassau 35462 5764 16.25
Massapequa CDP Nassau 22652 8969 39.59
Medford CDP Suffolk 21985 7186 32.69
Merrick CDP Nassau 22764 4998 21.96
Middletown city Orange 25329 3761 14.85
Mount Vernon city Westchester 68381 7076 10.35
New City CDP Rockland 34137 7376 21.61
New Rochelle city Westchester 72182 14404 19.96
New York city New York 8008278 692739 8.65
Newburgh city Orange 28233 2599 9.21
Niagara Falls city Niagara 55677 12879 23.13
North Bellmore CDP Nassau 20079 6429 32.02
North Tonawanda city Niagara 33262 5665 17.03
Oceanside CDP Nassau 32733 9488 28.99
Ossining village Westchester 24010 3464 14.43
Peekskill city Westchester 22441 3650 16.26
Plainview CDP Nassau 25637 4922 19.20
Port Chester village Westchester 27867 5773 20.72
Poughkeepsie city Dutchess 29871 3693 12.36
Rochester city Monroe 219766 22077 10.05
Rockville Centre village Nassau 24573 5800 23.60
Rome city Oneida 34922 8978 25.71
Ronkonkoma CDP Suffolk 20044 7963 39.73
Rotterdam CDP Schenectady 20509 6771 33.01
Saratoga Springs city Saratoga 26187 4665 17.81
Schenectady city Schenectady 61908 12168 19.65
Selden CDP Suffolk 21813 8748 40.10
Shirley CDP Suffolk 25395 9797 38.58
Smithtown CDP Suffolk 26911 9257 34.40
Spring Valley village Rockland 25374 758 2.99
Syracuse city Onondaga 147326 20778 14.10
Tonawanda CDP Erie 61729 14480 23.46
Troy city Rennselaer 49170 6981 14.20
Uniondale CDP Nassau 23011 997 4.33
 

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place

 

County

 

Total population

 

Italians in      absolute numbers

 

Italians as percentage of total population

Utica city Oneida 60679 15831 26.09
Valley Stream village Nassau 36394 11559 31.76
Watertown city Jefferson 26705 3144 11.77
West Babylon CDP Suffolk 43452 15785 36.33
West Islip CDP Suffolk 29105 11177 38.40
West Seneca CDP Erie 46013 8221 17.87
White Plains city Westchester 53077 8047 15.16
Yonkers city Westchester 196086 36907 18.82

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, Census 2000 American Fact Finder obtained from http://www.census.gov (accessed on August 22, 2011).

APPENDIX 4

NEW YORK Cities, Towns and CDPs with Italians in absolute numbers and percentages of total population, based on 2005-2009 Estimates.

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place
County Total population Italians in      absolute numbers Margin of Error (+/-) Italians as percentage of total population
Albany city Albany 94083 13549 1,195 14.40
Auburn city Cayuga 27179 5232 657 19.25
Baldwin CDP Nassau 24002 4253 606 17.72
Bay Shore CDP Suffolk 28023 4891 950 17.45
Binghamton city Broome 44803 6064 669 13.53
Brentwood CDP Suffolk 55594 3545 492 6.38
Brighton CDP Monroe 34329 4573 543 13.32
Buffalo city Erie 273335 33144 1,604 12.13
Centereach CDP Suffolk 28708 10168 824 35.42
Central Islip CDP Suffolk 33406 2685 440 8.04
Cheektowaga CDP Erie 75416 11936 1,076 15.83
Commack CDP Suffolk 36944 13206 1,148 35.75
Copiague CDP Suffolk 20911 6478 717 30.98
Coram CDP Suffolk 38431 12574 1,071 32.72
Deer Park CDP Suffolk 29569 10634 806 35.96
Dix Hills CDP Suffolk 26059 7493 946 28.75
East Meadow CDP Nassau 37724 9327 1,052 24.72
East Northport CDP Suffolk 22383 8000 621 35.74
East Patchogue CDP Suffolk 21715 6843 1,041 31.51
Elmira city Chemung 29392 3237 557 11.01
Elmont CDP, Nassau 34952 4263 654 12.20
Franklin Square CDP Nassau 30530 13765 948 45.09
Freeport village Nassau 44001 3544 675 8.05
Garden City village Nassau 22418 6591 834 29.40
Glen Cove city Nassau 26967 7279 924 26.99
Harrison village Westchester 26403 8449 1,112 32.00
Hauppauge CDP Suffolk 21543 7841 781 36.40
Hempstead village Nassau 53702 652 202 1.21
Hicksville CDP Nassau 42924 11027 1,079 25.69
Holbrook CDP Suffolk 27665 11874 919 42.92
 

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place

 

County

 

Total population

 

Italians in      absolute numbers

 

Margin of Error 

(+/-)

 

Italians as percentage of total population

Huntington Station CDP Suffolk 31084 6387 783 20.55
Irondequoit CDP Monroe 50179 13994 802 27.89
Islip CDP Suffolk 21097 7126 897 33.78
Ithaca city Tompkins 29821 1996 399 6.69
Jamestown city Chautauqua 29581 6290 714 21.26
Kingston city Ulster 22599 3497 408 15.47
Kiryas Joel village Orange 20761 53 63 0.26
Lake Ronkonkoma CDP Suffolk 22144 8183 735 36.95
Levittown CDP Nassau 53600 18539 1,154 34.59
Lindenhurst village Suffolk 28687 11757 890 40.98
Lockport city Niagara 20770 3558 465 17.13
Long Beach city Nassau 35815 6723 819 18.77
Massapequa CDP Nassau 23188 9868 859 42.56
Medford CDP Suffolk 24139 8888 884 36.82
Merrick CDP Nassau 22327 5958 690 26.69
Middletown city Orange 25868 2917 419 11.28
Mount Vernon city Westchester 68482 5813 793 8.49
Newburgh city Orange 28212 2067 480 7.33
New City CDP Rockland 33547 6848 750 20.41
New Rochelle city Westchester 73723 14442 1,115 19.59
New York city New York 8302659 689035 8,243 8.30
Niagara Falls city Niagara 51712 12213 811 23.62
North Tonawanda city Niagara 31362 5632 588 17.96
Oceanside CDP Nassau 32317 9527 871 29.48
Ossining village Westchester 23761 3912 609 16.46
Peekskill city Westchester 24409 3807 515 15.60
Plainview CDP Nassau 27099 5390 635 19.89
Port Chester village Westchester 28042 5267 651 18.78
Poughkeepsie city Dutchess 29813 3642 493 12.22
Rochester city Monroe 208001 20283 1,326 9.75
Rockville Centre village Nassau 24527 6140 697 25.03
 

City, Town, or Census
Designated Place

 

County

 

Total population

 

Italians in      absolute numbers

 

Margin of Error 

(+/-)

 

Italians as percentage of total population

Rome city Oneida 33633 8522 852 25.34
Ronkonkoma CDP Suffolk 20480 8634 848 42.16
Rotterdam CDP Schenectady 21187 6944 567 32.77
Saratoga Springs city, Saratoga 28664 4893 711 17.07
Schenectady city Schenectady 61327 9467 838 15.44
Selden CDP Suffolk 21168 8444 852 39.89
Shirley CDP Suffolk 28452 11104 845 39.03
Smithtown CDP Suffolk 28018 10666 840 38.07
Spring Valley village Rockland 24136 367 165 1.52
Syracuse city Onondaga 139386 19260 1,056 13.82
Tonawanda CDP Erie 57219 13950 833 24.38
Troy city Rennselaer 47748 7116 784 14.90
Uniondale CDP Nassau 24157 682 183 2.82
Utica city Oneida 58220 13815 952 23.73
Valley Stream village Nassau 36229 8434 903 23.28
Watertown city Jefferson 27331 4111 593 15.04
West Babylon CDP Suffolk 44991 17636 1,186 39.20
West Islip CDP Suffolk 29281 12039 960 41.12
West Seneca CDP Erie 43935 8342 753 18.99
White Plains city Westchester 57181 10427 1,031 18.24
Yonkers city Westchester 199055 34735 1,673 17.45

Source: Custom tabulation using US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2005-2009. B04003. Total Ancestry Reported – Universe: Total Ancestry Categories Tallied for People with one or more ancestry categories reported Data Set: 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Obtained from http://www.census.gov (accessed on August 21, 2011).

 

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