evidence: The State of New York sometimes defines the WNY region as including just five counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara. The state's Empire State Development Corporation and state health authorities have both mapped the region this way.[1] The state has also used this regional boundary to set policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] [...] The Chautauqua–Allegheny Region (also known as Southwestern New York or the Western Southern Tier) comprises Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties. The region is mountainous. The largest urban center is Jamestown, and Lake Chautauqua and Allegany State Park are major geographical features. [...] - Allegany County, population 48,357 - Cattaraugus County, population 79,458 - Chautauqua County, population 133,539 - Chemung County, population 88,911 - Erie County, population 954,236 - Genesee County, population 59,977 - Livingston County, population 64,810 - Monroe County, population 759,443 - Niagara County, population 215,124 - Ontario County, population 108,519 - Orleans County, population 42,836 - Schuyler County, population 18,514 - Seneca County, population 35,305 - Steuben County, population 99,063 - Wayne County, population 92,962 - Wyoming County, population 41,892 - Yates County, population 25,344