Brooklyn, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,541,406
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,464/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,063,020
1.0% year-over-year change

Brooklyn population

How many people live in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is home to 2,541,406 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Brooklyn locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
2,541,406
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
1,211,407
Female
52.3%
1,329,999
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,211,407 47.7% -0.6%
Female 1,329,999 52.3% -0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Brooklyn is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.8% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
31.8%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 472,491 18.6% -2.5%
15 to 24 282,820 11.1% -0.8%
25 to 44 808,347 31.8% -0.7%
45 to 64 582,647 22.9% -1.1%
Over 65 395,101 15.6% 2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Brooklyn, 61.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 37.4% of locals are Caucasian, 28.2% are African American and 12.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.8%
Non-citizens
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,562,604 61.5% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 631,565 24.8% -1.6%
Non-citizens 347,238 13.7% 1.3%
Racial breakdown
White
37.4%
Black or African American
28.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
12.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
11.1%
Value Percent
White 950,104 37.4%
Black or African American 715,279 28.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16,875 0.7%
Asian 311,921 12.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 958 0%
Two or more races 263,039 10.4%
Other 283,229 11.1%

Households in Brooklyn

A peek inside Brooklyn households

Brooklyn has 975,312 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 58.5% are families, while the remaining 41.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
975,312
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
405,015
Family households
570,298
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 405,015 41.5% 2.4%
Family households 570,298 58.5% -1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Brooklyn

The housing landscape of Brooklyn

Brooklyn's housing consists of 1,063,020 units, with 4.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,063,020
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 50,926 4.8%
1 unit, attached 90,419 8.5%
2 units 168,935 15.9%
3 or 4 units 169,640 16%
5 to 9 units 113,518 10.7%
10 to 19 units 68,513 6.4%
20 to 49 units 149,807 14.1%
50 or more units 249,119 23.4%
Mobile home 1,766 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 378 0%
Homes built since 2020
10,958
85.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brooklyn

In Brooklyn, the median construction year is 1938. About 47.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 507,235 47.7% 0.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 88,188 8.3% -2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 109,984 10.4% -0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 100,289 9.4% -1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 52,887 5% -0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 34,059 3.2% -0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 29,544 2.8% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 56,365 5.3% 3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 73,511 6.9% 10.0%
Built in 2020 or later 10,958 1% 85.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Brooklyn occupancy rates

Out of the 975,312 occupied housing units in Brooklyn, 29.6% are owner-occupied, while 70.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
975,312
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
687,090
Owner occupied
288,222
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 687,090 70.4% 0.3%
Owner occupied 288,222 29.6% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Brooklyn housing costs

Housing costs in Brooklyn come to a median of $1,847 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,771.

Median housing costs per month
$1,847/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Brooklyn
$1,771/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Brooklyn

Brooklyn education at a glance

About 32% of the population in Brooklyn went to high school, while 14.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 24.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 152,554 7.7% 0.2%
High school diploma 633,070 32% -2.4%
College diploma 282,030 14.2% -0.5%
Associate degree 124,069 6.3% -0.7%
Bachelor's degree 481,225 24.3% 1.5%
Graduate degree 307,529 15.5% 2.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Brooklyn

How much people earn in Brooklyn

The average annual household income in Brooklyn was $118,096 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,464, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brooklyn
$118,096/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brooklyn
$81,464/year
0.5% year-over-year change

Brooklyn income by age

In Brooklyn, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,350 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,372, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,342 in earnings. Overall, 80.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,372 -13.6%
25 - 44 $90,313 -4.1%
45 - 64 $81,350 -1.4%
Over 65 $44,342 7.8%
Above poverty level
2,007,506
Below poverty level
476,211
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,007,506 80.8% -0.9%
Below poverty level 476,211 19.2% 1.0%

Average renter income in Brooklyn

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brooklyn, their median household income was $59,976 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$59,976
Rent-to-income ratio
35.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brooklyn

Workforce and job types in Brooklyn

86.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 62.1% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,041,341
Blue collar
161,172
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,041,341 86.6% -0.2%
Blue collar 161,172 13.4% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
62.1%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 126,912 10.6% 3.4%
Private companies 746,915 62.1% -1.9%
Governmental workers 173,885 14.5% -0.0%
Not for profit companies 154,801 12.9% 3.1%

Transportation in Brooklyn

How people get around in Brooklyn

In Brooklyn, the average commute time is 1,421 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 51.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 20.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
1,421 min
1.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 251,661 51.4% -1.9%
Taxicab 10,288 2.1% -2.8%
Bus or trolleybus 95,424 19.5% -0.4%
Railroad 5,546 1.1% -30.7%
Ferryboat 1,839 0.4% -9.1%
Motorcycle 1,664 0.3% 36.6%
Bicycle 24,192 4.9% -0.3%
Walk 98,837 20.2% 1.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Brooklyn by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11206 93,020 34,813 $61,430 $93,331
11207 93,198 35,658 $56,523 $76,883
11208 105,428 34,395 $62,077 $86,123
11209 71,004 30,410 $93,854 $130,125
11210 57,915 20,723 $83,692 $117,398
11211 65,314 28,139 $107,506 $159,714
11201 70,674 34,022 $173,136 $249,394
11203 74,817 29,238 $67,897 $90,203
11204 79,800 24,896 $69,479 $92,943
11205 51,676 17,962 $93,887 $141,870

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FAQs about Brooklyn demographics 

What is the total population of Brooklyn?

Brooklyn has a total population of 2,541,406 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brooklyn?

The gender ratio in Brooklyn is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (1,211,407 residents)
  • 52.3% females (1,329,999 residents)

What is the median age in Brooklyn?

The median age in Brooklyn is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brooklyn?

The age distribution in Brooklyn is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (472,491 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (282,820 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.8% (808,347 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (582,647 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (395,101 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brooklyn?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brooklyn is as follows:
  • White: 37.4% (950,104 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.2% (715,279 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (16,875 residents)
  • Asian: 12.3% (311,921 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (958 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (263,039 residents)
  • Other: 11.1% (283,229 residents)

What percentage of the population in Brooklyn are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.5% of the population in Brooklyn.

How many housing units are there in Brooklyn?

There are 1,063,020 housing units in Brooklyn, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Brooklyn and what is the average household size?

Brooklyn has a total of 975,312 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn has a median household income of $81,464, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Brooklyn?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.6% (1,041,341 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.4% (161,172 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (126,912 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.1% (746,915 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (173,885 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.9% (154,801 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025