Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
68,145
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,355/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,740
0.4% year-over-year change

Brownsville population

How many people live in Brownsville

Brownsville is home to 68,145 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.2% of Brownsville locals are male, and 55.8% are female.

Total population
68,145
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.2%
30,103
Female
55.8%
38,041
Value Percent YoY change
Male 30,103 44.2% 5.2%
Female 38,041 55.8% -1.7%
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 Brownsville is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,379 19.6% -5.8%
15 to 24 8,329 12.2% -0.1%
25 to 44 19,402 28.5% 1.8%
45 to 64 17,262 25.3% 2.8%
Over 65 9,774 14.3% 9.6%
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 Brownsville, 61.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 25.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 5.6% of locals are Caucasian, 69.5% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
25.3%
Non-citizens
13%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 42,056 61.7% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17,267 25.3% 8.1%
Non-citizens 8,822 13% -1.8%
Racial breakdown
White
5.6%
Black or African American
69.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.4%
Other
9%
Value Percent
White 3,814 5.6%
Black or African American 47,341 69.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 134 0.2%
Asian 876 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 31 0%
Two or more races 9,826 14.4%
Other 6,122 9%

Households in Brownsville

A peek inside Brownsville households

Brownsville has 25,301 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.6% are families, while the remaining 38.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,301
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,702
Family households
15,599
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,702 38.4% 0.5%
Family households 15,599 61.6% 2.0%
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 Brownsville

The housing landscape of Brownsville

Brownsville's housing consists of 26,740 units, with 2.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,740
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 658 2.5%
1 unit, attached 1,914 7.2%
2 units 2,355 8.8%
3 or 4 units 4,990 18.7%
5 to 9 units 1,760 6.6%
10 to 19 units 1,803 6.7%
20 to 49 units 5,295 19.8%
50 or more units 7,941 29.7%
Mobile home 25 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
465
180.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brownsville

In Brownsville, the median construction year is 1957. About 29.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,799 29.2% -3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,849 10.6% -3.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,157 15.6% 2.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,900 10.8% 11.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,789 10.4% 13.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,229 8.3% -20.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 912 3.4% 19.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,208 4.5% -10.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,432 5.4% 3.3%
Built in 2020 or later 465 1.7% 180.1%
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.

Brownsville occupancy rates

Out of the 25,301 occupied housing units in Brownsville, 13.2% are owner-occupied, while 86.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,301
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
21,974
Owner occupied
3,328
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 21,974 86.8% 2.2%
Owner occupied 3,328 13.2% -3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
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.

Brownsville housing costs

Housing costs in Brownsville come to a median of $1,304 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,294.

Median housing costs per month
$1,304/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 Brownsville
$1,294/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 Brownsville

Brownsville education at a glance

About 51.2% of the population in Brownsville went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,253 6.2% 2.5%
High school diploma 26,758 51.2% 0.7%
College diploma 10,748 20.6% 10.2%
Associate degree 3,968 7.6% 17.5%
Bachelor's degree 5,248 10% -10.5%
Graduate degree 2,300 4.4% 24.0%
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 Brownsville

How much people earn in Brownsville

The average annual household income in Brownsville was $54,345 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,355, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brownsville
$54,345/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brownsville
$41,355/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Brownsville income by age

In Brownsville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,026. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $45,565 overall. Overall, 66.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,026 8.3%
45 - 64 $45,565 -7.3%
Over 65 $27,294 1.5%
Above poverty level
44,676
Below poverty level
22,408
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 44,676 66.6% 1.8%
Below poverty level 22,408 33.4% 1.2%

Employment in Brownsville

Workforce and job types in Brownsville

80% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 61.4% are employed by private companies, and 21.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
20,513
Blue collar
5,127
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 20,513 80% -3.2%
Blue collar 5,127 20% 19.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
61.4%
Governmental workers
21.5%
Not for profit companies
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,707 6.7% 12.2%
Private companies 15,742 61.4% -0.8%
Governmental workers 5,509 21.5% -1.1%
Not for profit companies 2,682 10.5% 6.8%

Transportation in Brownsville

How people get around in Brownsville

In Brownsville, the average commute time is 37 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 45.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
37 min
-2.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,324 45.6% 16.4%
Taxicab 651 5.6% 8.0%
Bus or trolleybus 4,109 35.2% 4.2%
Railroad 290 2.5% -39.7%
Bicycle 95 0.8% 30.1%
Walk 1,203 10.3% 16.5%
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 Brownsville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11212 89,020 33,052 $41,355 $58,982

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FAQs about Brownsville demographics 

What is the total population of Brownsville?

Brownsville has a total population of 68,145 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brownsville?

The gender ratio in Brownsville is as follows:
  • 44.2% males (30,103 residents)
  • 55.8% females (38,041 residents)

What is the median age in Brownsville?

The median age in Brownsville is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brownsville?

The age distribution in Brownsville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (13,379 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (8,329 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (19,402 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (17,262 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.3% (9,774 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brownsville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brownsville is as follows:
  • White: 5.6% (3,814 residents)
  • Black or African American: 69.5% (47,341 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (134 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (876 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (31 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.4% (9,826 residents)
  • Other: 9% (6,122 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.7% of the population in Brownsville.

How many housing units are there in Brownsville?

There are 26,740 housing units in Brownsville, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brownsville has a total of 25,301 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brownsville?

Brownsville has a median household income of $41,355, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Brownsville?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80% (20,513 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20% (5,127 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (1,707 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.4% (15,742 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.5% (5,509 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.5% (2,682 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