Lower East Side, Manhattan, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
53,364
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,386/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
28,250
2.6% year-over-year change

Lower East Side population

How many people live in Lower East Side

Lower East Side is home to 53,364 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Lower East Side locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
53,364
1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
27,299
Female
48.8%
26,064
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,299 51.2% 3.2%
Female 26,064 48.8% 0.4%
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 Lower East Side is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.3% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.3%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
30%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
23.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,034 11.3% 1.3%
15 to 24 5,778 10.8% 10.7%
25 to 44 16,011 30% -2.3%
45 to 64 13,092 24.5% 1.7%
Over 65 12,449 23.3% 3.9%
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 Lower East Side, 56.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 28.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.6% of locals are Caucasian, 9.1% are African American and 36.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 13% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
56.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
28.8%
Non-citizens
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 30,343 56.9% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,347 28.8% 2.0%
Non-citizens 7,673 14.4% 2.3%
Racial breakdown
White
29.6%
Black or African American
9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
36.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
13%
Value Percent
White 15,800 29.6%
Black or African American 4,847 9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 162 0.3%
Asian 19,336 36.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 37 0.1%
Two or more races 6,260 11.7%
Other 6,922 13%

Households in Lower East Side

A peek inside Lower East Side households

Lower East Side has 25,377 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.1% are families, while the remaining 53.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,377
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,689
Family households
11,688
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,689 53.9% 4.6%
Family households 11,688 46.1% -0.5%
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 Lower East Side

The housing landscape of Lower East Side

Lower East Side's housing consists of 28,250 units, with 0.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
28,250
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 187 0.7%
1 unit, attached 26 0.1%
2 units 153 0.5%
3 or 4 units 476 1.7%
5 to 9 units 1,692 6%
10 to 19 units 4,891 17.3%
20 to 49 units 5,661 20%
50 or more units 15,153 53.6%
Mobile home 12 0%
Homes built since 2020
280
143.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lower East Side

In Lower East Side, the median construction year is 1953. About 38.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% 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 11,001 38.9% 4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,970 7% 1.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,167 14.8% 4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,347 11.8% -6.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,475 8.8% -9.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,647 5.8% 3.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 911 3.2% -0.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,104 3.9% 29.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,347 4.8% 10.8%
Built in 2020 or later 280 1% 143.5%
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.

Lower East Side occupancy rates

Out of the 25,377 occupied housing units in Lower East Side, 18.7% are owner-occupied, while 81.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,377
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,639
Owner occupied
4,737
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,639 81.3% 2.1%
Owner occupied 4,737 18.7% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
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.

Lower East Side housing costs

Housing costs in Lower East Side come to a median of $1,299 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,229.

Median housing costs per month
$1,299/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 Lower East Side
$1,229/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 Lower East Side

Lower East Side education at a glance

About 31.5% of the population in Lower East Side went to high school, while 12.4% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 26.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,089 13.2% 6.6%
High school diploma 14,529 31.5% -0.4%
College diploma 5,744 12.4% -2.6%
Associate degree 1,819 3.9% -1.6%
Bachelor's degree 12,324 26.7% 2.4%
Graduate degree 5,632 12.2% 6.0%
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 Lower East Side

How much people earn in Lower East Side

The average annual household income in Lower East Side was $95,535 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,386, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lower East Side
$95,535/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lower East Side
$48,386/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Lower East Side income by age

In Lower East Side, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,885. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $42,768 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,637, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $23,162 in earnings. Overall, 72% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,637 55.2%
25 - 44 $98,885 5.2%
45 - 64 $42,768 2.1%
Over 65 $23,162 -3.4%
Above poverty level
37,850
Below poverty level
14,717
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 37,850 72% -2.2%
Below poverty level 14,717 28% 14.1%

Employment in Lower East Side

Workforce and job types in Lower East Side

91% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 68.8% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
21,572
Blue collar
2,146
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,572 91% 0.9%
Blue collar 2,146 9% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
68.8%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,458 10.4% -4.0%
Private companies 16,316 68.8% -0.3%
Governmental workers 2,602 11% 3.4%
Not for profit companies 2,341 9.9% 12.0%

Transportation in Lower East Side

How people get around in Lower East Side

In Lower East Side, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 20.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 45.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,119 20.2% 14.7%
Taxicab 262 2.5% -12.1%
Bus or trolleybus 1,802 17.1% -7.5%
Railroad 45 0.4% -40.8%
Ferryboat 83 0.8% 27.7%
Motorcycle 19 0.2% 90.0%
Bicycle 1,354 12.9% 24.7%
Walk 4,827 45.9% -9.1%
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 Lower East Side by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
10002 76,873 36,556 $48,386 $96,930

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FAQs about Lower East Side demographics 

What is the total population of Lower East Side?

Lower East Side has a total population of 53,364 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 +1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lower East Side?

The gender ratio in Lower East Side is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (27,299 residents)
  • 48.8% females (26,064 residents)

What is the median age in Lower East Side?

The median age in Lower East Side is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lower East Side?

The age distribution in Lower East Side is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.3% (6,034 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (5,778 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30% (16,011 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (13,092 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.3% (12,449 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lower East Side?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lower East Side is as follows:
  • White: 29.6% (15,800 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.1% (4,847 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (162 residents)
  • Asian: 36.2% (19,336 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (37 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (6,260 residents)
  • Other: 13% (6,922 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lower East Side are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 56.9% of the population in Lower East Side.

How many housing units are there in Lower East Side?

There are 28,250 housing units in Lower East Side, reflecting a +2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lower East Side and what is the average household size?

Lower East Side has a total of 25,377 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lower East Side?

Lower East Side has a median household income of $48,386, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Lower East Side?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91% (21,572 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9% (2,146 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (2,458 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.8% (16,316 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (2,602 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (2,341 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