Upper West Side, Manhattan, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
106,153
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$159,874/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
61,190
0.4% year-over-year change

Upper West Side population

How many people live in Upper West Side

Upper West Side is home to 106,153 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of Upper West Side locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
106,153
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
49,610
Female
53.3%
56,542
Value Percent YoY change
Male 49,610 46.7% 0.9%
Female 56,542 53.3% 0.9%
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 Upper West Side is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.8% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.3% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
31.3%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
22.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,580 12.8% -2.9%
15 to 24 8,953 8.4% 5.6%
25 to 44 33,207 31.3% 2.9%
45 to 64 26,623 25.1% -3.3%
Over 65 23,790 22.4% 3.6%
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 Upper West Side, 75.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.6% of locals are Caucasian, 6.1% are African American and 9.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.1%
Non-citizens
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 79,732 75.1% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13,914 13.1% 1.7%
Non-citizens 12,506 11.8% 5.4%
Racial breakdown
White
67.6%
Black or African American
6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
9.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.8%
Other
7.1%
Value Percent
White 71,744 67.6%
Black or African American 6,495 6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 129 0.1%
Asian 9,824 9.2%
Two or more races 10,396 9.8%
Other 7,565 7.1%

Households in Upper West Side

A peek inside Upper West Side households

Upper West Side has 50,747 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.4% are families, while the remaining 53.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
50,747
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
27,181
Family households
23,566
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 27,181 53.6% 2.1%
Family households 23,566 46.4% 1.5%
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 Upper West Side

The housing landscape of Upper West Side

Upper West Side's housing consists of 61,190 units, with 1.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
61,190
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 836 1.4%
1 unit, attached 778 1.3%
2 units 316 0.5%
3 or 4 units 656 1.1%
5 to 9 units 4,709 7.7%
10 to 19 units 7,512 12.3%
20 to 49 units 12,165 19.9%
50 or more units 34,214 55.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0%
Homes built since 2020
170
95.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Upper West Side

In Upper West Side, the median construction year is 1938. About 63.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 38,701 63.2% -0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,446 4% 5.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,901 4.7% -1.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,590 7.5% -3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,163 5.2% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,200 6.9% 2.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,324 2.2% -9.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,505 2.5% -6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,189 3.6% 30.8%
Built in 2020 or later 170 0.3% 95.4%
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.

Upper West Side occupancy rates

Out of the 50,747 occupied housing units in Upper West Side, 35.5% are owner-occupied, while 64.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
50,747
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
32,733
Owner occupied
18,014
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 32,733 64.5% 3.3%
Owner occupied 18,014 35.5% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
17.1%
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.

Upper West Side housing costs

Housing costs in Upper West Side come to a median of $3,254 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,041.

Median housing costs per month
$3,254/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 Upper West Side
$3,041/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 Upper West Side

Upper West Side education at a glance

About 10.1% of the population in Upper West Side went to high school, while 9.7% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 33% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 42.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,137 2.4% 1.2%
High school diploma 9,114 10.1% 7.2%
College diploma 8,770 9.7% 3.8%
Associate degree 1,989 2.2% 1.4%
Bachelor's degree 29,760 33% -0.4%
Graduate degree 38,405 42.6% 0.7%
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 Upper West Side

How much people earn in Upper West Side

The average annual household income in Upper West Side was $265,858 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $159,874, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Upper West Side
$265,858/year
-2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Upper West Side
$159,874/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Upper West Side income by age

In Upper West Side, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $191,328. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $176,433 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,818, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $101,096 in earnings. Overall, 89.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,818 -15.4%
25 - 44 $191,328 -3.0%
45 - 64 $176,433 1.9%
Over 65 $101,096 9.7%
Above poverty level
90,786
Below poverty level
10,855
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 90,786 89.3% 0.6%
Below poverty level 10,855 10.7% 4.5%

Employment in Upper West Side

Workforce and job types in Upper West Side

97.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.6% run their own businesses, 59.7% are employed by private companies, and 9.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
55,393
Blue collar
1,600
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 55,393 97.2% -0.3%
Blue collar 1,600 2.8% -0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
15.6%
Private companies
59.7%
Governmental workers
9.2%
Not for profit companies
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,889 15.6% 0.3%
Private companies 34,009 59.7% -0.6%
Governmental workers 5,241 9.2% -4.6%
Not for profit companies 8,854 15.5% 3.1%

Transportation in Upper West Side

How people get around in Upper West Side

In Upper West Side, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 25.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 37.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
-58.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,720 25.3% -12.2%
Taxicab 923 6.3% -15.9%
Bus or trolleybus 2,164 14.7% -10.4%
Railroad 414 2.8% 45.8%
Motorcycle 71 0.5% -26.0%
Bicycle 1,848 12.6% 6.7%
Walk 5,559 37.8% -10.1%
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 Upper West Side by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
10023 69,455 37,708 $159,874 $250,761
10024 63,115 30,120 $181,560 $301,748
10025 93,065 41,334 $108,940 $184,534

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Upper West Side demographics 

What is the total population of Upper West Side?

Upper West Side has a total population of 106,153 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Upper West Side?

The gender ratio in Upper West Side is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (49,610 residents)
  • 53.3% females (56,542 residents)

What is the median age in Upper West Side?

The median age in Upper West Side is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Upper West Side?

The age distribution in Upper West Side is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.8% (13,580 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (8,953 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.3% (33,207 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (26,623 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.4% (23,790 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Upper West Side?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Upper West Side is as follows:
  • White: 67.6% (71,744 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.1% (6,495 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (129 residents)
  • Asian: 9.2% (9,824 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.8% (10,396 residents)
  • Other: 7.1% (7,565 residents)

What percentage of the population in Upper West Side are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.1% of the population in Upper West Side.

How many housing units are there in Upper West Side?

There are 61,190 housing units in Upper West Side, 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 Upper West Side and what is the average household size?

Upper West Side has a total of 50,747 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Upper West Side?

Upper West Side has a median household income of $159,874, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Upper West Side?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.2% (55,393 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.8% (1,600 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.6% (8,889 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.7% (34,009 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.2% (5,241 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.5% (8,854 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