East Lyme, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,757
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$111,054/yr
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,211
4.0% year-over-year change

East Lyme population

How many people live in East Lyme

East Lyme is home to 16,757 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of East Lyme locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
16,757
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
7,569
Female
54.8%
9,187
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,569 45.2% -0.3%
Female 9,187 54.8% 1.1%
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 East Lyme is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.5% are children under 15, then 9.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21% of the population, while another 29.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
50
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.5%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 44
21%
45 to 64
29.5%
Over 65
25.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,426 14.5% 5.0%
15 to 24 1,598 9.5% -2.4%
25 to 44 3,510 21% 0.1%
45 to 64 4,937 29.5% -1.9%
Over 65 4,285 25.6% 2.3%
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 East Lyme, 89% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 6.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,918 89% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,501 9% 0.3%
Non-citizens 337 2% 5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
80.2%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 13,435 80.2%
Black or African American 518 3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.1%
Asian 1,159 6.9%
Two or more races 925 5.5%
Other 702 4.2%

Households in East Lyme

A peek inside East Lyme households

East Lyme has 7,138 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.4% are families, while the remaining 34.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,138
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,466
Family households
4,672
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,466 34.6% -5.5%
Family households 4,672 65.4% 6.1%
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 East Lyme

The housing landscape of East Lyme

East Lyme's housing consists of 8,211 units, with 76.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
8,211
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,264 76.3%
1 unit, attached 411 5%
2 units 199 2.4%
3 or 4 units 370 4.5%
5 to 9 units 165 2%
10 to 19 units 435 5.3%
20 to 49 units 109 1.3%
50 or more units 259 3.2%
Homes built since 2020
186
342.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Lyme

In East Lyme, the median construction year is 1975. About 11.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 941 11.5% -7.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 303 3.7% 8.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,043 12.7% -0.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,207 14.7% 2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,140 13.9% 2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 973 11.8% 14.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 685 8.3% -5.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 953 11.6% 12.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 781 9.5% -0.5%
Built in 2020 or later 186 2.3% 342.9%
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.

East Lyme occupancy rates

Out of the 7,138 occupied housing units in East Lyme, 75.5% are owner-occupied, while 24.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,138
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,749
Owner occupied
5,389
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,749 24.5% 7.0%
Owner occupied 5,389 75.5% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
13.1%
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.

East Lyme housing costs

Housing costs in East Lyme come to a median of $1,812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,478.

Median housing costs per month
$1,812/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 East Lyme
$1,478/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 East Lyme

East Lyme education at a glance

About 25.1% of the population in East Lyme went to high school, while 16.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 27.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 87 0.6% -34.1%
High school diploma 3,437 25.1% -2.3%
College diploma 2,244 16.4% 2.0%
Associate degree 1,107 8.1% -2.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,736 27.3% -0.0%
Graduate degree 3,096 22.6% 3.5%
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 East Lyme

How much people earn in East Lyme

The average annual household income in East Lyme was $147,579 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $111,054, reflecting a -3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Lyme
$147,579/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Lyme
$111,054/year
-3.6% year-over-year change

East Lyme income by age

In East Lyme, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $131,688. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,044 overall. Overall, 94.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $131,688 1.2%
45 - 64 $149,044 0.3%
Over 65 $70,451 0.1%
Above poverty level
15,018
Below poverty level
873
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,018 94.5% 0.2%
Below poverty level 873 5.5% 11.9%

Employment in East Lyme

Workforce and job types in East Lyme

88.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,989
Blue collar
881
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,989 88.8% -0.3%
Blue collar 881 11.2% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 648 8.2% -8.0%
Private companies 5,185 65.9% 2.6%
Governmental workers 1,318 16.8% -4.3%
Not for profit companies 719 9.1% -3.6%

Transportation in East Lyme

How people get around in East Lyme

Commuting methods vary: 98.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,954 98.6% -1.9%
Ferryboat 36 0.6% 0.0%
Bicycle 29 0.5% 7.4%
Walk 17 0.3% -26.1%
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 East Lyme by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06333 7,389 3,004 $129,083 $156,897
06357 11,332 5,000 $93,026 $127,109

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FAQs about East Lyme demographics 

What is the total population of East Lyme?

East Lyme has a total population of 16,757 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Lyme?

The gender ratio in East Lyme is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (7,569 residents)
  • 54.8% females (9,187 residents)

What is the median age in East Lyme?

The median age in East Lyme is 50.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Lyme?

The age distribution in East Lyme is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.5% (2,426 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.5% (1,598 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21% (3,510 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.5% (4,937 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.6% (4,285 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Lyme?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Lyme is as follows:
  • White: 80.2% (13,435 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (518 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 6.9% (1,159 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (925 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (702 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89% of the population in East Lyme.

How many housing units are there in East Lyme?

There are 8,211 housing units in East Lyme, reflecting a +4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Lyme has a total of 7,138 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Lyme?

East Lyme has a median household income of $111,054, representing a -3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Lyme?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.8% (6,989 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.2% (881 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (648 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (5,185 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (1,318 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (719 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