Gales Ferry, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,141
11.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,735/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
497
-2.7% year-over-year change

Gales Ferry population

How many people live in Gales Ferry

Gales Ferry is home to 1,141 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.8% of Gales Ferry locals are male, and 54.2% are female.

Total population
1,141
11.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.8%
523
Female
54.2%
618
Value Percent YoY change
Male 523 45.8% -2.4%
Female 618 54.2% 25.9%
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 Gales Ferry is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 32.1% are children under 15, then 1.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
32.1%
15 to 24
1.4%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 366 32.1% 19.6%
15 to 24 16 1.4% -46.7%
25 to 44 263 23% 29.6%
45 to 64 317 27.8% -9.9%
Over 65 179 15.7% 31.6%
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 Gales Ferry, 94.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,077 94.4% 9.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 41 3.6% -4.7%
Non-citizens 23 2% 475.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.2%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 1,018 89.2%
Black or African American 35 3.1%
Asian 4 0.4%
Two or more races 43 3.8%
Other 41 3.6%

Households in Gales Ferry

A peek inside Gales Ferry households

Gales Ferry has 438 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.3% are families, while the remaining 29.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
438
6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
130
Family households
308
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 130 29.7% 2.4%
Family households 308 70.3% 7.7%
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 Gales Ferry

The housing landscape of Gales Ferry

Gales Ferry's housing consists of 497 units, with 99% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
497
-2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 492 99%
3 or 4 units 5 1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gales Ferry

In Gales Ferry, the median construction year is 1969. About 9.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 47 9.5% -58.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5 1% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 67 13.5% -30.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 142 28.6% 14.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 113 22.7% 18.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 42 8.4% 44.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 64 12.9% 433.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17 3.4% -26.1%
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.

Gales Ferry occupancy rates

Out of the 438 occupied housing units in Gales Ferry, 79% are owner-occupied, while 21% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
438
6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
92
Owner occupied
346
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 92 21% -10.7%
Owner occupied 346 79% 11.6%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
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.

Gales Ferry housing costs

Housing costs in Gales Ferry come to a median of $2,173 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,201.

Median housing costs per month
$2,173/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 Gales Ferry
$2,201/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 Gales Ferry

Gales Ferry education at a glance

About 27% of the population in Gales Ferry went to high school, while 18.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 21.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10 1.3% 25.0%
High school diploma 209 27% 36.6%
College diploma 142 18.3% -18.9%
Associate degree 88 11.4% -2.2%
Bachelor's degree 170 21.9% 9.7%
Graduate degree 156 20.1% 25.8%
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 Gales Ferry

How much people earn in Gales Ferry

The average annual household income in Gales Ferry was $89,498 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Gales Ferry
$89,498/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gales Ferry
$80,735/year
% year-over-year change

Gales Ferry income by age

In Gales Ferry, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $2,499. Overall, 71.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $2,499 0.0%
Over 65 $82,279 -15.0%
Above poverty level
815
Below poverty level
326
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 815 71.4% 21.8%
Below poverty level 326 28.6% -8.9%

Employment in Gales Ferry

Workforce and job types in Gales Ferry

The job market in Gales Ferry is powered by 544 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 22.1% run their own businesses, 61% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
544
13.3% year-over-year change
White collar
499
Blue collar
45
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 499 91.7% 4.0%
Blue collar 45 8.3% N/A
Employer type
Self employees
22.1%
Private companies
61%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 120 22.1% 50.0%
Private companies 332 61% 0.3%
Governmental workers 79 14.5% 113.5%
Not for profit companies 13 2.4% -59.4%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
34.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gales Ferry stands at 6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Gales Ferry

How people get around in Gales Ferry

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 451 82.9% 16.2%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gales Ferry demographics 

What is the total population of Gales Ferry?

Gales Ferry has a total population of 1,141 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 +11.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gales Ferry?

The gender ratio in Gales Ferry is as follows:
  • 45.8% males (523 residents)
  • 54.2% females (618 residents)

What is the median age in Gales Ferry?

The median age in Gales Ferry is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gales Ferry?

The age distribution in Gales Ferry is as follows:
  • Under 15: 32.1% (366 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 1.4% (16 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (263 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (317 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.7% (179 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gales Ferry?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gales Ferry is as follows:
  • White: 89.2% (1,018 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (35 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (43 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (41 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.4% of the population in Gales Ferry.

How many housing units are there in Gales Ferry?

There are 497 housing units in Gales Ferry, reflecting a -2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gales Ferry has a total of 438 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gales Ferry?

Gales Ferry has a median household income of $80,735, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Gales Ferry?

The employment rate is 94% in Gales Ferry, with a workforce of 544 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.7% (499 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.3% (45 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 22.1% (120 residents)
  • Private companies: 61% (332 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (79 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (13 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