West River, New Haven, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,806
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,794/yr
8.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,625
2.5% year-over-year change

West River population

How many people live in West River

West River is home to 5,806 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of West River locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
5,806
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
2,858
Female
50.8%
2,948
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,858 49.2% 1.6%
Female 2,948 50.8% -1.0%
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 West River is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 21.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.4% of the population, while another 17.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
32
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
21.2%
25 to 44
35.4%
45 to 64
17.2%
Over 65
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 956 16.5% -7.2%
15 to 24 1,228 21.2% 2.0%
25 to 44 2,052 35.4% 1.5%
45 to 64 996 17.2% 2.6%
Over 65 573 9.9% 1.1%
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 West River, 74.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 33.1% of locals are Caucasian, 33.4% are African American and 7.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.1%
Non-citizens
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,336 74.7% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 759 13.1% 0.3%
Non-citizens 711 12.2% 4.7%
Racial breakdown
White
33.1%
Black or African American
33.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.5%
Other
15.2%
Value Percent
White 1,921 33.1%
Black or African American 1,938 33.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 35 0.6%
Asian 417 7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 611 10.5%
Other 883 15.2%

Households in West River

A peek inside West River households

West River has 2,355 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.3% are families, while the remaining 54.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,355
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,288
Family households
1,067
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,288 54.7% 9.7%
Family households 1,067 45.3% -1.8%
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 West River

The housing landscape of West River

West River's housing consists of 2,625 units, with 14.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.1% 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
2,625
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 380 14.5%
1 unit, attached 133 5.1%
2 units 495 18.8%
3 or 4 units 664 25.3%
5 to 9 units 224 8.5%
10 to 19 units 133 5.1%
20 to 49 units 226 8.6%
50 or more units 365 13.9%
Mobile home 3 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
20
150.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West River

In West River, the median construction year is 1945. About 48.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,273 48.5% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 160 6.1% -10.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 259 9.9% 7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 229 8.7% -2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 177 6.7% 3.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 213 8.1% 12.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 98 3.7% 19.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 67 2.6% 21.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 129 4.9% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.8% 150.0%
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.

West River occupancy rates

Out of the 2,355 occupied housing units in West River, 21.1% are owner-occupied, while 78.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,355
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,858
Owner occupied
496
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,858 78.9% 4.3%
Owner occupied 496 21.1% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
10.3%
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.

West River housing costs

Housing costs in West River come to a median of $1,530 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,490.

Median housing costs per month
$1,530/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 West River
$1,490/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 West River

West River education at a glance

About 33.7% of the population in West River went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 18.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 199 4.3% 1.0%
High school diploma 1,558 33.7% -0.8%
College diploma 913 19.7% -0.4%
Associate degree 182 3.9% -5.7%
Bachelor's degree 866 18.7% 6.8%
Graduate degree 911 19.7% 4.6%
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 West River

How much people earn in West River

The average annual household income in West River was $88,033 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,794, reflecting a +8.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West River
$88,033/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in West River
$54,794/year
8.8% year-over-year change

West River income by age

In West River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,700. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,122 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $42,024, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,036 in earnings. Overall, 75.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $42,024 0.4%
25 - 44 $62,700 10.4%
45 - 64 $50,122 4.0%
Over 65 $34,036 -0.6%
Above poverty level
3,965
Below poverty level
1,285
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,965 75.5% 2.7%
Below poverty level 1,285 24.5% -8.3%

Employment in West River

Workforce and job types in West River

84.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 56.3% are employed by private companies, and 7.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,380
Blue collar
444
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,380 84.3% 4.8%
Blue collar 444 15.7% -10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
56.3%
Governmental workers
7.9%
Not for profit companies
29.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 181 6.4% 9.7%
Private companies 1,589 56.3% -2.8%
Governmental workers 224 7.9% -11.8%
Not for profit companies 830 29.4% 15.9%

Transportation in West River

How people get around in West River

Commuting methods vary: 67% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 22.3% 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 1,534 67% -3.0%
Taxicab 12 0.5% 71.4%
Bus or trolleybus 167 7.3% -9.2%
Railroad 17 0.7% 30.8%
Bicycle 49 2.1% -24.6%
Walk 510 22.3% 15.7%
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 West River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06511 54,730 22,586 $59,969 $95,020
06519 15,605 5,930 $49,619 $69,753

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about West River demographics 

What is the total population of West River?

West River has a total population of 5,806 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West River?

The gender ratio in West River is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (2,858 residents)
  • 50.8% females (2,948 residents)

What is the median age in West River?

The median age in West River is 32.

What is the age distribution of the population in West River?

The age distribution in West River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (956 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.2% (1,228 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.4% (2,052 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.2% (996 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.9% (573 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West River is as follows:
  • White: 33.1% (1,921 residents)
  • Black or African American: 33.4% (1,938 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (35 residents)
  • Asian: 7.2% (417 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.5% (611 residents)
  • Other: 15.2% (883 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.7% of the population in West River.

How many housing units are there in West River?

There are 2,625 housing units in West River, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West River has a total of 2,355 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West River?

West River has a median household income of $54,794, representing a +8.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for West River?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.3% (2,380 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.7% (444 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (181 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.3% (1,589 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.9% (224 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 29.4% (830 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