Old Lyme Town, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,819
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$144,022/yr
-7.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,310
2.6% year-over-year change

Old Lyme population

How many people live in Old Lyme

Old Lyme is home to 3,819 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Old Lyme locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
3,819
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
1,833
Female
52%
1,986
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,833 48% -4.7%
Female 1,986 52% 4.4%
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 Old Lyme is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.9% of the population, while another 31.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
58
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
16.9%
45 to 64
31.3%
Over 65
27.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 582 15.2% 0.7%
15 to 24 334 8.8% -9.0%
25 to 44 646 16.9% 1.1%
45 to 64 1,196 31.3% -1.1%
Over 65 1,061 27.8% 2.6%
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 Old Lyme, 89.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.1%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,432 89.9% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 272 7.1% 8.8%
Non-citizens 115 3% 5.5%
Racial breakdown
White
89%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 3,397 89%
Black or African American 12 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 83 2.2%
Two or more races 269 7%
Other 55 1.4%

Households in Old Lyme

A peek inside Old Lyme households

Old Lyme has 1,594 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.1% are families, while the remaining 29.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,594
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
477
Family households
1,118
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 477 29.9% 16.1%
Family households 1,118 70.1% -1.4%
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 Old Lyme

The housing landscape of Old Lyme

Old Lyme's housing consists of 2,310 units, with 94.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,310
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,188 94.7%
1 unit, attached 10 0.4%
2 units 56 2.4%
3 or 4 units 15 0.6%
5 to 9 units 6 0.3%
50 or more units 2 0.1%
Mobile home 33 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
12
9.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Old Lyme

In Old Lyme, the median construction year is 1956. About 20.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 473 20.5% -6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 341 14.8% -0.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 250 10.8% 8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 269 11.6% 32.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 297 12.9% 7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 241 10.4% -1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 225 9.7% 5.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 172 7.4% -3.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 30 1.3% -34.8%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.5% 9.1%
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.

Old Lyme occupancy rates

Out of the 1,594 occupied housing units in Old Lyme, 89.3% are owner-occupied, while 10.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 31% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,594
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
170
Owner occupied
1,424
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 170 10.7% -2.9%
Owner occupied 1,424 89.3% 3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
31.0%
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.

Old Lyme housing costs

Housing costs in Old Lyme come to a median of $2,011 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,172.

Median housing costs per month
$2,011/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 Old Lyme
$2,172/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 Old Lyme

Old Lyme education at a glance

About 17.9% of the population in Old Lyme went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 26.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 16 0.5% 6.7%
High school diploma 557 17.9% -4.3%
College diploma 578 18.6% -7.1%
Associate degree 235 7.6% -8.6%
Bachelor's degree 834 26.9% 11.8%
Graduate degree 885 28.5% -0.2%
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 Old Lyme

How much people earn in Old Lyme

The average annual household income in Old Lyme was $209,408 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $144,022, reflecting a -7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Old Lyme
$209,408/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Old Lyme
$144,022/year
-7.4% year-over-year change

Old Lyme income by age

In Old Lyme, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $193,125. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $155,927 overall. Overall, 97.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $193,125 37.8%
45 - 64 $155,927 4.1%
Over 65 $96,440 -0.3%
Above poverty level
3,654
Below poverty level
109
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,654 97.1% -0.7%
Below poverty level 109 2.9% 26.7%

Employment in Old Lyme

Workforce and job types in Old Lyme

86.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.9% run their own businesses, 58.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,629
Blue collar
246
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,629 86.9% -1.7%
Blue collar 246 13.1% -11.2%
Employer type
Self employees
19.9%
Private companies
58.1%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 373 19.9% 1.6%
Private companies 1,089 58.1% -4.5%
Governmental workers 194 10.4% -14.5%
Not for profit companies 219 11.7% 10.1%

Transportation in Old Lyme

How people get around in Old Lyme

Commuting methods vary: 95.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% 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 1,300 95.6% -5.4%
Taxicab 2 0.2% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 6 0.4% 0.0%
Railroad 13 1% -31.6%
Ferryboat 1 0.1% N/A
Walk 38 2.8% 5.6%
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 Old Lyme by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06376 89 30 $156,000 $456,043
06371 9,828 4,122 $132,045 $208,339

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FAQs about Old Lyme demographics 

What is the total population of Old Lyme?

Old Lyme has a total population of 3,819 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 Old Lyme?

The gender ratio in Old Lyme is as follows:
  • 48% males (1,833 residents)
  • 52% females (1,986 residents)

What is the median age in Old Lyme?

The median age in Old Lyme is 58.

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

The age distribution in Old Lyme is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (582 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (334 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.9% (646 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.3% (1,196 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.8% (1,061 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Old Lyme?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Old Lyme is as follows:
  • White: 89% (3,397 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (12 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (83 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (269 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (55 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.9% of the population in Old Lyme.

How many housing units are there in Old Lyme?

There are 2,310 housing units in Old Lyme, 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 Old Lyme and what is the average household size?

Old Lyme has a total of 1,594 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Old Lyme?

Old Lyme has a median household income of $144,022, representing a -7.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Old Lyme?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.9% (1,629 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.1% (246 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.9% (373 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.1% (1,089 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (194 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (219 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