Brightwaters, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,179
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$218,000/yr
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,054
2.0% year-over-year change

Brightwaters population

How many people live in Brightwaters

Brightwaters is home to 3,179 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.7% of Brightwaters locals are male, and 51.3% are female.

Total population
3,179
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
1,548
Female
51.3%
1,631
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,548 48.7% 1.8%
Female 1,631 51.3% -2.0%
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 Brightwaters is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.6% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 28.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.6%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
28.8%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 688 21.6% -4.0%
15 to 24 352 11.1% -5.1%
25 to 44 698 22% -6.8%
45 to 64 915 28.8% 4.7%
Over 65 526 16.6% 11.0%
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 Brightwaters, 93.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,971 93.5% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 150 4.7% -2.6%
Non-citizens 58 1.8% 9.4%
Racial breakdown
White
86.8%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 2,759 86.8%
Black or African American 96 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.1%
Asian 33 1%
Two or more races 237 7.5%
Other 51 1.6%

Households in Brightwaters

A peek inside Brightwaters households

Brightwaters has 1,054 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 83.5% are families, while the remaining 16.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,054
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
174
Family households
880
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 174 16.5% 6.8%
Family households 880 83.5% 1.1%
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 Brightwaters

The housing landscape of Brightwaters

Brightwaters's housing consists of 1,054 units, with 96.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,054
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,019 96.7%
1 unit, attached 6 0.6%
3 or 4 units 14 1.3%
10 to 19 units 15 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
9
28.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brightwaters

In Brightwaters, the median construction year is 1945. About 44.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% 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 473 44.9% 1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 99 9.4% 8.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 260 24.7% 0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 64 6.1% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 43 4.1% -27.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 22 2.1% 15.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 15 1.4% 114.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 42 4% 23.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 2.6% 3.9%
Built in 2020 or later 9 0.8% 28.6%
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.

Brightwaters occupancy rates

Out of the 1,054 occupied housing units in Brightwaters, 96.4% are owner-occupied, while 3.6% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
1,054
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
38
Owner occupied
1,016
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 38 3.6% -2.6%
Owner occupied 1,016 96.4% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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.

Brightwaters housing costs

Housing costs in Brightwaters come to a median of $3,984 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,728.

Median housing costs per month
$3,984/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 Brightwaters
$1,728/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 Brightwaters

Brightwaters education at a glance

About 15% of the population in Brightwaters went to high school, while 15.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 29% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 0.8% -5.3%
High school diploma 349 15% 7.4%
College diploma 364 15.7% -21.6%
Associate degree 217 9.4% 2.8%
Bachelor's degree 673 29% 5.3%
Graduate degree 700 30.2% 13.6%
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 Brightwaters

How much people earn in Brightwaters

The average annual household income in Brightwaters was $239,636 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $218,000, reflecting a +7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brightwaters
$239,636/year
4.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brightwaters
$218,000/year
7.0% year-over-year change

Brightwaters income by age

In Brightwaters, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $229,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $218,125 overall. Overall, 99.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $229,625 6.7%
45 - 64 $218,125 1.8%
Over 65 $147,639 17.2%
Above poverty level
3,145
Below poverty level
6
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,145 99.8% 0.3%
Below poverty level 6 0.2% -14.3%

Average renter income in Brightwaters

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brightwaters, their median household income was $53,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$53,000
Rent-to-income ratio
39.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brightwaters

Workforce and job types in Brightwaters

The job market in Brightwaters is powered by 1,561 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.2% run their own businesses, 57% are employed by private companies, and 22.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,561
-3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,403
Blue collar
158
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,403 89.9% -5.0%
Blue collar 158 10.1% 8.2%
Employer type
Self employees
12.2%
Private companies
57%
Governmental workers
22.4%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 191 12.2% -15.1%
Private companies 889 57% -2.8%
Governmental workers 349 22.4% -7.9%
Not for profit companies 132 8.5% 26.9%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
20.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brightwaters stands at 4.4%, 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 Brightwaters

How people get around in Brightwaters

Commuting methods vary: 67.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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 1,043 67.6% -7.0%
Taxicab 3 0.2% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.3% 0.0%
Subway or elevated 8 0.5% N/A
Railroad 119 7.7% 48.8%
Bicycle 7 0.4% N/A
Walk 35 2.3% 9.4%
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 Brightwaters by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11718 3,179 1,054 $218,000 $239,636

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FAQs about Brightwaters demographics 

What is the total population of Brightwaters?

Brightwaters has a total population of 3,179 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 Brightwaters?

The gender ratio in Brightwaters is as follows:
  • 48.7% males (1,548 residents)
  • 51.3% females (1,631 residents)

What is the median age in Brightwaters?

The median age in Brightwaters is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brightwaters?

The age distribution in Brightwaters is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.6% (688 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (352 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (698 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.8% (915 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (526 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brightwaters?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brightwaters is as follows:
  • White: 86.8% (2,759 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (96 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (33 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (237 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (51 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.5% of the population in Brightwaters.

How many housing units are there in Brightwaters?

There are 1,054 housing units in Brightwaters, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Brightwaters has a total of 1,054 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brightwaters?

Brightwaters has a median household income of $218,000, representing a +7.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brightwaters?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Brightwaters, with a workforce of 1,561 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.9% (1,403 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.1% (158 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.2% (191 residents)
  • Private companies: 57% (889 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.4% (349 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (132 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