Canarsie, Brooklyn, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
73,641
-7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,464/yr
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
31,144
0.6% year-over-year change

Canarsie population

How many people live in Canarsie

Canarsie is home to 73,641 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Canarsie locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
73,641
-7.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
33,273
Female
54.8%
40,368
Value Percent YoY change
Male 33,273 45.2% -8.7%
Female 40,368 54.8% -6.5%
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 Canarsie is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,684 17.2% -9.1%
15 to 24 8,267 11.2% -10.2%
25 to 44 18,277 24.8% -13.3%
45 to 64 19,203 26.1% -7.5%
Over 65 15,209 20.6% 4.2%
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 Canarsie, 51.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 37.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 4.2% of locals are Caucasian, 79.2% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
51.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
37.4%
Non-citizens
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 38,094 51.7% -8.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27,562 37.4% -6.5%
Non-citizens 7,985 10.8% -8.5%
Racial breakdown
White
4.2%
Black or African American
79.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.5%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 3,115 4.2%
Black or African American 58,349 79.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 243 0.3%
Asian 1,519 2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0%
Two or more races 7,716 10.5%
Other 2,695 3.7%

Households in Canarsie

A peek inside Canarsie households

Canarsie has 25,954 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.9% are families, while the remaining 28.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,954
-6.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
7,295
Family households
18,659
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,295 28.1% -3.9%
Family households 18,659 71.9% -8.0%
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 Canarsie

The housing landscape of Canarsie

Canarsie's housing consists of 31,144 units, with 8.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.8% 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
31,144
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,529 8.1%
1 unit, attached 4,309 13.8%
2 units 13,319 42.8%
3 or 4 units 6,716 21.6%
5 to 9 units 570 1.8%
10 to 19 units 725 2.3%
20 to 49 units 1,149 3.7%
50 or more units 1,806 5.8%
Mobile home 20 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
46
24.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Canarsie

In Canarsie, the median construction year is 1957. About 28.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8,800 28.3% 2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,143 6.9% 0.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,290 20.2% -5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,417 30.2% 5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,985 6.4% -11.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 813 2.6% 0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 638 2% 5.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 786 2.5% 8.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 225 0.7% 14.2%
Built in 2020 or later 46 0.2% 24.3%
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.

Canarsie occupancy rates

Out of the 25,954 occupied housing units in Canarsie, 51.6% are owner-occupied, while 48.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,954
-6.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,557
Owner occupied
13,397
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,557 48.4% -9.0%
Owner occupied 13,397 51.6% -4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
16.7%
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.

Canarsie housing costs

Housing costs in Canarsie come to a median of $1,950 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,660.

Median housing costs per month
$1,950/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 Canarsie
$1,660/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 Canarsie

Canarsie education at a glance

About 36.5% of the population in Canarsie went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 17.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,684 6.3% -5.2%
High school diploma 21,410 36.5% -4.7%
College diploma 12,793 21.8% -6.9%
Associate degree 5,257 9% -7.5%
Bachelor's degree 10,184 17.4% -11.9%
Graduate degree 5,273 9% -2.3%
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 Canarsie

How much people earn in Canarsie

The average annual household income in Canarsie was $102,825 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,464, reflecting a -1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Canarsie
$102,825/year
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Canarsie
$81,464/year
-1.6% year-over-year change

Canarsie income by age

In Canarsie, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,679 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,075, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,450 in earnings. Overall, 86.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,075 -10.3%
25 - 44 $85,333 0.7%
45 - 64 $95,679 0.5%
Over 65 $66,450 8.4%
Above poverty level
62,587
Below poverty level
9,581
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 62,587 86.7% -7.5%
Below poverty level 9,581 13.3% -7.4%

Employment in Canarsie

Workforce and job types in Canarsie

84% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.5% run their own businesses, 60.3% are employed by private companies, and 23.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
26,724
Blue collar
5,098
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 26,724 84% -8.7%
Blue collar 5,098 16% -15.9%
Employer type
Self employees
5.5%
Private companies
60.3%
Governmental workers
23.5%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,740 5.5% 3.3%
Private companies 19,179 60.3% -12.8%
Governmental workers 7,464 23.5% -9.7%
Not for profit companies 3,439 10.8% 2.2%

Transportation in Canarsie

How people get around in Canarsie

In Canarsie, the average commute time is 42 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 63.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
42 min
-2.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,136 63.6% -10.7%
Taxicab 526 2.8% 26.4%
Bus or trolleybus 5,471 28.7% -2.4%
Railroad 212 1.1% -40.3%
Ferryboat 27 0.1% -47.1%
Bicycle 60 0.3% 15.4%
Walk 655 3.4% -17.2%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Canarsie by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11236 88,051 31,033 $81,464 $103,837

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FAQs about Canarsie demographics 

What is the total population of Canarsie?

Canarsie has a total population of 73,641 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 -7.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Canarsie?

The gender ratio in Canarsie is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (33,273 residents)
  • 54.8% females (40,368 residents)

What is the median age in Canarsie?

The median age in Canarsie is 42.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Canarsie?

The age distribution in Canarsie is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (12,684 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (8,267 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (18,277 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (19,203 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (15,209 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Canarsie?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Canarsie is as follows:
  • White: 4.2% (3,115 residents)
  • Black or African American: 79.2% (58,349 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (243 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (1,519 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.5% (7,716 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (2,695 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 51.7% of the population in Canarsie.

How many housing units are there in Canarsie?

There are 31,144 housing units in Canarsie, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Canarsie has a total of 25,954 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Canarsie?

Canarsie has a median household income of $81,464, representing a -1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Canarsie?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84% (26,724 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16% (5,098 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.5% (1,740 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.3% (19,179 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.5% (7,464 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (3,439 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