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

Total population
23,600
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$162,863/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,276
0.9% year-over-year change

Gowanus population

How many people live in Gowanus

Gowanus is home to 23,600 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Gowanus locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
23,600
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
11,320
Female
52%
12,280
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,320 48% -0.7%
Female 12,280 52% 0.6%
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 Gowanus is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 6.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 41.2% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
6.3%
25 to 44
41.2%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,085 17.3% -4.0%
15 to 24 1,483 6.3% -5.1%
25 to 44 9,722 41.2% 0.1%
45 to 64 5,408 22.9% 1.1%
Over 65 2,902 12.3% 6.1%
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 Gowanus, 78.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 62.7% of locals are Caucasian, 8.9% are African American and 8.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.7%
Non-citizens
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,590 78.8% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,230 13.7% 1.2%
Non-citizens 1,779 7.5% -4.8%
Racial breakdown
White
62.7%
Black or African American
8.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.5%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 14,796 62.7%
Black or African American 2,110 8.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 76 0.3%
Asian 2,085 8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0%
Two or more races 3,184 13.5%
Other 1,346 5.7%

Households in Gowanus

A peek inside Gowanus households

Gowanus has 10,396 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.2% are families, while the remaining 48.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,396
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,068
Family households
5,328
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,068 48.8% 4.9%
Family households 5,328 51.2% -1.5%
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 Gowanus

The housing landscape of Gowanus

Gowanus's housing consists of 11,276 units, with 2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
11,276
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 222 2%
1 unit, attached 899 8%
2 units 1,339 11.9%
3 or 4 units 2,453 21.8%
5 to 9 units 2,226 19.7%
10 to 19 units 908 8%
20 to 49 units 1,221 10.8%
50 or more units 2,001 17.8%
Mobile home 4 0%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
150
72.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gowanus

In Gowanus, the median construction year is 1938. About 63.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,160 63.5% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 637 5.6% -0.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 361 3.2% -17.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 360 3.2% -12.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 264 2.3% 5.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 293 2.6% 8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 233 2.1% 1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 598 5.3% 4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,218 10.8% 2.9%
Built in 2020 or later 150 1.3% 72.4%
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.

Gowanus occupancy rates

Out of the 10,396 occupied housing units in Gowanus, 35.4% are owner-occupied, while 64.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,396
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,718
Owner occupied
3,678
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,718 64.6% 1.3%
Owner occupied 3,678 35.4% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
7.8%
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.

Gowanus housing costs

Housing costs in Gowanus come to a median of $2,912 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,831.

Median housing costs per month
$2,912/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 Gowanus
$2,831/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 Gowanus

Gowanus education at a glance

About 11.7% of the population in Gowanus went to high school, while 7.6% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 37.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 36.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 489 2.6% -15.5%
High school diploma 2,206 11.7% 4.7%
College diploma 1,426 7.6% 1.5%
Associate degree 743 3.9% 5.4%
Bachelor's degree 7,159 37.9% 1.6%
Graduate degree 6,866 36.4% -0.1%
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 Gowanus

How much people earn in Gowanus

The average annual household income in Gowanus was $242,247 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $162,863, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gowanus
$242,247/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gowanus
$162,863/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Gowanus income by age

In Gowanus, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $204,439. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $124,030 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,222, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,000 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,222 -40.8%
25 - 44 $204,439 4.0%
45 - 64 $124,030 -3.2%
Over 65 $64,000 4.9%
Above poverty level
21,167
Below poverty level
1,844
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,167 92% 0.4%
Below poverty level 1,844 8% -5.0%

Employment in Gowanus

Workforce and job types in Gowanus

95.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 60.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
13,341
Blue collar
650
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,341 95.4% 0.9%
Blue collar 650 4.6% -9.1%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
60.3%
Governmental workers
10.3%
Not for profit companies
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,843 13.2% 2.2%
Private companies 8,442 60.3% 1.1%
Governmental workers 1,447 10.3% -1.6%
Not for profit companies 2,259 16.2% -1.9%

Transportation in Gowanus

How people get around in Gowanus

In Gowanus, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 32.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 39.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
77.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 990 32.9% -11.3%
Taxicab 87 2.9% 2.4%
Bus or trolleybus 196 6.5% 14.6%
Railroad 57 1.9% -24.0%
Ferryboat 16 0.5% 6.7%
Motorcycle 18 0.6% 28.6%
Bicycle 466 15.5% 7.9%
Walk 1,179 39.2% 1.9%
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 Gowanus by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11217 43,490 20,307 $162,863 $236,496
11215 70,441 29,788 $185,865 $249,651
11231 38,276 16,783 $139,930 $230,224

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FAQs about Gowanus demographics 

What is the total population of Gowanus?

Gowanus has a total population of 23,600 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gowanus?

The gender ratio in Gowanus is as follows:
  • 48% males (11,320 residents)
  • 52% females (12,280 residents)

What is the median age in Gowanus?

The median age in Gowanus is 37.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gowanus?

The age distribution in Gowanus is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (4,085 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.3% (1,483 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 41.2% (9,722 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (5,408 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.3% (2,902 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gowanus?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gowanus is as follows:
  • White: 62.7% (14,796 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.9% (2,110 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (76 residents)
  • Asian: 8.8% (2,085 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.5% (3,184 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (1,346 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.8% of the population in Gowanus.

How many housing units are there in Gowanus?

There are 11,276 housing units in Gowanus, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gowanus has a total of 10,396 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gowanus?

Gowanus has a median household income of $162,863, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Gowanus?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.4% (13,341 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.6% (650 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (1,843 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.3% (8,442 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.3% (1,447 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.2% (2,259 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