Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
23,954
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$148,693/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,396
2.4% year-over-year change

Prospect Heights population

How many people live in Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights is home to 23,954 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.6% of Prospect Heights locals are male, and 54.4% are female.

Total population
23,954
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.6%
10,929
Female
54.4%
13,025
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,929 45.6% 0.9%
Female 13,025 54.4% -0.4%
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 Prospect Heights is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 6.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 45.8% of the population, while another 20.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
6.8%
25 to 44
45.8%
45 to 64
20.7%
Over 65
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,626 15.1% -2.3%
15 to 24 1,626 6.8% 18.8%
25 to 44 10,978 45.8% 1.3%
45 to 64 4,956 20.7% -2.8%
Over 65 2,768 11.6% -4.4%
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 Prospect Heights, 77.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 48.2% of locals are Caucasian, 23.5% are African American and 7.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.2%
Non-citizens
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,655 77.9% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,402 14.2% -6.8%
Non-citizens 1,897 7.9% -1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
48.2%
Black or African American
23.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
7.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.3%
Other
4.9%
Value Percent
White 11,535 48.2%
Black or African American 5,632 23.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 144 0.6%
Asian 1,800 7.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 3,665 15.3%
Other 1,177 4.9%

Households in Prospect Heights

A peek inside Prospect Heights households

Prospect Heights has 11,416 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.4% are families, while the remaining 57.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,416
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,576
Family households
4,840
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,576 57.6% 1.8%
Family households 4,840 42.4% 3.0%
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 Prospect Heights

The housing landscape of Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights's housing consists of 12,396 units, with 1.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
12,396
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 163 1.3%
1 unit, attached 458 3.7%
2 units 895 7.2%
3 or 4 units 1,914 15.4%
5 to 9 units 1,647 13.3%
10 to 19 units 1,121 9%
20 to 49 units 2,250 18.2%
50 or more units 3,942 31.8%
Mobile home 6 0%
Homes built since 2020
259
311.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Prospect Heights

In Prospect Heights, the median construction year is 1938. About 50.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,251 50.4% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 990 8% 13.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 438 3.5% -12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 587 4.7% -6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 496 4% -0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 385 3.1% -5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 207 1.7% -21.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 818 6.6% 2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,965 15.8% 15.9%
Built in 2020 or later 259 2.1% 311.1%
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.

Prospect Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 11,416 occupied housing units in Prospect Heights, 27.7% are owner-occupied, while 72.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,416
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,254
Owner occupied
3,162
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,254 72.3% 3.1%
Owner occupied 3,162 27.7% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.9%
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.

Prospect Heights housing costs

Housing costs in Prospect Heights come to a median of $2,866 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,752.

Median housing costs per month
$2,866/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 Prospect Heights
$2,752/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 Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights education at a glance

About 13.3% of the population in Prospect Heights went to high school, while 9.1% pursued college studies. Another 3.8% earned an associate degree and 39.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 31.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 544 2.8% 10.6%
High school diploma 2,627 13.3% -7.7%
College diploma 1,801 9.1% 1.4%
Associate degree 742 3.8% -8.8%
Bachelor's degree 7,740 39.2% 4.2%
Graduate degree 6,275 31.8% -1.4%
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 Prospect Heights

How much people earn in Prospect Heights

The average annual household income in Prospect Heights was $194,339 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $148,693, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Prospect Heights
$194,339/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Prospect Heights
$148,693/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Prospect Heights income by age

In Prospect Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $187,011. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $117,281 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,164, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,740 in earnings. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,164 -32.8%
25 - 44 $187,011 2.2%
45 - 64 $117,281 -1.0%
Over 65 $55,740 -5.0%
Above poverty level
20,649
Below poverty level
2,783
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,649 88.1% -0.1%
Below poverty level 2,783 11.9% 2.9%

Employment in Prospect Heights

Workforce and job types in Prospect Heights

95.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.8% run their own businesses, 58.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
13,942
Blue collar
592
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,942 95.9% -0.7%
Blue collar 592 4.1% 6.1%
Employer type
Self employees
12.8%
Private companies
58.8%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,867 12.8% 9.2%
Private companies 8,540 58.8% -0.8%
Governmental workers 1,825 12.6% 1.6%
Not for profit companies 2,302 15.8% -6.9%

Transportation in Prospect Heights

How people get around in Prospect Heights

In Prospect Heights, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 36.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 31.2% 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
23.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,089 36.5% -14.7%
Taxicab 53 1.8% -22.1%
Bus or trolleybus 358 12% 23.9%
Railroad 32 1.1% -31.9%
Ferryboat 20 0.7% -9.1%
Motorcycle 36 1.2% 12.5%
Bicycle 462 15.5% 1.8%
Walk 931 31.2% -2.1%
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 Prospect Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11238 58,345 27,919 $134,523 $186,562
11217 43,490 20,307 $162,863 $236,496

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FAQs about Prospect Heights demographics 

What is the total population of Prospect Heights?

Prospect Heights has a total population of 23,954 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 Prospect Heights?

The gender ratio in Prospect Heights is as follows:
  • 45.6% males (10,929 residents)
  • 54.4% females (13,025 residents)

What is the median age in Prospect Heights?

The median age in Prospect Heights is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in Prospect Heights?

The age distribution in Prospect Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (3,626 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.8% (1,626 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 45.8% (10,978 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.7% (4,956 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.6% (2,768 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Prospect Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Prospect Heights is as follows:
  • White: 48.2% (11,535 residents)
  • Black or African American: 23.5% (5,632 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (144 residents)
  • Asian: 7.5% (1,800 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.3% (3,665 residents)
  • Other: 4.9% (1,177 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.9% of the population in Prospect Heights.

How many housing units are there in Prospect Heights?

There are 12,396 housing units in Prospect Heights, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Prospect Heights has a total of 11,416 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Prospect Heights?

Prospect Heights has a median household income of $148,693, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Prospect Heights?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.9% (13,942 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.1% (592 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.8% (1,867 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.8% (8,540 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (1,825 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.8% (2,302 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