Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
77,977
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,387/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
27,069
0.9% year-over-year change

Sunset Park population

How many people live in Sunset Park

Sunset Park is home to 77,977 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Sunset Park locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
77,977
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
39,589
Female
49.2%
38,388
Value Percent YoY change
Male 39,589 50.8% 1.2%
Female 38,388 49.2% -0.1%
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 Sunset Park is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.3% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.8% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.3%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
30.8%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15,797 20.3% -0.6%
15 to 24 8,648 11.1% 3.0%
25 to 44 24,031 30.8% -0.8%
45 to 64 18,735 24% 0.2%
Over 65 10,766 13.8% 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 Sunset Park, 46.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 23.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 29.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 21.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3.3% are African American and 34.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
46.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
23.6%
Non-citizens
29.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,359 46.6% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18,406 23.6% -0.3%
Non-citizens 23,212 29.8% -0.3%
Racial breakdown
White
21.3%
Black or African American
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
34.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
29.6%
Value Percent
White 16,614 21.3%
Black or African American 2,589 3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,785 2.3%
Asian 26,589 34.1%
Two or more races 7,340 9.4%
Other 23,060 29.6%

Households in Sunset Park

A peek inside Sunset Park households

Sunset Park has 24,727 households, with an average of 3 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
24,727
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
7,398
Family households
17,329
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,398 29.9% -3.6%
Family households 17,329 70.1% 1.9%
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 Sunset Park

The housing landscape of Sunset Park

Sunset Park's housing consists of 27,069 units, with 2.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.5% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
27,069
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 641 2.4%
1 unit, attached 2,036 7.5%
2 units 5,765 21.3%
3 or 4 units 6,106 22.6%
5 to 9 units 5,293 19.6%
10 to 19 units 2,405 8.9%
20 to 49 units 2,733 10.1%
50 or more units 1,942 7.2%
Mobile home 139 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0%
Homes built since 2020
17
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sunset Park

In Sunset Park, the median construction year is 1938. About 68% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 18,406 68% 8.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,031 7.5% -5.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,566 5.8% -11.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,082 4% -28.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,220 4.5% -15.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 805 3% -7.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 476 1.8% -8.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 827 3.1% 1.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 638 2.4% -10.4%
Built in 2020 or later 17 0.1% N/A
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.

Sunset Park occupancy rates

Out of the 24,727 occupied housing units in Sunset Park, 26.7% are owner-occupied, while 73.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,727
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18,129
Owner occupied
6,598
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18,129 73.3% 0.6%
Owner occupied 6,598 26.7% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.7%
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.

Sunset Park housing costs

Housing costs in Sunset Park come to a median of $1,858 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,916.

Median housing costs per month
$1,858/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 Sunset Park
$1,916/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 Sunset Park

Sunset Park education at a glance

About 37.8% of the population in Sunset Park went to high school, while 10.1% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 17.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11,910 20.1% 0.6%
High school diploma 22,412 37.8% -0.9%
College diploma 6,001 10.1% 0.9%
Associate degree 2,844 4.8% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 10,160 17.1% 4.7%
Graduate degree 6,021 10.2% 3.0%
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 Sunset Park

How much people earn in Sunset Park

The average annual household income in Sunset Park was $100,618 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,387, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sunset Park
$100,618/year
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sunset Park
$80,387/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Sunset Park income by age

In Sunset Park, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,022. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,700 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,480, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,196 in earnings. Overall, 77.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,480 -9.2%
25 - 44 $95,022 3.5%
45 - 64 $84,700 2.1%
Over 65 $45,196 18.5%
Above poverty level
59,027
Below poverty level
16,968
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 59,027 77.7% 0.6%
Below poverty level 16,968 22.3% 0.5%

Employment in Sunset Park

Workforce and job types in Sunset Park

79.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.9% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
29,124
Blue collar
7,453
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,124 79.6% 0.6%
Blue collar 7,453 20.4% 2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
11.9%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,355 11.9% 4.1%
Private companies 24,497 67% -0.7%
Governmental workers 3,503 9.6% 0.3%
Not for profit companies 4,222 11.5% 8.6%

Transportation in Sunset Park

How people get around in Sunset Park

In Sunset Park, the average commute time is 51 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 43.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 31.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
51 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,285 43.5% -0.6%
Taxicab 227 1.4% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 2,871 17.1% -1.8%
Railroad 204 1.2% -31.5%
Ferryboat 81 0.5% -25.0%
Motorcycle 113 0.7% 39.5%
Bicycle 715 4.3% -6.0%
Walk 5,250 31.4% 9.8%
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 Sunset Park by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11220 90,652 28,420 $69,883 $94,026
11232 27,816 9,309 $90,891 $126,677

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FAQs about Sunset Park demographics 

What is the total population of Sunset Park?

Sunset Park has a total population of 77,977 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sunset Park?

The gender ratio in Sunset Park is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (39,589 residents)
  • 49.2% females (38,388 residents)

What is the median age in Sunset Park?

The median age in Sunset Park is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sunset Park?

The age distribution in Sunset Park is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.3% (15,797 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (8,648 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.8% (24,031 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (18,735 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.8% (10,766 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sunset Park?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sunset Park is as follows:
  • White: 21.3% (16,614 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.3% (2,589 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (1,785 residents)
  • Asian: 34.1% (26,589 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (7,340 residents)
  • Other: 29.6% (23,060 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 46.6% of the population in Sunset Park.

How many housing units are there in Sunset Park?

There are 27,069 housing units in Sunset Park, 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 Sunset Park and what is the average household size?

Sunset Park has a total of 24,727 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sunset Park?

Sunset Park has a median household income of $80,387, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sunset Park?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.6% (29,124 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.4% (7,453 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.9% (4,355 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (24,497 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (3,503 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (4,222 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