Chinatown, Manhattan, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,859
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$104,770/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,043
1.2% year-over-year change

Chinatown population

How many people live in Chinatown

Chinatown is home to 12,859 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Chinatown locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
12,859
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
6,386
Female
50.4%
6,474
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,386 49.7% 0.5%
Female 6,474 50.4% -0.9%
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 Chinatown is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.4% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.3% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.4%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
32.3%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,468 11.4% -1.6%
15 to 24 1,440 11.2% 9.1%
25 to 44 4,157 32.3% -2.4%
45 to 64 3,071 23.9% -1.6%
Over 65 2,722 21.2% 1.2%
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 Chinatown, 61.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 26.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 37.9% of locals are Caucasian, 6.9% are African American and 34.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
26.1%
Non-citizens
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,931 61.7% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,351 26.1% -0.8%
Non-citizens 1,577 12.3% -3.9%
Racial breakdown
White
37.9%
Black or African American
6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
34.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.2%
Other
9.1%
Value Percent
White 4,875 37.9%
Black or African American 886 6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 32 0.2%
Asian 4,447 34.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0%
Two or more races 1,443 11.2%
Other 1,170 9.1%

Households in Chinatown

A peek inside Chinatown households

Chinatown has 5,993 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.6% are families, while the remaining 52.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,993
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,143
Family households
2,850
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,143 52.4% 2.8%
Family households 2,850 47.6% -2.3%
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 Chinatown

The housing landscape of Chinatown

Chinatown's housing consists of 7,043 units, with 0.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,043
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 33 0.5%
1 unit, attached 16 0.2%
2 units 57 0.8%
3 or 4 units 215 3%
5 to 9 units 761 10.8%
10 to 19 units 1,236 17.6%
20 to 49 units 1,649 23.4%
50 or more units 3,064 43.5%
Mobile home 13 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
45
125.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chinatown

In Chinatown, the median construction year is 1946. About 49.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,456 49.1% -0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 340 4.8% 2.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 666 9.5% 2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 594 8.4% -1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 522 7.4% -11.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 335 4.8% 4.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 207 2.9% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 408 5.8% 13.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 470 6.7% 12.4%
Built in 2020 or later 45 0.6% 125.0%
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.

Chinatown occupancy rates

Out of the 5,993 occupied housing units in Chinatown, 22.7% are owner-occupied, while 77.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,993
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,635
Owner occupied
1,358
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,635 77.3% 0.2%
Owner occupied 1,358 22.7% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
14.9%
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.

Chinatown housing costs

Housing costs in Chinatown come to a median of $2,393 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,914.

Median housing costs per month
$2,393/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 Chinatown
$1,914/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 Chinatown

Chinatown education at a glance

About 25.2% of the population in Chinatown went to high school, while 13% pursued college studies. Another 3.1% earned an associate degree and 32.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,080 9.7% 0.5%
High school diploma 2,807 25.2% -1.1%
College diploma 1,446 13% 0.3%
Associate degree 350 3.1% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 3,595 32.3% -0.8%
Graduate degree 1,861 16.7% 1.5%
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 Chinatown

How much people earn in Chinatown

The average annual household income in Chinatown was $245,931 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $104,770, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chinatown
$245,931/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chinatown
$104,770/year
1.7% year-over-year change

Chinatown income by age

In Chinatown, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $158,707. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $103,584 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,420, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,606 in earnings. Overall, 77.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,420 88.6%
25 - 44 $158,707 1.9%
45 - 64 $103,584 -8.0%
Over 65 $40,606 2.0%
Above poverty level
9,579
Below poverty level
2,785
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,579 77.5% -3.8%
Below poverty level 2,785 22.5% 15.0%

Employment in Chinatown

Workforce and job types in Chinatown

92.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 68.4% are employed by private companies, and 8.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,711
Blue collar
467
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,711 92.4% -2.0%
Blue collar 467 7.6% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
68.4%
Governmental workers
8.2%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 806 13% -8.9%
Private companies 4,225 68.4% -3.1%
Governmental workers 504 8.2% 7.0%
Not for profit companies 643 10.4% 11.2%

Transportation in Chinatown

How people get around in Chinatown

In Chinatown, the average commute time is 3 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 21.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 49.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
3 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 553 21.6% 17.9%
Taxicab 104 4.1% -26.2%
Bus or trolleybus 290 11.4% -15.0%
Railroad 12 0.5% -63.6%
Ferryboat 13 0.5% -18.8%
Motorcycle 3 0.1% 50.0%
Bicycle 309 12.1% 28.2%
Walk 1,271 49.8% -5.1%
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 Chinatown by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
10002 76,873 36,556 $48,386 $96,930
10013 27,219 12,230 $161,154 $396,109

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chinatown demographics 

What is the total population of Chinatown?

Chinatown has a total population of 12,859 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 Chinatown?

The gender ratio in Chinatown is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (6,386 residents)
  • 50.4% females (6,474 residents)

What is the median age in Chinatown?

The median age in Chinatown is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chinatown?

The age distribution in Chinatown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.4% (1,468 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (1,440 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.3% (4,157 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (3,071 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (2,722 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chinatown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chinatown is as follows:
  • White: 37.9% (4,875 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.9% (886 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (32 residents)
  • Asian: 34.6% (4,447 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.2% (1,443 residents)
  • Other: 9.1% (1,170 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.7% of the population in Chinatown.

How many housing units are there in Chinatown?

There are 7,043 housing units in Chinatown, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chinatown has a total of 5,993 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chinatown?

Chinatown has a median household income of $104,770, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chinatown?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.4% (5,711 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.6% (467 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (806 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.4% (4,225 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.2% (504 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (643 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