East Harlem, Manhattan, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
96,734
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,121/yr
11.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
46,554
0.6% year-over-year change

East Harlem population

How many people live in East Harlem

East Harlem is home to 96,734 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.7% of East Harlem locals are male, and 54.3% are female.

Total population
96,734
2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.7%
44,203
Female
54.3%
52,531
Value Percent YoY change
Male 44,203 45.7% 5.3%
Female 52,531 54.3% 0.8%
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 East Harlem is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.8% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
31.8%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15,890 16.4% 7.0%
15 to 24 10,723 11.1% -1.5%
25 to 44 30,769 31.8% 2.0%
45 to 64 23,742 24.5% 5.3%
Over 65 15,609 16.1% -0.0%
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 East Harlem, 68.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 19.1% of locals are Caucasian, 34.6% are African American and 9.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.2%
Non-citizens
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 66,028 68.3% 2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 19,550 20.2% 2.1%
Non-citizens 11,155 11.5% 7.3%
Racial breakdown
White
19.1%
Black or African American
34.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
9.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15%
Other
20.3%
Value Percent
White 18,517 19.1%
Black or African American 33,427 34.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,149 1.2%
Asian 9,442 9.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 41 0%
Two or more races 14,480 15%
Other 19,678 20.3%

Households in East Harlem

A peek inside East Harlem households

East Harlem has 42,331 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.3% are families, while the remaining 51.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
42,331
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
21,898
Family households
20,433
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,898 51.7% -1.4%
Family households 20,433 48.3% 5.0%
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 East Harlem

The housing landscape of East Harlem

East Harlem's housing consists of 46,554 units, with 0.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
46,554
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 294 0.6%
1 unit, attached 232 0.5%
2 units 436 0.9%
3 or 4 units 1,550 3.3%
5 to 9 units 2,888 6.2%
10 to 19 units 5,465 11.7%
20 to 49 units 9,004 19.3%
50 or more units 26,685 57.3%
Homes built since 2020
294
121.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Harlem

In East Harlem, the median construction year is 1960. About 24.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.1% 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 11,335 24.4% 12.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,178 6.8% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8,819 18.9% 0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 8,571 18.4% -8.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,182 11.1% -9.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,558 3.4% 15.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,552 3.3% -4.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,212 6.9% 7.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,852 6.1% -5.2%
Built in 2020 or later 294 0.6% 121.0%
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.

East Harlem occupancy rates

Out of the 42,331 occupied housing units in East Harlem, 8% are owner-occupied, while 92% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
42,331
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
38,947
Owner occupied
3,384
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 38,947 92% 1.1%
Owner occupied 3,384 8% 7.0%
Unoccupied housing units
9.1%
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.

East Harlem housing costs

Housing costs in East Harlem come to a median of $1,404 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,326.

Median housing costs per month
$1,404/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 East Harlem
$1,326/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 East Harlem

East Harlem education at a glance

About 34.1% of the population in East Harlem went to high school, while 16.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 19.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,326 10.7% 0.0%
High school diploma 26,533 34.1% 3.5%
College diploma 12,967 16.7% 2.0%
Associate degree 3,970 5.1% 11.7%
Bachelor's degree 15,010 19.3% -3.4%
Graduate degree 11,035 14.2% 4.9%
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 East Harlem

How much people earn in East Harlem

The average annual household income in East Harlem was $80,268 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,121, reflecting a +11.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Harlem
$80,268/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Harlem
$45,121/year
11.3% year-over-year change

East Harlem income by age

In East Harlem, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,110. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $47,825 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,993, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $19,473 in earnings. Overall, 68.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,993 -31.0%
25 - 44 $69,110 12.2%
45 - 64 $47,825 2.8%
Over 65 $19,473 2.3%
Above poverty level
64,018
Below poverty level
29,155
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 64,018 68.7% 3.0%
Below poverty level 29,155 31.3% 3.1%

Employment in East Harlem

Workforce and job types in East Harlem

89.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 63.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
35,844
Blue collar
4,298
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,844 89.3% 3.0%
Blue collar 4,298 10.7% 8.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
63.6%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,040 7.6% 11.7%
Private companies 25,552 63.6% 2.8%
Governmental workers 5,674 14.1% 0.2%
Not for profit companies 5,876 14.6% 6.4%

Transportation in East Harlem

How people get around in East Harlem

In East Harlem, the average commute time is 46 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 24.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 32% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
46 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,767 24.9% 14.7%
Taxicab 625 4.1% 58.6%
Bus or trolleybus 4,614 30.5% 11.5%
Railroad 264 1.8% -1.9%
Ferryboat 61 0.4% -4.7%
Motorcycle 86 0.6% 68.6%
Bicycle 860 5.7% 2.0%
Walk 4,841 32% 2.0%
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 East Harlem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
10029 77,447 33,660 $38,695 $79,646
10035 38,862 15,655 $45,121 $80,993
10037 19,031 9,982 $49,153 $93,337

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FAQs about East Harlem demographics 

What is the total population of East Harlem?

East Harlem has a total population of 96,734 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 +2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Harlem?

The gender ratio in East Harlem is as follows:
  • 45.7% males (44,203 residents)
  • 54.3% females (52,531 residents)

What is the median age in East Harlem?

The median age in East Harlem is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Harlem?

The age distribution in East Harlem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (15,890 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (10,723 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.8% (30,769 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (23,742 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.1% (15,609 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Harlem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Harlem is as follows:
  • White: 19.1% (18,517 residents)
  • Black or African American: 34.6% (33,427 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (1,149 residents)
  • Asian: 9.8% (9,442 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (41 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15% (14,480 residents)
  • Other: 20.3% (19,678 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.3% of the population in East Harlem.

How many housing units are there in East Harlem?

There are 46,554 housing units in East Harlem, 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 East Harlem and what is the average household size?

East Harlem has a total of 42,331 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Harlem?

East Harlem has a median household income of $45,121, representing a +11.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Harlem?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.3% (35,844 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.7% (4,298 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (3,040 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.6% (25,552 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (5,674 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.6% (5,876 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