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

Total population
195,929
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,370/yr
-5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
88,554
1.3% year-over-year change

Harlem population

How many people live in Harlem

Harlem is home to 195,929 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Harlem locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
195,929
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
92,856
Female
52.6%
103,073
Value Percent YoY change
Male 92,856 47.4% -1.4%
Female 103,073 52.6% 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 Harlem is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.3% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
35%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
13.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 28,084 14.3% -2.7%
15 to 24 24,753 12.6% 3.4%
25 to 44 68,536 35% -2.5%
45 to 64 48,295 24.6% -0.5%
Over 65 26,261 13.4% 6.6%
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 Harlem, 67.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20.5% of locals are Caucasian, 41.1% are African American and 6.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 16.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
67.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.1%
Non-citizens
14%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 133,040 67.9% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35,547 18.1% 3.8%
Non-citizens 27,342 14% -0.9%
Racial breakdown
White
20.5%
Black or African American
41.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
15.3%
Other
16.4%
Value Percent
White 40,123 20.5%
Black or African American 80,474 41.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,036 0.5%
Asian 11,883 6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 273 0.1%
Two or more races 30,025 15.3%
Other 32,115 16.4%

Households in Harlem

A peek inside Harlem households

Harlem has 79,307 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.4% are families, while the remaining 53.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
79,307
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
42,505
Family households
36,802
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 42,505 53.6% 1.6%
Family households 36,802 46.4% 0.6%
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 Harlem

The housing landscape of Harlem

Harlem's housing consists of 88,554 units, with 1.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
88,554
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,002 1.1%
1 unit, attached 1,372 1.6%
2 units 1,713 1.9%
3 or 4 units 4,954 5.6%
5 to 9 units 5,785 6.5%
10 to 19 units 12,354 14%
20 to 49 units 25,597 28.9%
50 or more units 35,605 40.2%
Mobile home 43 0%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 130 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
709
154.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Harlem

In Harlem, the median construction year is 1948. About 49.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 43,660 49.3% 0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,757 6.5% -4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,477 11.8% 3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,742 8.7% 1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,966 5.6% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,184 3.6% -3.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,926 3.3% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,393 6.1% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,740 4.2% 14.3%
Built in 2020 or later 709 0.8% 154.1%
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.

Harlem occupancy rates

Out of the 79,307 occupied housing units in Harlem, 16.2% are owner-occupied, while 83.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
79,307
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
66,425
Owner occupied
12,882
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 66,425 83.8% 0.4%
Owner occupied 12,882 16.2% 5.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.4%
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.

Harlem housing costs

Housing costs in Harlem come to a median of $1,530 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,488.

Median housing costs per month
$1,530/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 Harlem
$1,488/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 Harlem

Harlem education at a glance

About 29.4% of the population in Harlem went to high school, while 16.3% pursued college studies. Another 4.6% earned an associate degree and 23.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 12,928 8% 3.9%
High school diploma 47,663 29.4% 1.9%
College diploma 26,409 16.3% -6.2%
Associate degree 7,432 4.6% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 38,119 23.6% 0.1%
Graduate degree 29,289 18.1% 0.9%
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 Harlem

How much people earn in Harlem

The average annual household income in Harlem was $93,607 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,370, reflecting a -5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Harlem
$93,607/year
-3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Harlem
$54,370/year
-5.8% year-over-year change

Harlem income by age

In Harlem, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,148. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,838 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,915, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,697 in earnings. Overall, 74.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,915 -1.6%
25 - 44 $85,148 9.1%
45 - 64 $55,838 -4.5%
Over 65 $33,697 0.1%
Above poverty level
139,244
Below poverty level
48,287
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 139,244 74.2% -2.1%
Below poverty level 48,287 25.8% 5.8%

Employment in Harlem

Workforce and job types in Harlem

89% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 59.1% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
83,008
Blue collar
10,268
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 83,008 89% -3.4%
Blue collar 10,268 11% -2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
59.1%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,161 8.8% -6.8%
Private companies 55,098 59.1% -2.6%
Governmental workers 12,074 12.9% -6.0%
Not for profit companies 17,943 19.2% -2.2%

Transportation in Harlem

How people get around in Harlem

In Harlem, the average commute time is 95 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 26.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 31.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
95 min
-15.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,606 26.8% -1.8%
Taxicab 879 3.1% 21.2%
Bus or trolleybus 8,206 28.9% -7.2%
Railroad 709 2.5% 5.3%
Motorcycle 47 0.2% -14.6%
Bicycle 1,941 6.8% 1.6%
Walk 9,041 31.8% -6.0%
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 Harlem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
10026 37,123 15,634 $81,244 $134,318
10027 63,885 24,856 $59,587 $108,295
10030 29,297 13,092 $39,802 $74,474
10031 61,058 22,499 $65,283 $90,255
10037 19,031 9,982 $49,153 $93,337
10039 32,492 12,966 $45,371 $71,222

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FAQs about Harlem demographics 

What is the total population of Harlem?

Harlem has a total population of 195,929 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 Harlem?

The gender ratio in Harlem is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (92,856 residents)
  • 52.6% females (103,073 residents)

What is the median age in Harlem?

The median age in Harlem is 38.

What is the age distribution of the population in Harlem?

The age distribution in Harlem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.3% (28,084 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (24,753 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35% (68,536 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (48,295 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.4% (26,261 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Harlem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Harlem is as follows:
  • White: 20.5% (40,123 residents)
  • Black or African American: 41.1% (80,474 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (1,036 residents)
  • Asian: 6.1% (11,883 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (273 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.3% (30,025 residents)
  • Other: 16.4% (32,115 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 67.9% of the population in Harlem.

How many housing units are there in Harlem?

There are 88,554 housing units in Harlem, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Harlem has a total of 79,307 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Harlem?

Harlem has a median household income of $54,370, representing a -5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Harlem?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89% (83,008 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11% (10,268 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (8,161 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.1% (55,098 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (12,074 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 19.2% (17,943 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