Morningside Heights, Manhattan, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
47,565
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,940/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
23,848
0.7% year-over-year change

Morningside Heights population

How many people live in Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights is home to 47,565 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Morningside Heights locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
47,565
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
22,459
Female
52.8%
25,105
Value Percent YoY change
Male 22,459 47.2% -1.2%
Female 25,105 52.8% -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 Morningside Heights is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.9% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.2% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.9%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
31.2%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,157 12.9% -5.2%
15 to 24 6,741 14.2% 2.6%
25 to 44 14,815 31.2% -2.2%
45 to 64 10,837 22.8% -2.8%
Over 65 9,015 19% 6.0%
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 Morningside Heights, 73.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 48.4% of locals are Caucasian, 19.5% are African American and 9.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
73.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.6%
Non-citizens
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 34,845 73.3% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,469 13.6% 0.9%
Non-citizens 6,250 13.1% 1.7%
Racial breakdown
White
48.4%
Black or African American
19.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
9.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.6%
Other
10.5%
Value Percent
White 23,023 48.4%
Black or African American 9,258 19.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 109 0.2%
Asian 4,629 9.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0%
Two or more races 5,538 11.6%
Other 4,996 10.5%

Households in Morningside Heights

A peek inside Morningside Heights households

Morningside Heights has 20,431 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.5% are families, while the remaining 54.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
20,431
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,131
Family households
9,300
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,131 54.5% 3.7%
Family households 9,300 45.5% -1.4%
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 Morningside Heights

The housing landscape of Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights's housing consists of 23,848 units, with 1.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
23,848
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 284 1.2%
1 unit, attached 294 1.2%
2 units 348 1.5%
3 or 4 units 826 3.5%
5 to 9 units 1,660 7%
10 to 19 units 2,931 12.3%
20 to 49 units 5,119 21.5%
50 or more units 12,379 51.9%
Mobile home 4 0%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0%
Homes built since 2020
213
150.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Morningside Heights

In Morningside Heights, the median construction year is 1938. About 59.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 14,157 59.4% -0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,188 5% 6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,269 9.5% 4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,745 7.3% -4.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,141 4.8% 1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,039 4.4% -4.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 465 2% -9.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 813 3.4% -3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 819 3.4% 13.8%
Built in 2020 or later 213 0.9% 150.6%
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.

Morningside Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 20,431 occupied housing units in Morningside Heights, 27.7% are owner-occupied, while 72.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
20,431
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
14,779
Owner occupied
5,652
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 14,779 72.3% 0.7%
Owner occupied 5,652 27.7% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
14.3%
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.

Morningside Heights housing costs

Housing costs in Morningside Heights come to a median of $2,203 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,084.

Median housing costs per month
$2,203/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 Morningside Heights
$2,084/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 Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights education at a glance

About 17.8% of the population in Morningside Heights went to high school, while 14.6% pursued college studies. Another 2.8% earned an associate degree and 28.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 32.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,444 3.6% -1.4%
High school diploma 7,161 17.8% 0.6%
College diploma 5,856 14.6% -1.4%
Associate degree 1,134 2.8% 1.8%
Bachelor's degree 11,382 28.3% -0.2%
Graduate degree 13,200 32.8% 0.2%
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 Morningside Heights

How much people earn in Morningside Heights

The average annual household income in Morningside Heights was $174,455 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,940, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Morningside Heights
$174,455/year
-3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Morningside Heights
$108,940/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Morningside Heights income by age

In Morningside Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $146,923. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $146,406 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,818, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $77,436 in earnings. Overall, 82% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,818 -11.2%
25 - 44 $146,923 12.9%
45 - 64 $146,406 -0.6%
Over 65 $77,436 -9.7%
Above poverty level
35,708
Below poverty level
7,836
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 35,708 82% -2.1%
Below poverty level 7,836 18% 6.0%

Employment in Morningside Heights

Workforce and job types in Morningside Heights

The job market in Morningside Heights is powered by 23,335 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.4% run their own businesses, 54.6% are employed by private companies, and 12% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,335
-3.5% year-over-year change
White collar
22,139
Blue collar
1,196
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 22,139 94.9% -3.5%
Blue collar 1,196 5.1% -4.5%
Employer type
Self employees
12.4%
Private companies
54.6%
Governmental workers
12%
Not for profit companies
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,891 12.4% -6.5%
Private companies 12,741 54.6% -4.7%
Governmental workers 2,808 12% 3.8%
Not for profit companies 4,895 21% -2.7%
Unemployment rate
8.7%
14.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Morningside Heights stands at 8.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Morningside Heights

How people get around in Morningside Heights

In Morningside Heights, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 21.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 46.1% 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
-23.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,490 21.5% -5.0%
Taxicab 217 3.1% -18.4%
Bus or trolleybus 1,194 17.3% -5.8%
Railroad 141 2% 0.7%
Motorcycle 10 0.1% -16.7%
Bicycle 673 9.7% -0.3%
Walk 3,191 46.1% -6.9%
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 Morningside Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
10024 63,115 30,120 $181,560 $301,748
10025 93,065 41,334 $108,940 $184,534
10027 63,885 24,856 $59,587 $108,295

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Morningside Heights demographics 

What is the total population of Morningside Heights?

Morningside Heights has a total population of 47,565 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 Morningside Heights?

The gender ratio in Morningside Heights is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (22,459 residents)
  • 52.8% females (25,105 residents)

What is the median age in Morningside Heights?

The median age in Morningside Heights is 40.3.

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

The age distribution in Morningside Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.9% (6,157 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (6,741 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.2% (14,815 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (10,837 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (9,015 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Morningside Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Morningside Heights is as follows:
  • White: 48.4% (23,023 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.5% (9,258 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (109 residents)
  • Asian: 9.7% (4,629 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.6% (5,538 residents)
  • Other: 10.5% (4,996 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 73.3% of the population in Morningside Heights.

How many housing units are there in Morningside Heights?

There are 23,848 housing units in Morningside Heights, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Morningside Heights has a total of 20,431 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Morningside Heights?

Morningside Heights has a median household income of $108,940, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Morningside Heights?

The employment rate is 91.3% in Morningside Heights, with a workforce of 23,335 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.9% (22,139 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.1% (1,196 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.4% (2,891 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.6% (12,741 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12% (2,808 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 21% (4,895 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