Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
166,555
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,516/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
69,104
1.2% year-over-year change

Washington Heights population

How many people live in Washington Heights

Washington Heights is home to 166,555 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Washington Heights locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
166,555
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
81,979
Female
50.8%
84,576
Value Percent YoY change
Male 81,979 49.2% 1.8%
Female 84,576 50.8% -1.1%
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 Washington Heights is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.8% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
32.8%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 22,656 13.6% 3.9%
15 to 24 18,594 11.2% -1.2%
25 to 44 54,661 32.8% -2.8%
45 to 64 42,079 25.3% 0.1%
Over 65 28,564 17.2% 5.0%
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 Washington Heights, 55.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 27% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.9% of locals are Caucasian, 13.5% are African American and 3.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 19.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
55.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
27%
Non-citizens
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 92,906 55.8% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 44,926 27% 2.3%
Non-citizens 28,723 17.2% -5.3%
Racial breakdown
White
23.9%
Black or African American
13.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
3.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
19.6%
Other
37.9%
Value Percent
White 39,756 23.9%
Black or African American 22,474 13.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,325 1.4%
Asian 6,223 3.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 26 0%
Two or more races 32,683 19.6%
Other 63,068 37.9%

Households in Washington Heights

A peek inside Washington Heights households

Washington Heights has 63,943 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 52.5% are families, while the remaining 47.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
63,943
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
30,372
Family households
33,571
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 30,372 47.5% -0.1%
Family households 33,571 52.5% 0.9%
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 Washington Heights

The housing landscape of Washington Heights

Washington Heights's housing consists of 69,104 units, with 0.8% 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
69,104
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 522 0.8%
1 unit, attached 157 0.2%
2 units 470 0.7%
3 or 4 units 995 1.4%
5 to 9 units 2,062 3%
10 to 19 units 5,857 8.5%
20 to 49 units 29,642 42.9%
50 or more units 29,293 42.4%
Mobile home 107 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
117
254.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Washington Heights

In Washington Heights, the median construction year is 1938. About 60.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 41,955 60.7% 5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,675 11.1% -5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,910 7.1% -10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,092 10.3% 2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,167 3.1% -13.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,112 1.6% -16.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,040 1.5% 21.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,408 2% -6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,628 2.4% -4.1%
Built in 2020 or later 117 0.2% 254.6%
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.

Washington Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 63,943 occupied housing units in Washington Heights, 13.2% are owner-occupied, while 86.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
63,943
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
55,516
Owner occupied
8,427
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 55,516 86.8% 0.1%
Owner occupied 8,427 13.2% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
7.5%
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.

Washington Heights housing costs

Housing costs in Washington Heights come to a median of $1,640 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,629.

Median housing costs per month
$1,640/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 Washington Heights
$1,629/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 Washington Heights

Washington Heights education at a glance

About 27% of the population in Washington Heights went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 21.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 17,005 12.2% -2.6%
High school diploma 37,593 27% -2.3%
College diploma 24,391 17.5% 2.1%
Associate degree 7,904 5.7% 1.1%
Bachelor's degree 29,989 21.5% -1.7%
Graduate degree 22,417 16.1% 4.4%
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 Washington Heights

How much people earn in Washington Heights

The average annual household income in Washington Heights was $99,422 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,516, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Washington Heights
$99,422/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Washington Heights
$65,516/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Washington Heights income by age

In Washington Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,720. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,406 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,966, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,125 in earnings. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,966 10.6%
25 - 44 $80,720 4.2%
45 - 64 $68,406 -2.3%
Over 65 $39,125 8.1%
Above poverty level
129,606
Below poverty level
32,804
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 129,606 79.8% -1.6%
Below poverty level 32,804 20.2% 8.5%

Employment in Washington Heights

Workforce and job types in Washington Heights

The job market in Washington Heights is powered by 78,068 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.7% run their own businesses, 61.9% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
78,068
-3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
68,771
Blue collar
9,297
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 68,771 88.1% -2.1%
Blue collar 9,297 11.9% -10.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9.7%
Private companies
61.9%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,542 9.7% 0.7%
Private companies 48,329 61.9% -7.1%
Governmental workers 10,233 13.1% 5.9%
Not for profit companies 11,965 15.3% 4.3%
Unemployment rate
13.9%
1.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Washington Heights stands at 13.9%, 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 Washington Heights

How people get around in Washington Heights

In Washington Heights, the average commute time is 121 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 30.9% 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
121 min
-15.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,031 30.9% 7.5%
Taxicab 1,169 4.5% 13.1%
Bus or trolleybus 6,730 25.9% 1.1%
Railroad 586 2.3% -35.2%
Bicycle 1,299 5% 11.9%
Walk 8,168 31.4% -8.3%
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 Washington Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
10032 55,610 21,584 $56,829 $86,456
10033 54,838 19,973 $75,040 $125,962
10034 37,758 15,308 $67,754 $105,876
10039 32,492 12,966 $45,371 $71,222
10040 40,096 15,861 $65,516 $91,885

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FAQs about Washington Heights demographics 

What is the total population of Washington Heights?

Washington Heights has a total population of 166,555 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Washington Heights?

The gender ratio in Washington Heights is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (81,979 residents)
  • 50.8% females (84,576 residents)

What is the median age in Washington Heights?

The median age in Washington Heights is 39.3.

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

The age distribution in Washington Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (22,656 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (18,594 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.8% (54,661 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (42,079 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (28,564 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Washington Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Washington Heights is as follows:
  • White: 23.9% (39,756 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.5% (22,474 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (2,325 residents)
  • Asian: 3.7% (6,223 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (26 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.6% (32,683 residents)
  • Other: 37.9% (63,068 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 55.8% of the population in Washington Heights.

How many housing units are there in Washington Heights?

There are 69,104 housing units in Washington Heights, 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 Washington Heights and what is the average household size?

Washington Heights has a total of 63,943 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Washington Heights?

Washington Heights has a median household income of $65,516, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.1% in Washington Heights, with a workforce of 78,068 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.1% (68,771 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.9% (9,297 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.7% (7,542 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.9% (48,329 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (10,233 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.3% (11,965 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