Wading River, Central Suffolk, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,684
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$110,184/yr
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,086
2.6% year-over-year change

Wading River population

How many people live in Wading River

Wading River is home to 7,684 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Wading River locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
7,684
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
3,725
Female
51.5%
3,960
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,725 48.5% 1.4%
Female 3,960 51.5% 5.5%
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 Wading River is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 28.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
28.6%
Over 65
18.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,429 18.6% 9.8%
15 to 24 794 10.3% 2.5%
25 to 44 1,835 23.9% 5.9%
45 to 64 2,196 28.6% -3.4%
Over 65 1,431 18.6% 6.5%
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 Wading River, 89.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,844 89.1% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 450 5.9% 10.6%
Non-citizens 390 5.1% 18.9%
Racial breakdown
White
85.8%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 6,597 85.8%
Black or African American 160 2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15 0.2%
Asian 97 1.3%
Two or more races 338 4.4%
Other 478 6.2%

Households in Wading River

A peek inside Wading River households

Wading River has 2,746 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.3% are families, while the remaining 28.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,746
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
786
Family households
1,959
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 786 28.6% 0.1%
Family households 1,959 71.3% 1.9%
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 Wading River

The housing landscape of Wading River

Wading River's housing consists of 3,086 units, with 93.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.3% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,086
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,876 93.2%
1 unit, attached 71 2.3%
3 or 4 units 3 0.1%
5 to 9 units 23 0.8%
10 to 19 units 5 0.2%
20 to 49 units 30 1%
Mobile home 77 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
7
16.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wading River

In Wading River, the median construction year is 1984. About 5.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% 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 182 5.9% 16.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 237 7.7% 58.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 396 12.8% -9.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 371 12% -10.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 251 8.1% -32.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 491 15.9% 11.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 577 18.7% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 508 16.5% 37.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 66 2.1% 3.1%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.2% 16.7%
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.

Wading River occupancy rates

Out of the 2,746 occupied housing units in Wading River, 97.8% are owner-occupied, while 2.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,746
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
61
Owner occupied
2,685
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 61 2.2% -21.8%
Owner occupied 2,685 97.8% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.0%
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.

Wading River housing costs

Housing costs in Wading River come to a median of $2,178 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,954.

Median housing costs per month
$2,178/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 Wading River
$1,954/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 Wading River

Wading River education at a glance

About 26% of the population in Wading River went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 20.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 179 2.9% 14.7%
High school diploma 1,603 26% 13.5%
College diploma 1,240 20.1% -4.8%
Associate degree 497 8.1% -16.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,269 20.6% 20.9%
Graduate degree 1,380 22.4% -9.4%
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 Wading River

How much people earn in Wading River

The average annual household income in Wading River was $157,146 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $110,184, reflecting a -3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wading River
$157,146/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wading River
$110,184/year
-3.2% year-over-year change

Wading River income by age

In Wading River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $161,669. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $131,067 overall. Overall, 97.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $161,669 -3.4%
45 - 64 $131,067 -5.0%
Over 65 $75,696 21.7%
Above poverty level
7,417
Below poverty level
212
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,417 97.2% 4.3%
Below poverty level 212 2.8% -0.5%

Employment in Wading River

Workforce and job types in Wading River

81.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.7% run their own businesses, 46.5% are employed by private companies, and 27.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,175
Blue collar
711
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,175 81.7% 0.7%
Blue collar 711 18.3% -0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
14.7%
Private companies
46.5%
Governmental workers
27.8%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 571 14.7% -8.6%
Private companies 1,809 46.5% -3.2%
Governmental workers 1,081 27.8% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 426 11% 31.5%

Transportation in Wading River

How people get around in Wading River

Commuting methods vary: 98.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,119 98.2% -3.4%
Bus or trolleybus 6 0.2% 0.0%
Railroad 40 1.3% 135.3%
Walk 10 0.3% -23.1%
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 Wading River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11933 6,693 2,889 $74,195 $108,812
11792 8,904 3,116 $146,174 $172,670

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FAQs about Wading River demographics 

What is the total population of Wading River?

Wading River has a total population of 7,684 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wading River?

The gender ratio in Wading River is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (3,725 residents)
  • 51.5% females (3,960 residents)

What is the median age in Wading River?

The median age in Wading River is 47.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wading River?

The age distribution in Wading River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (1,429 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (794 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (1,835 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.6% (2,196 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.6% (1,431 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wading River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wading River is as follows:
  • White: 85.8% (6,597 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (160 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (15 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (97 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (338 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (478 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.1% of the population in Wading River.

How many housing units are there in Wading River?

There are 3,086 housing units in Wading River, reflecting a +2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wading River has a total of 2,746 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wading River?

Wading River has a median household income of $110,184, representing a -3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Wading River?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.7% (3,175 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.3% (711 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.7% (571 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.5% (1,809 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.8% (1,081 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (426 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