Far Rockaway, Queens, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
71,970
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,928/yr
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,116
2.5% year-over-year change

Far Rockaway population

How many people live in Far Rockaway

Far Rockaway is home to 71,970 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Far Rockaway locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
71,970
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
34,569
Female
52%
37,401
Value Percent YoY change
Male 34,569 48% 1.6%
Female 37,401 52% -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 Far Rockaway is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.7% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.9% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.7%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
21.9%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17,080 23.7% -2.1%
15 to 24 9,387 13% 7.2%
25 to 44 15,767 21.9% -5.5%
45 to 64 17,405 24.2% 0.7%
Over 65 12,331 17.1% 9.0%
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 Far Rockaway, 62.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.5% of locals are Caucasian, 42.3% are African American and 4.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
62.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.8%
Non-citizens
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 44,890 62.4% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17,845 24.8% -1.9%
Non-citizens 9,236 12.8% 5.8%
Racial breakdown
White
25.5%
Black or African American
42.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
4.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.9%
Other
12.6%
Value Percent
White 18,343 25.5%
Black or African American 30,440 42.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 469 0.6%
Asian 2,969 4.1%
Two or more races 10,721 14.9%
Other 9,029 12.6%

Households in Far Rockaway

A peek inside Far Rockaway households

Far Rockaway has 24,042 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.6% are families, while the remaining 36.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
24,042
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
8,743
Family households
15,299
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,743 36.4% 5.2%
Family households 15,299 63.6% 1.5%
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 Far Rockaway

The housing landscape of Far Rockaway

Far Rockaway's housing consists of 25,116 units, with 16.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,116
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,077 16.2%
1 unit, attached 2,251 9%
2 units 4,096 16.3%
3 or 4 units 1,819 7.2%
5 to 9 units 969 3.9%
10 to 19 units 615 2.4%
20 to 49 units 3,592 14.3%
50 or more units 7,628 30.4%
Mobile home 70 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
298
231.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Far Rockaway

In Far Rockaway, the median construction year is 1969. About 17.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,458 17.8% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,491 5.9% -4.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,337 17.3% 4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,691 14.7% -5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,236 16.9% 6.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,433 5.7% 7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,233 4.9% -9.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,751 11% 5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,188 4.7% 13.4%
Built in 2020 or later 298 1.2% 231.1%
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.

Far Rockaway occupancy rates

Out of the 24,042 occupied housing units in Far Rockaway, 28.1% are owner-occupied, while 71.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,042
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
17,276
Owner occupied
6,766
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 17,276 71.9% 4.4%
Owner occupied 6,766 28.1% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.3%
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.

Far Rockaway housing costs

Housing costs in Far Rockaway come to a median of $1,524 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,293.

Median housing costs per month
$1,524/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 Far Rockaway
$1,293/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 Far Rockaway

Far Rockaway education at a glance

About 41.1% of the population in Far Rockaway went to high school, while 18.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 13.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,097 9.8% -1.4%
High school diploma 21,268 41.1% 5.5%
College diploma 9,565 18.5% -8.0%
Associate degree 3,724 7.2% -8.1%
Bachelor's degree 6,938 13.4% 6.1%
Graduate degree 5,208 10% 6.4%
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 Far Rockaway

How much people earn in Far Rockaway

The average annual household income in Far Rockaway was $81,953 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,928, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Far Rockaway
$81,953/year
-5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Far Rockaway
$52,928/year
-0.6% year-over-year change

Far Rockaway income by age

In Far Rockaway, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,980. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,421 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,438, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,650 in earnings. Overall, 77.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,438 1,558.2%
25 - 44 $49,980 -10.3%
45 - 64 $72,421 4.9%
Over 65 $34,650 -0.9%
Above poverty level
53,199
Below poverty level
15,269
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 53,199 77.7% -1.0%
Below poverty level 15,269 22.3% 5.6%

Employment in Far Rockaway

Workforce and job types in Far Rockaway

83.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 59.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
22,484
Blue collar
4,377
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 22,484 83.7% -0.7%
Blue collar 4,377 16.3% -6.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
59.9%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,492 9.3% -3.4%
Private companies 16,081 59.9% -2.6%
Governmental workers 4,423 16.5% -7.5%
Not for profit companies 3,865 14.4% 11.9%

Transportation in Far Rockaway

How people get around in Far Rockaway

In Far Rockaway, the average commute time is 41 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 60.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 12.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
41 min
-26.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,101 60.6% -4.4%
Taxicab 575 2.9% 18.8%
Bus or trolleybus 4,081 20.4% -1.9%
Railroad 285 1.4% 11.8%
Ferryboat 11 0.1% -38.9%
Bicycle 459 2.3% 49.5%
Walk 2,443 12.2% 9.5%
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 Far Rockaway by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11691 69,359 23,039 $56,135 $83,121
11692 22,734 8,070 $49,720 $87,050

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Far Rockaway demographics 

What is the total population of Far Rockaway?

Far Rockaway has a total population of 71,970 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Far Rockaway?

The gender ratio in Far Rockaway is as follows:
  • 48% males (34,569 residents)
  • 52% females (37,401 residents)

What is the median age in Far Rockaway?

The median age in Far Rockaway is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Far Rockaway?

The age distribution in Far Rockaway is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.7% (17,080 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (9,387 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.9% (15,767 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (17,405 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.1% (12,331 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Far Rockaway?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Far Rockaway is as follows:
  • White: 25.5% (18,343 residents)
  • Black or African American: 42.3% (30,440 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (469 residents)
  • Asian: 4.1% (2,969 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.9% (10,721 residents)
  • Other: 12.6% (9,029 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 62.4% of the population in Far Rockaway.

How many housing units are there in Far Rockaway?

There are 25,116 housing units in Far Rockaway, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Far Rockaway has a total of 24,042 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Far Rockaway?

Far Rockaway has a median household income of $52,928, representing a -0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Far Rockaway?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.7% (22,484 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.3% (4,377 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (2,492 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.9% (16,081 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (4,423 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (3,865 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