Queens, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,286,815
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,044/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
894,798
0.7% year-over-year change

Queens population

How many people live in Queens

Queens is home to 2,286,815 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Queens locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
2,286,815
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
1,118,293
Female
51.1%
1,168,522
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,118,293 48.9% -0.4%
Female 1,168,522 51.1% -0.3%
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 Queens is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.7% of the population, while another 26.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
28.7%
45 to 64
26.7%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 372,564 16.3% -1.9%
15 to 24 240,037 10.5% -0.3%
25 to 44 656,528 28.7% -1.2%
45 to 64 610,212 26.7% -1.0%
Over 65 407,474 17.8% 3.4%
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 Queens, 50.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 30.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.8% of locals are Caucasian, 17.2% are African American and 26% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 17.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
50.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
30.5%
Non-citizens
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,144,852 50.1% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 697,826 30.5% -0.6%
Non-citizens 444,137 19.4% -0.1%
Racial breakdown
White
25.8%
Black or African American
17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
26%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
12.9%
Other
17.2%
Value Percent
White 590,920 25.8%
Black or African American 393,446 17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18,449 0.8%
Asian 595,342 26%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,889 0.1%
Two or more races 294,520 12.9%
Other 392,250 17.2%

Households in Queens

A peek inside Queens households

Queens has 827,864 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66% are families, while the remaining 34% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
827,864
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
281,499
Family households
546,365
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 281,499 34% 3.6%
Family households 546,365 66% 0.4%
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 Queens

The housing landscape of Queens

Queens's housing consists of 894,798 units, with 18.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.4% 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
894,798
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 168,634 18.8%
1 unit, attached 84,402 9.4%
2 units 172,044 19.2%
3 or 4 units 94,259 10.5%
5 to 9 units 48,514 5.4%
10 to 19 units 33,505 3.7%
20 to 49 units 87,422 9.8%
50 or more units 203,784 22.8%
Mobile home 1,874 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 359 0%
Homes built since 2020
5,930
103.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Queens

In Queens, the median construction year is 1952. About 30.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 269,523 30.1% -0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 123,193 13.8% -1.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 173,825 19.4% -0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 117,082 13.1% -1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 56,341 6.3% 3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 36,553 4.1% 3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26,634 3% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 39,528 4.4% 3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 46,189 5.2% 10.8%
Built in 2020 or later 5,930 0.7% 103.6%
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.

Queens occupancy rates

Out of the 827,864 occupied housing units in Queens, 44.9% are owner-occupied, while 55.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
827,864
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
456,525
Owner occupied
371,339
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 456,525 55.1% 1.5%
Owner occupied 371,339 44.9% 1.5%
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.

Queens housing costs

Housing costs in Queens come to a median of $1,958 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,988.

Median housing costs per month
$1,958/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 Queens
$1,988/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 Queens

Queens education at a glance

About 32.6% of the population in Queens went to high school, while 15.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 21.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 177,776 9.7% 0.4%
High school diploma 600,268 32.6% -0.9%
College diploma 288,438 15.7% -2.5%
Associate degree 137,163 7.4% -2.2%
Bachelor's degree 399,457 21.7% 2.5%
Graduate degree 237,908 12.9% 2.2%
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 Queens

How much people earn in Queens

The average annual household income in Queens was $106,233 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,044, reflecting a +1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Queens
$106,233/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Queens
$90,044/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Queens income by age

In Queens, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $100,488. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,978 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $80,753, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,255 in earnings. Overall, 87.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $80,753 26.0%
25 - 44 $100,488 0.1%
45 - 64 $97,978 1.9%
Over 65 $62,255 2.1%
Above poverty level
1,949,804
Below poverty level
288,708
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,949,804 87.1% -1.1%
Below poverty level 288,708 12.9% 5.0%

Average renter income in Queens

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Queens, their median household income was $68,672 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$68,672
Rent-to-income ratio
34.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Queens

Workforce and job types in Queens

81.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 65.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
901,334
Blue collar
204,890
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 901,334 81.5% -0.3%
Blue collar 204,890 18.5% -3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
65.8%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 115,552 10.4% 2.5%
Private companies 728,062 65.8% -2.0%
Governmental workers 157,501 14.2% -0.3%
Not for profit companies 105,108 9.5% 2.6%

Transportation in Queens

How people get around in Queens

In Queens, the average commute time is 2,162 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 66.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2,162 min
-2.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 400,715 66.9% -2.9%
Taxicab 8,547 1.4% 3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 106,913 17.8% -0.5%
Railroad 12,898 2.2% -8.0%
Ferryboat 1,423 0.2% 32.2%
Motorcycle 1,222 0.2% -2.4%
Bicycle 9,402 1.6% 8.9%
Walk 58,091 9.7% -3.1%
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 Queens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11354 53,028 21,846 $66,010 $93,432
11004 13,615 5,173 $115,360 $133,942
11005 2,174 1,533 $89,931 $305,544
11101 42,219 21,165 $121,062 $167,356
11102 28,503 13,937 $96,617 $128,119
11103 35,163 16,701 $93,324 $139,076
11104 26,132 12,304 $80,709 $107,190
11105 37,936 16,200 $102,012 $131,981
11106 40,930 19,286 $84,867 $112,087
11109 7,948 4,032 $204,885 $249,103

Explore more communities

FAQs about Queens demographics 

What is the total population of Queens?

Queens has a total population of 2,286,815 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Queens?

The gender ratio in Queens is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (1,118,293 residents)
  • 51.1% females (1,168,522 residents)

What is the median age in Queens?

The median age in Queens is 40.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Queens?

The age distribution in Queens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (372,564 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (240,037 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.7% (656,528 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.7% (610,212 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (407,474 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Queens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Queens is as follows:
  • White: 25.8% (590,920 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.2% (393,446 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (18,449 residents)
  • Asian: 26% (595,342 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (1,889 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.9% (294,520 residents)
  • Other: 17.2% (392,250 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 50.1% of the population in Queens.

How many housing units are there in Queens?

There are 894,798 housing units in Queens, 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 Queens and what is the average household size?

Queens has a total of 827,864 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Queens?

Queens has a median household income of $90,044, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Queens?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.5% (901,334 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.5% (204,890 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (115,552 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.8% (728,062 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (157,501 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (105,108 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