Howard Beach, Queens, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
86,374
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,006/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
29,581
0.0% year-over-year change

Howard Beach population

How many people live in Howard Beach

Howard Beach is home to 86,374 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Howard Beach locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
86,374
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
42,754
Female
50.5%
43,620
Value Percent YoY change
Male 42,754 49.5% 0.5%
Female 43,620 50.5% -0.5%
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 Howard Beach is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,346 18.9% -0.1%
15 to 24 9,563 11.1% 4.9%
25 to 44 21,639 25% -0.9%
45 to 64 23,187 26.8% -0.7%
Over 65 15,640 18.1% -0.7%
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 Howard Beach, 57.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 29.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 33.4% of locals are Caucasian, 6.2% are African American and 21.3% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 21% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
57.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
29.8%
Non-citizens
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 49,942 57.8% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25,776 29.8% -2.5%
Non-citizens 10,656 12.3% 3.8%
Racial breakdown
White
33.4%
Black or African American
6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
21.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
16.7%
Other
21%
Value Percent
White 28,852 33.4%
Black or African American 5,371 6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 936 1.1%
Asian 18,376 21.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 263 0.3%
Two or more races 14,441 16.7%
Other 18,135 21%

Households in Howard Beach

A peek inside Howard Beach households

Howard Beach has 27,879 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.6% are families, while the remaining 24.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,879
-0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,812
Family households
21,067
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,812 24.4% -3.5%
Family households 21,067 75.6% 1.2%
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 Howard Beach

The housing landscape of Howard Beach

Howard Beach's housing consists of 29,581 units, with 29.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.1% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
29,581
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,742 29.6%
1 unit, attached 2,985 10.1%
2 units 10,149 34.3%
3 or 4 units 4,351 14.7%
5 to 9 units 652 2.2%
10 to 19 units 330 1.1%
20 to 49 units 520 1.8%
50 or more units 1,819 6.2%
Mobile home 33 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
63
125.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Howard Beach

In Howard Beach, the median construction year is 1947. About 33.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.7% 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 9,816 33.2% 6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,656 9% -7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,285 17.9% -11.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,884 19.9% -5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,191 7.4% 6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,551 5.2% 18.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 774 2.6% 23.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 862 2.9% 20.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 499 1.7% 1.4%
Built in 2020 or later 63 0.2% 125.0%
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.

Howard Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 27,879 occupied housing units in Howard Beach, 61.5% are owner-occupied, while 38.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,879
-0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,741
Owner occupied
17,138
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,741 38.5% 5.5%
Owner occupied 17,138 61.5% -3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
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.

Howard Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Howard Beach come to a median of $1,994 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,009.

Median housing costs per month
$1,994/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 Howard Beach
$2,009/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 Howard Beach

Howard Beach education at a glance

About 35.5% of the population in Howard Beach went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 17.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,349 11% 6.4%
High school diploma 23,711 35.5% -1.1%
College diploma 12,019 18% -5.0%
Associate degree 5,991 9% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 11,600 17.4% 3.0%
Graduate degree 6,056 9.1% -5.1%
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 Howard Beach

How much people earn in Howard Beach

The average annual household income in Howard Beach was $121,856 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,006, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Howard Beach
$121,856/year
-2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Howard Beach
$87,006/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Howard Beach income by age

In Howard Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,475. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,410 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,989, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,385 in earnings. Overall, 87.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,989 -8.6%
25 - 44 $107,475 7.0%
45 - 64 $91,410 -2.7%
Over 65 $53,385 -11.8%
Above poverty level
74,702
Below poverty level
10,389
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 74,702 87.8% -1.4%
Below poverty level 10,389 12.2% 10.7%

Employment in Howard Beach

Workforce and job types in Howard Beach

78.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
28,922
Blue collar
7,945
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 28,922 78.4% -2.6%
Blue collar 7,945 21.6% -3.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,611 9.8% 9.4%
Private companies 23,394 63.4% -3.6%
Governmental workers 6,017 16.3% -7.9%
Not for profit companies 3,846 10.4% -0.4%

Transportation in Howard Beach

How people get around in Howard Beach

In Howard Beach, the average commute time is 93 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 74.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
93 min
2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,673 74.8% -6.7%
Taxicab 310 1.4% 4.4%
Bus or trolleybus 3,044 13.7% -10.6%
Railroad 297 1.3% 6.1%
Motorcycle 58 0.3% N/A
Bicycle 277 1.2% -2.5%
Walk 1,618 7.3% -0.3%
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 Howard Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11414 31,308 11,346 $95,051 $127,868
11416 25,919 7,535 $81,188 $114,681
11417 30,578 9,505 $87,006 $116,610

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FAQs about Howard Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Howard Beach?

Howard Beach has a total population of 86,374 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Howard Beach?

The gender ratio in Howard Beach is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (42,754 residents)
  • 50.5% females (43,620 residents)

What is the median age in Howard Beach?

The median age in Howard Beach is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Howard Beach?

The age distribution in Howard Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (16,346 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (9,563 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (21,639 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (23,187 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.1% (15,640 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Howard Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard Beach is as follows:
  • White: 33.4% (28,852 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.2% (5,371 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (936 residents)
  • Asian: 21.3% (18,376 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (263 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.7% (14,441 residents)
  • Other: 21% (18,135 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 57.8% of the population in Howard Beach.

How many housing units are there in Howard Beach?

There are 29,581 housing units in Howard Beach, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Howard Beach and what is the average household size?

Howard Beach has a total of 27,879 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Howard Beach?

Howard Beach has a median household income of $87,006, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Howard Beach?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.4% (28,922 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.6% (7,945 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (3,611 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (23,394 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (6,017 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (3,846 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