Riverhead, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,936
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,008/yr
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,781
5.8% year-over-year change

Riverhead population

How many people live in Riverhead

Riverhead is home to 14,936 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Riverhead locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
14,936
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
7,650
Female
48.8%
7,286
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,650 51.2% -2.6%
Female 7,286 48.8% 0.9%
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 Riverhead is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.7% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.2% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.7%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
23.2%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
23.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,902 12.7% -26.6%
15 to 24 2,201 14.7% 17.4%
25 to 44 3,471 23.2% 2.4%
45 to 64 3,797 25.4% 8.8%
Over 65 3,565 23.9% -4.4%
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 Riverhead, 76.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 49.1% of locals are Caucasian, 10.1% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.1%
Non-citizens
13.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,417 76.4% 4.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,513 10.1% -19.8%
Non-citizens 2,006 13.4% -12.7%
Racial breakdown
White
49.1%
Black or African American
10.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.6%
Other
21.4%
Value Percent
White 7,330 49.1%
Black or African American 1,510 10.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 170 1.1%
Asian 251 1.7%
Two or more races 2,478 16.6%
Other 3,197 21.4%

Households in Riverhead

A peek inside Riverhead households

Riverhead has 5,444 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.6% are families, while the remaining 34.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,444
7.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,871
Family households
3,573
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,871 34.4% 19.6%
Family households 3,573 65.6% 2.2%
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 Riverhead

The housing landscape of Riverhead

Riverhead's housing consists of 5,781 units, with 57.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 16.4% 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 6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,781
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,348 57.9%
1 unit, attached 947 16.4%
2 units 172 3%
3 or 4 units 326 5.6%
5 to 9 units 261 4.5%
10 to 19 units 161 2.8%
20 to 49 units 173 3%
50 or more units 44 0.8%
Mobile home 349 6%
Homes built since 2020
151
38.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Riverhead

In Riverhead, the median construction year is 1984. About 14.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 816 14.1% 23.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 373 6.4% 6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 637 11% -4.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 360 6.2% 11.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 550 9.5% 31.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 388 6.7% 4.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 767 13.3% 14.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,370 23.7% -9.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 369 6.4% -0.5%
Built in 2020 or later 151 2.6% 38.5%
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.

Riverhead occupancy rates

Out of the 5,444 occupied housing units in Riverhead, 60.9% are owner-occupied, while 39.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,444
7.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,130
Owner occupied
3,314
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,130 39.1% 7.1%
Owner occupied 3,314 60.9% 7.9%
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.

Riverhead housing costs

Housing costs in Riverhead come to a median of $1,802 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,045.

Median housing costs per month
$1,802/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 Riverhead
$2,045/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 Riverhead

Riverhead education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Riverhead went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.5% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,622 13.4% -13.9%
High school diploma 4,980 41% -3.5%
College diploma 2,120 17.5% 38.3%
Associate degree 1,157 9.5% 11.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,413 11.6% 18.7%
Graduate degree 848 7% -8.1%
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 Riverhead

How much people earn in Riverhead

The average annual household income in Riverhead was $102,053 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,008, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Riverhead
$102,053/year
-3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Riverhead
$83,008/year
-0.6% year-over-year change

Riverhead income by age

In Riverhead, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $120,689. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,952 overall. Overall, 89.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $120,689 0.0%
45 - 64 $86,952 2.4%
Over 65 $56,473 -17.5%
Above poverty level
13,099
Below poverty level
1,587
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,099 89.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 1,587 10.8% 2.8%

Average renter income in Riverhead

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Riverhead, their median household income was $55,535 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,535
Rent-to-income ratio
44.2%
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 Riverhead

Workforce and job types in Riverhead

The job market in Riverhead is powered by 6,521 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.6% run their own businesses, 65.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,521
1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
4,704
Blue collar
1,817
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,704 72.1% 1.9%
Blue collar 1,817 27.9% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11.6%
Private companies
65.7%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 759 11.6% 42.4%
Private companies 4,283 65.7% -6.1%
Governmental workers 855 13.1% 7.0%
Not for profit companies 624 9.6% 20.7%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
-6.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Riverhead stands at 6.8%, 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 Riverhead

How people get around in Riverhead

In Riverhead, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,674 90.3% 1.5%
Taxicab 40 0.6% -58.3%
Bicycle 24 0.4% N/A
Walk 157 2.5% -24.9%
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 Riverhead by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11947 148 47 $0 $0
11970 416 199 $0 $239,416
11901 33,091 12,085 $85,061 $106,562
11931 27 13 $0 $0

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FAQs about Riverhead demographics 

What is the total population of Riverhead?

Riverhead has a total population of 14,936 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Riverhead?

The gender ratio in Riverhead is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (7,650 residents)
  • 48.8% females (7,286 residents)

What is the median age in Riverhead?

The median age in Riverhead is 44.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Riverhead?

The age distribution in Riverhead is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.7% (1,902 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (2,201 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.2% (3,471 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (3,797 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.9% (3,565 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Riverhead?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Riverhead is as follows:
  • White: 49.1% (7,330 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.1% (1,510 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (170 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (251 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.6% (2,478 residents)
  • Other: 21.4% (3,197 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.4% of the population in Riverhead.

How many housing units are there in Riverhead?

There are 5,781 housing units in Riverhead, reflecting a +5.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Riverhead has a total of 5,444 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Riverhead?

Riverhead has a median household income of $83,008, representing a -0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Riverhead?

The employment rate is 93.2% in Riverhead, with a workforce of 6,521 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.1% (4,704 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.9% (1,817 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.6% (759 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.7% (4,283 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (855 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (624 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