Shelter Island, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,125
-6.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$165,734/yr
28.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,410
-5.2% year-over-year change

Shelter Island population

How many people live in Shelter Island

Shelter Island is home to 2,125 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.2% of Shelter Island locals are male, and 58.8% are female.

Total population
2,125
-6.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.2%
876
Female
58.8%
1,249
Value Percent YoY change
Male 876 41.2% -14.0%
Female 1,249 58.8% -1.0%
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 Shelter Island is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.3% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 15.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.3%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
15.7%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 516 24.3% -10.4%
15 to 24 233 11% -26.3%
25 to 44 646 30.4% -7.7%
45 to 64 333 15.7% 11.4%
Over 65 397 18.7% 1.8%
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 Shelter Island, 81.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.2%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,729 81.4% -5.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 195 9.2% -24.7%
Non-citizens 201 9.5% 5.2%
Racial breakdown
White
57%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
21.5%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.3%
Other
11.2%
Value Percent
White 1,212 57%
American Indian and Alaska Native 456 21.5%
Two or more races 219 10.3%
Other 238 11.2%

Households in Shelter Island

A peek inside Shelter Island households

Shelter Island has 683 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.3% are families, while the remaining 24.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
683
-14.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
169
Family households
514
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 169 24.7% -35.5%
Family households 514 75.3% -4.8%
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 Shelter Island

The housing landscape of Shelter Island

Shelter Island's housing consists of 1,410 units, with 94.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,410
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,327 94.1%
1 unit, attached 73 5.2%
2 units 10 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelter Island

In Shelter Island, the median construction year is 1974. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 410 29.1% 11.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 44 3.1% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 172 12.2% -21.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 207 14.7% -1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 204 14.5% -8.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 254 18% 70.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 119 8.4% -51.8%
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.

Shelter Island occupancy rates

Out of the 683 occupied housing units in Shelter Island, 89.3% are owner-occupied, while 10.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 51.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
683
-14.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
73
Owner occupied
610
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 73 10.7% -42.5%
Owner occupied 610 89.3% -9.6%
Unoccupied housing units
51.6%
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.

Shelter Island housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$2,492/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.

Education in Shelter Island

Shelter Island education at a glance

About 28.9% of the population in Shelter Island went to high school, while 18.3% pursued college studies. Another 3% earned an associate degree and 26.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 446 28.9% -3.0%
College diploma 283 18.3% -25.5%
Associate degree 46 3% 15.0%
Bachelor's degree 415 26.9% -2.6%
Graduate degree 355 23% 5.0%
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 Shelter Island

How much people earn in Shelter Island

The average annual household income in Shelter Island was $176,928 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $165,734, reflecting a +28.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shelter Island
$176,928/year
11.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shelter Island
$165,734/year
28.1% year-over-year change

Shelter Island income by age

In Shelter Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $229,352. Overall, 99.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $229,352 2.6%
Over 65 $116,335 2.4%
Above poverty level
2,105
Below poverty level
20
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,105 99.1% -5.0%
Below poverty level 20 0.9% -25.9%

Average renter income in Shelter Island

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shelter Island, their median household income was $48,815 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$48,815
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Shelter Island

Workforce and job types in Shelter Island

The job market in Shelter Island is powered by 1,067 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 52.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 47.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.3% run their own businesses, 59% are employed by private companies, and 21.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,067
-10.6% year-over-year change
White collar
561
Blue collar
506
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 561 52.6% -12.8%
Blue collar 506 47.4% -8.2%
Employer type
Self employees
19.3%
Private companies
59%
Governmental workers
21.7%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 206 19.3% -18.9%
Private companies 629 59% -15.6%
Governmental workers 232 21.7% 19.0%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shelter Island stands at 5.3%, 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 Shelter Island

How people get around in Shelter Island

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 586 54.9% -3.3%
Railroad 81 7.6% 6.6%
Ferryboat 132 12.4% 30.7%
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 Shelter Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11964 2,906 1,087 $134,620 $157,523

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FAQs about Shelter Island demographics 

What is the total population of Shelter Island?

Shelter Island has a total population of 2,125 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 -6.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelter Island?

The gender ratio in Shelter Island is as follows:
  • 41.2% males (876 residents)
  • 58.8% females (1,249 residents)

What is the median age in Shelter Island?

The median age in Shelter Island is 41.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelter Island?

The age distribution in Shelter Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.3% (516 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (233 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (646 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.7% (333 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (397 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelter Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelter Island is as follows:
  • White: 57% (1,212 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 21.5% (456 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.3% (219 residents)
  • Other: 11.2% (238 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.4% of the population in Shelter Island.

How many housing units are there in Shelter Island?

There are 1,410 housing units in Shelter Island, reflecting a -5.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shelter Island has a total of 683 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shelter Island?

Shelter Island has a median household income of $165,734, representing a +28.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Shelter Island?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Shelter Island, with a workforce of 1,067 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 52.6% (561 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 47.4% (506 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.3% (206 residents)
  • Private companies: 59% (629 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.7% (232 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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