Five Towns, South Shore, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
54,216
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$142,532/yr
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,215
0.3% year-over-year change

Five Towns population

How many people live in Five Towns

Five Towns is home to 54,216 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Five Towns locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
54,216
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
26,840
Female
50.5%
27,377
Value Percent YoY change
Male 26,840 49.5% 0.4%
Female 27,377 50.5% -0.7%
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 Five Towns is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.7% are children under 15, then 15.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16% are 65 or older.

Median age
34
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.7%
15 to 24
15.4%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,289 22.7% -3.0%
15 to 24 8,337 15.4% 0.8%
25 to 44 12,236 22.6% 1.9%
45 to 64 12,677 23.4% -1.9%
Over 65 8,677 16% 2.9%
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 Five Towns, 74.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.5% of locals are Caucasian, 7.8% are African American and 6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.2%
Non-citizens
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 40,246 74.2% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,419 19.2% -3.3%
Non-citizens 3,552 6.6% 12.7%
Racial breakdown
White
66.5%
Black or African American
7.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
10.9%
Value Percent
White 36,045 66.5%
Black or African American 4,206 7.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 55 0.1%
Asian 3,258 6%
Two or more races 4,737 8.7%
Other 5,915 10.9%

Households in Five Towns

A peek inside Five Towns households

Five Towns has 16,220 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79.9% are families, while the remaining 20.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,220
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,260
Family households
12,961
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,260 20.1% 2.3%
Family households 12,961 79.9% 0.3%
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 Five Towns

The housing landscape of Five Towns

Five Towns's housing consists of 17,215 units, with 69.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
17,215
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,899 69.1%
1 unit, attached 607 3.5%
2 units 1,608 9.3%
3 or 4 units 667 3.9%
5 to 9 units 500 2.9%
10 to 19 units 411 2.4%
20 to 49 units 686 4%
50 or more units 829 4.8%
Mobile home 8 0%
Homes built since 2020
56
154.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Five Towns

In Five Towns, the median construction year is 1954. About 29.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,089 29.6% -0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,619 9.4% 11.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,461 25.9% -7.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,908 16.9% 3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,095 6.4% 7.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 445 2.6% -16.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 381 2.2% 5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 653 3.8% 32.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 508 3% -0.6%
Built in 2020 or later 56 0.3% 154.6%
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.

Five Towns occupancy rates

Out of the 16,220 occupied housing units in Five Towns, 78.6% are owner-occupied, while 21.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,220
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,468
Owner occupied
12,752
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,468 21.4% -0.2%
Owner occupied 12,752 78.6% 0.9%
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.

Five Towns housing costs

Housing costs in Five Towns come to a median of $2,749 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,103.

Median housing costs per month
$2,749/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 Five Towns
$2,103/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 Five Towns

Five Towns education at a glance

About 21.7% of the population in Five Towns went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 26.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,487 3.8% -18.2%
High school diploma 8,469 21.7% -1.0%
College diploma 6,419 16.5% 2.2%
Associate degree 2,834 7.3% 8.7%
Bachelor's degree 10,411 26.7% -0.3%
Graduate degree 9,360 24% 6.6%
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 Five Towns

How much people earn in Five Towns

The average annual household income in Five Towns was $214,349 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $142,532, reflecting a -3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Five Towns
$214,349/year
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Five Towns
$142,532/year
-3.5% year-over-year change

Five Towns income by age

In Five Towns, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $148,101. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $165,170 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $71,597, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $99,458 in earnings. Overall, 93.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $71,597 N/A
25 - 44 $148,101 0.3%
45 - 64 $165,170 -5.9%
Over 65 $99,458 9.1%
Above poverty level
50,018
Below poverty level
3,345
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 50,018 93.7% -0.7%
Below poverty level 3,345 6.3% 12.1%

Employment in Five Towns

Workforce and job types in Five Towns

89.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.3% run their own businesses, 57.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
21,233
Blue collar
2,392
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,233 89.9% 0.2%
Blue collar 2,392 10.1% -5.0%
Employer type
Self employees
16.3%
Private companies
57.1%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,852 16.3% -1.1%
Private companies 13,496 57.1% -1.3%
Governmental workers 3,197 13.5% -2.1%
Not for profit companies 3,080 13% 7.5%

Transportation in Five Towns

How people get around in Five Towns

In Five Towns, the average commute time is 110 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
110 min
-3.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,971 82.5% 0.2%
Taxicab 37 0.2% -11.9%
Bus or trolleybus 350 1.9% -40.7%
Railroad 1,676 9.2% -7.7%
Ferryboat 155 0.8% 52.0%
Motorcycle 8 0% N/A
Bicycle 130 0.7% 78.1%
Walk 818 4.5% 8.5%
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 Five Towns by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11559 8,878 2,636 $142,830 $248,606
11557 8,504 2,641 $176,274 $225,294
11581 22,818 7,120 $142,233 $162,581
11598 13,599 3,753 $190,074 $250,047
11096 10,428 2,644 $93,421 $132,336
11516 9,112 3,207 $104,331 $142,695

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FAQs about Five Towns demographics 

What is the total population of Five Towns?

Five Towns has a total population of 54,216 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 Five Towns?

The gender ratio in Five Towns is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (26,840 residents)
  • 50.5% females (27,377 residents)

What is the median age in Five Towns?

The median age in Five Towns is 34.

What is the age distribution of the population in Five Towns?

The age distribution in Five Towns is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.7% (12,289 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.4% (8,337 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (12,236 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (12,677 residents)
  • Over 65: 16% (8,677 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Five Towns?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Five Towns is as follows:
  • White: 66.5% (36,045 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.8% (4,206 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (55 residents)
  • Asian: 6% (3,258 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (4,737 residents)
  • Other: 10.9% (5,915 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.2% of the population in Five Towns.

How many housing units are there in Five Towns?

There are 17,215 housing units in Five Towns, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Five Towns has a total of 16,220 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Five Towns?

Five Towns has a median household income of $142,532, representing a -3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Five Towns?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.9% (21,233 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.1% (2,392 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.3% (3,852 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.1% (13,496 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (3,197 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13% (3,080 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