Southold, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,397
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$128,822/yr
12.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,975
-0.9% year-over-year change

Southold population

How many people live in Southold

Southold is home to 6,397 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Southold locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
6,397
-3.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
3,158
Female
50.6%
3,239
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,158 49.4% -4.7%
Female 3,239 50.6% -1.5%
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 Southold is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 8.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.3% of the population, while another 30.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
8.3%
25 to 44
17.3%
45 to 64
30.2%
Over 65
24.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,237 19.3% 0.7%
15 to 24 530 8.3% 9.7%
25 to 44 1,107 17.3% -3.6%
45 to 64 1,935 30.2% -3.3%
Over 65 1,588 24.8% -8.7%
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 Southold, 85.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,480 85.7% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 420 6.6% -27.1%
Non-citizens 497 7.8% -6.0%
Racial breakdown
White
78.9%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
10.9%
Value Percent
White 5,050 78.9%
Black or African American 46 0.7%
Asian 194 3%
Two or more races 412 6.4%
Other 695 10.9%

Households in Southold

A peek inside Southold households

Southold has 2,460 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.4% are families, while the remaining 25.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,460
-8.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
629
Family households
1,831
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 629 25.6% -21.7%
Family households 1,831 74.4% -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 Southold

The housing landscape of Southold

Southold's housing consists of 3,975 units, with 94.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,975
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,750 94.3%
1 unit, attached 83 2.1%
3 or 4 units 29 0.7%
5 to 9 units 31 0.8%
10 to 19 units 26 0.6%
50 or more units 56 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
4
-33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Southold

In Southold, the median construction year is 1971. About 19.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 762 19.2% 1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 234 5.9% 12.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 267 6.7% 6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 675 17% -10.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 827 20.8% 2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 426 10.7% -1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 306 7.7% -11.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 400 10.1% 3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 74 1.9% 7.2%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.1% -33.3%
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.

Southold occupancy rates

Out of the 2,460 occupied housing units in Southold, 82.2% are owner-occupied, while 17.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 38.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,460
-8.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
437
Owner occupied
2,023
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 437 17.8% -4.8%
Owner occupied 2,023 82.2% -8.8%
Unoccupied housing units
38.1%
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.

Southold housing costs

Housing costs in Southold come to a median of $2,502 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,237.

Median housing costs per month
$2,502/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 Southold
$2,237/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 Southold

Southold education at a glance

About 22.7% of the population in Southold went to high school, while 12.6% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 30.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 199 4.1% 3.1%
High school diploma 1,112 22.7% -7.7%
College diploma 618 12.6% -19.7%
Associate degree 391 8% -0.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,486 30.3% -5.7%
Graduate degree 1,101 22.4% 7.3%
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 Southold

How much people earn in Southold

The average annual household income in Southold was $204,108 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $128,822, reflecting a +12.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Southold
$204,108/year
9.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Southold
$128,822/year
12.3% year-over-year change

Southold income by age

In Southold, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $128,600. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $169,881 overall. Overall, 96.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $128,600 -22.2%
45 - 64 $169,881 5.2%
Over 65 $105,441 29.0%
Above poverty level
6,046
Below poverty level
240
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,046 96.2% -4.2%
Below poverty level 240 3.8% 11.1%

Average renter income in Southold

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Southold, their median household income was $63,272 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,272
Rent-to-income ratio
42.4%
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 Southold

Workforce and job types in Southold

The job market in Southold is powered by 2,766 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 21% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,766
-3.7% year-over-year change
White collar
2,243
Blue collar
523
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,243 81.1% -3.5%
Blue collar 523 18.9% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
21%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 581 21% -5.8%
Private companies 1,591 57.5% -6.6%
Governmental workers 320 11.6% -9.3%
Not for profit companies 274 9.9% 38.4%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
-14.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Southold stands at 6%, 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 Southold

How people get around in Southold

Commuting methods vary: 77% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,056 77% -8.8%
Bus or trolleybus 60 2.2% 22.4%
Subway or elevated 57 2.1% N/A
Railroad 37 1.4% N/A
Walk 45 1.7% 18.4%
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 Southold by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11971 6,361 2,437 $129,507 $206,272

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FAQs about Southold demographics 

What is the total population of Southold?

Southold has a total population of 6,397 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 -3.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Southold?

The gender ratio in Southold is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (3,158 residents)
  • 50.6% females (3,239 residents)

What is the median age in Southold?

The median age in Southold is 48.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Southold?

The age distribution in Southold is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (1,237 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.3% (530 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.3% (1,107 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.2% (1,935 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.8% (1,588 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Southold?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Southold is as follows:
  • White: 78.9% (5,050 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (46 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (194 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (412 residents)
  • Other: 10.9% (695 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.7% of the population in Southold.

How many housing units are there in Southold?

There are 3,975 housing units in Southold, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Southold has a total of 2,460 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Southold?

Southold has a median household income of $128,822, representing a +12.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Southold, with a workforce of 2,766 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.1% (2,243 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.9% (523 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 21% (581 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (1,591 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (320 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (274 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