Water Mill, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,764
24.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$186,875/yr
18.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,564
8.0% year-over-year change

Water Mill population

How many people live in Water Mill

Water Mill is home to 2,764 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Water Mill locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
2,764
24.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
1,333
Female
51.8%
1,431
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,333 48.2% 28.4%
Female 1,431 51.8% 21.3%
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 Water Mill is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.8% of the population, while another 39.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
54.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
18.8%
45 to 64
39.5%
Over 65
22.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 282 10.2% 26.5%
15 to 24 246 8.9% 93.7%
25 to 44 519 18.8% 13.3%
45 to 64 1,091 39.5% 33.7%
Over 65 626 22.6% 5.4%
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 Water Mill, 88.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,444 88.4% 23.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 94 3.4% 108.9%
Non-citizens 226 8.2% 18.9%
Racial breakdown
White
89.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,471 89.4%
Black or African American 10 0.4%
Asian 41 1.5%
Two or more races 242 8.8%

Households in Water Mill

A peek inside Water Mill households

Water Mill has 1,280 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.1% are families, while the remaining 33.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,280
18.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
434
Family households
846
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 434 33.9% 22.9%
Family households 846 66.1% 16.4%
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 Water Mill

The housing landscape of Water Mill

Water Mill's housing consists of 2,564 units, with 99.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,564
8.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,551 99.5%
1 unit, attached 7 0.3%
Mobile home 6 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
46
84.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Water Mill

In Water Mill, the median construction year is 1995. About 9.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 251 9.8% -3.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 0.6% 7.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 81 3.2% 47.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 278 10.8% -9.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 180 7% -11.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 150 5.8% 3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 725 28.3% 21.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 523 20.4% 11.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 316 12.3% 5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 46 1.8% 84.0%
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.

Water Mill occupancy rates

Out of the 1,280 occupied housing units in Water Mill, 93.8% are owner-occupied, while 6.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 50.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,280
18.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
80
Owner occupied
1,200
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 80 6.2% -15.8%
Owner occupied 1,200 93.8% 21.8%
Unoccupied housing units
50.1%
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.

Water Mill housing costs

Housing costs in Water Mill come to a median of $2,934 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,200.

Median housing costs per month
$2,934/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 Water Mill
$3,200/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 Water Mill

Water Mill education at a glance

About 16.6% of the population in Water Mill went to high school, while 9.1% pursued college studies. Another 3.5% earned an associate degree and 42.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 0.1% 0.0%
High school diploma 404 16.6% 24.3%
College diploma 221 9.1% 118.8%
Associate degree 85 3.5% 150.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,031 42.5% 22.0%
Graduate degree 685 28.2% 5.7%
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 Water Mill

How much people earn in Water Mill

The average annual household income in Water Mill was $327,147 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +19.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $186,875, reflecting a +18.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Water Mill
$327,147/year
19.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Water Mill
$186,875/year
18.1% year-over-year change

Water Mill income by age

In Water Mill, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 96.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 0.0%
45 - 64 $250,001 41.3%
Above poverty level
2,582
Below poverty level
99
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,582 96.3% 25.4%
Below poverty level 99 3.7% 30.3%

Average renter income in Water Mill

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Water Mill, their median household income was $85,135 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$85,135
Rent-to-income ratio
45.1%
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 Water Mill

Workforce and job types in Water Mill

The job market in Water Mill is powered by 1,500 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.3% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 8.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,500
31.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,315
Blue collar
185
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,315 87.7% 31.1%
Blue collar 185 12.3% 31.2%
Employer type
Self employees
16.3%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
8.9%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 244 16.3% 21.4%
Private companies 1,023 68.2% 32.3%
Governmental workers 134 8.9% 38.1%
Not for profit companies 99 6.6% 35.6%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
9.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Water Mill 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 Water Mill

How people get around in Water Mill

In Water Mill, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 48.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 719 48.8% 54.0%
Taxicab 14 1% -17.6%
Subway or elevated 74 5% N/A
Bicycle 14 1% N/A
Walk 99 6.7% 16.5%
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 Water Mill by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11976 2,952 1,315 $180,250 $308,328

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FAQs about Water Mill demographics 

What is the total population of Water Mill?

Water Mill has a total population of 2,764 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 +24.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Water Mill?

The gender ratio in Water Mill is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (1,333 residents)
  • 51.8% females (1,431 residents)

What is the median age in Water Mill?

The median age in Water Mill is 54.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Water Mill?

The age distribution in Water Mill is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (282 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (246 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.8% (519 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 39.5% (1,091 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.6% (626 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Water Mill?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Water Mill is as follows:
  • White: 89.4% (2,471 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (10 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (41 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (242 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.4% of the population in Water Mill.

How many housing units are there in Water Mill?

There are 2,564 housing units in Water Mill, reflecting a +8.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Water Mill has a total of 1,280 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Water Mill?

Water Mill has a median household income of $186,875, representing a +18.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Water Mill?

The employment rate is 94% in Water Mill, with a workforce of 1,500 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.7% (1,315 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.3% (185 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.3% (244 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (1,023 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.9% (134 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (99 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