Block Island, New Shoreham, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
614
-6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,190/yr
14.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,571
2.1% year-over-year change

Block Island population

How many people live in Block Island

Block Island is home to 614 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Block Island locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
614
-6.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
288
Female
52.9%
325
Value Percent YoY change
Male 288 46.9% -10.3%
Female 325 52.9% -2.7%
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 Block Island is 57, with the population distributed as follows: about 2.1% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.2% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 42% are 65 or older.

Median age
56.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
2.1%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
23.2%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
42%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13 2.1% -76.4%
15 to 24 64 10.4% -35.4%
25 to 44 143 23.2% 10.0%
45 to 64 137 22.3% 0.0%
Over 65 258 42% 10.3%
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 Block Island, 97.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 599 97.6% -6.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10 1.6% -37.5%
Non-citizens 5 0.8% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
98.2%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 603 98.2%
Black or African American 1 0.2%
Other 10 1.6%

Households in Block Island

A peek inside Block Island households

Block Island has 325 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.5% are families, while the remaining 49.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
325
4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
161
Family households
164
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 161 49.5% 18.4%
Family households 164 50.5% -6.3%
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 Block Island

The housing landscape of Block Island

Block Island's housing consists of 1,571 units, with 91.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,571
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,435 91.4%
1 unit, attached 7 0.4%
2 units 70 4.5%
3 or 4 units 19 1.2%
5 to 9 units 13 0.8%
10 to 19 units 9 0.6%
20 to 49 units 17 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
7
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Block Island

In Block Island, the median construction year is 1972. About 26.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 410 26.1% 13.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 77 4.9% 16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 61 3.9% 17.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 207 13.2% 23.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 139 8.8% -8.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 284 18.1% -11.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 166 10.6% -11.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 149 9.5% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 71 4.5% -17.4%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.4% N/A
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.

Block Island occupancy rates

Out of the 325 occupied housing units in Block Island, 81.5% are owner-occupied, while 18.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 79.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
325
4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
61
Owner occupied
265
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 61 18.8% -30.7%
Owner occupied 265 81.5% 18.8%
Unoccupied housing units
79.3%
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.

Block Island housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,083/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 Block Island

Block Island education at a glance

About 30.2% of the population in Block Island went to high school, while 5.3% pursued college studies. Another 3.5% earned an associate degree and 43.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 181 30.2% -17.0%
College diploma 32 5.3% -63.6%
Associate degree 21 3.5% 40.0%
Bachelor's degree 260 43.3% 55.7%
Graduate degree 106 17.7% 16.5%
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 Block Island

How much people earn in Block Island

The average annual household income in Block Island was $107,538 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +28.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,190, reflecting a +14.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Block Island
$107,538/year
28.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Block Island
$83,190/year
14.8% year-over-year change

Block Island income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,692 overall. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $112,692 11.6%
Above poverty level
556
Below poverty level
58
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 556 90.6% -5.4%
Below poverty level 58 9.4% -12.1%

Employment in Block Island

Workforce and job types in Block Island

75.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 39.4% run their own businesses, 50.6% are employed by private companies, and 10% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
235
Blue collar
76
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 235 75.6% -3.3%
Blue collar 76 24.4% 26.7%
Employer type
Self employees
39.4%
Private companies
50.6%
Governmental workers
10%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 122 39.4% 37.1%
Private companies 157 50.6% 0.6%
Governmental workers 31 10% -46.5%

Transportation in Block Island

How people get around in Block Island

In Block Island, the average commute time is 6 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 47.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 52.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
6 min
-33.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 126 47.9% -30.8%
Walk 137 52.1% 47.3%
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 Block Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02807 777 412 $83,190 $107,538

Explore more communities

FAQs about Block Island demographics 

What is the total population of Block Island?

Block Island has a total population of 614 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 -6.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Block Island?

The gender ratio in Block Island is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (288 residents)
  • 52.9% females (325 residents)

What is the median age in Block Island?

The median age in Block Island is 56.8.

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

The age distribution in Block Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 2.1% (13 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (64 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.2% (143 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (137 residents)
  • Over 65: 42% (258 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Block Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Block Island is as follows:
  • White: 98.2% (603 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% ( residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (10 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.6% of the population in Block Island.

How many housing units are there in Block Island?

There are 1,571 housing units in Block Island, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Block Island has a total of 325 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Block Island?

Block Island has a median household income of $83,190, representing a +14.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Block Island?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.6% (235 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.4% (76 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 39.4% (122 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.6% (157 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10% (31 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 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