Shelter Island Heights CDP, New York Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Shelter Island Heights CDP is a small community located in New York. The total population is 998. It ranks as the 862nd most populous out of 1,287 cities and towns in New York.

Age Demographics

The median age in Shelter Island Heights CDP is 69.4 years. This is 75% higher than the state median of 39.6 years. Only 0.0% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 18.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Shelter Island Heights CDP is $103,884. This is 23% higher than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% higher. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%. This is 20% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. The unemployment rate is 0.6%. This is 90% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $1,041,300. Housing costs are 158% higher than the state median of $403,000. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 100.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 84% higher than the state average of 54.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Shelter Island Heights CDP has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.0% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (91.0% vs 53.4%). The Black or African American population (2.7%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 19.6%. The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 8.8%.

Education

59.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 50% higher than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.5%. Notably, 33.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Shelter Island Heights CDP, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,287 Census-designated places in New York. For official data, visit data.census.gov.