West Bay Shore, New York Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Bay Shore, New York had a total population of 4,208, the 401st largest community in New York, with a median household income of $137,083, which is 59% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 59% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New York.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.1% — among the lowest in New York.
West Bay Shore Quick Facts
How West Bay Shore Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,199 | 4,208 | +0.2% |
| Median household income | $132,102 | $137,083 | +3.8% |
| Median home value | $566,400 | $584,400 | +3.2% |
How West Bay Shore Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Bay Shore Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Suffolk County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Babylon | 43,570 | $129,519 | 5.9% | $531,900 |
| Coram | 39,539 | $105,220 | 7.5% | $452,100 |
| Central Islip | 38,373 | $113,707 | 9.2% | $436,400 |
| Commack | 36,558 | $169,792 | 4.2% | $678,200 |
| Huntington Station | 32,601 | $135,477 | 7.2% | $578,000 |
| Centereach | 31,839 | $132,240 | 5.3% | $514,800 |
| Bay Shore | 31,683 | $105,618 | 10.2% | $492,200 |
| Shirley | 28,375 | $112,788 | 6.5% | $424,900 |
| Deer Park | 27,990 | $137,105 | 3.4% | $543,500 |
| Lindenhurst | 27,142 | $130,128 | 5.7% | $521,500 |
Cities Similar to West Bay Shore
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montauk | 4,223 | $142,961 | $1,356,600 | 53.1% | 6.1% |
| Spackenkill | 4,279 | $141,005 | $440,500 | 67.5% | 1.8% |
| Garden City South | 4,075 | $136,164 | $740,400 | 46.5% | 4.3% |
| Fayetteville | 4,214 | $127,559 | $258,700 | 60.0% | 5.2% |
| Watchtower | 3,974 | N/A | N/A | 1.8% | 100.0% |
Population Overview
West Bay Shore is a small community located in New York, within Suffolk County. The total population is 4,208. It ranks as the 401st most populous out of 1,289 Census-designated places in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Bay Shore is 51.2 years. This is 29% higher than the state median of 39.8 years. 14.3% 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 West Bay Shore is $137,083. This is 59% higher than the state median of $85,974. It is also 70% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%. This is 71% lower than the state poverty rate of 14.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $584,400. Housing costs are 38% higher than the state median of $423,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 95.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 76% higher than the state average of 54.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Bay Shore is White (non-Hispanic), making up 80.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 11.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (80.9% vs 52.8%). The Black or African American population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 13.4%. The Asian population (2.4%) is well below the state average of 9.0%.
Education
52.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% higher than the state rate of 40.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.3%. Notably, 25.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Bay Shore, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,289 Census-designated places in New York. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Bay Shore, New York?
West Bay Shore, New York has a population of 4,208 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Bay Shore, NY?
The median household income in West Bay Shore is $137,083, which is 70% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Bay Shore, NY?
The poverty rate in West Bay Shore is 4.1%. This means approximately 172 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Bay Shore, New York?
West Bay Shore's population is 80.9% White, 2.3% Black, 11.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Bay Shore, NY?
The median home value in West Bay Shore is $584,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
How educated is West Bay Shore, New York?
52.0% of adults (25+) in West Bay Shore hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 25.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.