Brighton, NY
Population 36,633 · New York
About Brighton, NY
Brighton is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 36,633 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,723 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brighton features a median home value of $259,300, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Brighton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,272, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,966 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (8,960 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (6,944 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brighton shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brighton have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
69.6% of Brighton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 13.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brighton Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Brighton, NY
Compared to national averages, Brighton has a median household income of $83,723 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $259,300, which is 6% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,272 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Brighton's income is 14% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 33% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Brighton, NY?
Brighton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,723, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 69.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Brighton has a population of 36,633 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Brighton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Brighton
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiryas Joel | 36,572 | $43,171 | $685,800 | Compare |
| Elmont | 36,436 | $120,917 | $576,800 | Compare |
| Commack | 36,353 | $170,375 | $647,000 | Compare |
| East Meadow | 35,806 | $128,770 | $613,900 | Compare |
| Central Islip | 37,751 | $110,166 | $405,000 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 34,741 | $130,795 | $661,500 | Compare |
| New City | 34,133 | $174,479 | $618,500 | Compare |
| Uniondale | 33,637 | $115,037 | $511,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brighton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brighton
What is the population of Brighton, NY?
The population of Brighton, NY is 36,633 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Brighton?
The median household income in Brighton, NY is $83,723 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brighton?
The median home value in Brighton, NY is $259,300, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brighton?
The median monthly rent in Brighton, NY is $1,272, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brighton?
The unemployment rate in Brighton, NY is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brighton, NY a good place to live?
Brighton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 36,633 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brighton, NY?
69.6% of residents in Brighton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Brighton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brighton, NY: median home value is $259,300 (6% above national), median rent is $1,272/month, and median household income is $83,723. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brighton?
The poverty rate in Brighton, NY is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brighton, NY?
Brighton's population is 0.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 5.6% two or more races. 13.4% of residents are foreign-born.