Brightwaters, NY
Population 3,185 · New York
About Brightwaters, NY
Brightwaters is a small town located in New York with a population of 3,185 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $203,750 per year, which is 171% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brightwaters features a median home value of $710,600, which is 190% above the national median of $244,900. This places Brightwaters in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,986, 71% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,033 total housing units, 96% are owner-occupied (994 units) and 4% are renter-occupied (39 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brightwaters shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 0.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brightwaters have an average one-way commute time of 28.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
57.4% of Brightwaters 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 0.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 5.5% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brightwaters, NY
Compared to national averages, Brightwaters has a median household income of $203,750 (171% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $710,600, which is 190% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,986 is 71% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Brightwaters's income is 110% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 84% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Brightwaters, NY?
Brightwaters offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $203,750, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 57.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 0.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $710,600. However, Brightwaters’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brightwaters has a population of 3,185 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Brightwaters with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Brightwaters
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 3,185 | $60,521 | $195,600 | Compare |
| Hoosick Falls | 3,189 | $53,325 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Washington Heights | 3,189 | $78,663 | $365,400 | Compare |
| Eden | 3,164 | $85,707 | $231,200 | Compare |
| Fort Edward | 3,160 | $62,411 | $128,200 | Compare |
| Port Washington North | 3,159 | $131,875 | $1,044,500 | Compare |
| Maybrook | 3,147 | $89,293 | $234,500 | Compare |
| Red Oaks Mill | 3,235 | $137,813 | $347,400 | 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 Brightwaters With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brightwaters
What is the population of Brightwaters, NY?
The population of Brightwaters, NY is 3,185 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Brightwaters?
The median household income in Brightwaters, NY is $203,750 per year, which is 171% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brightwaters?
The median home value in Brightwaters, NY is $710,600, which is 190% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brightwaters?
The median monthly rent in Brightwaters, NY is $1,986, which is 71% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brightwaters?
The unemployment rate in Brightwaters, NY is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Brightwaters, NY a good place to live?
Brightwaters offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,185 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brightwaters, NY?
57.4% of residents in Brightwaters 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 Brightwaters?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brightwaters, NY: median home value is $710,600 (190% above national), median rent is $1,986/month, and median household income is $203,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brightwaters?
The poverty rate in Brightwaters, NY is 0.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brightwaters, NY?
Brightwaters's population is 0.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 5.5% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.