Pearl River, NY
Population 16,282 · New York
About Pearl River, NY
Pearl River is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 16,282 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $146,574 per year, which is 95% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pearl River features a median home value of $567,800, which is 132% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pearl River in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,058, 77% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,103 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (4,447 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (1,351 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pearl River shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pearl River have an average one-way commute time of 29.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.3% of Pearl River 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 0.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 12.2% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pearl River, NY
Compared to national averages, Pearl River has a median household income of $146,574 (95% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $567,800, which is 132% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,058 is 77% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Pearl River's income is 51% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 47% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Pearl River, NY?
Pearl River offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $146,574, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and a well-educated community where 49.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $567,800. However, Pearl River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pearl River has a population of 16,282 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Pearl River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Pearl River
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Park | 16,249 | $118,723 | $586,300 | Compare |
| Mastic Beach | 16,382 | $109,381 | $326,600 | Compare |
| Rye | 16,410 | $237,727 | $1,785,400 | Compare |
| Fort Drum | 16,124 | $63,194 | $0 | Compare |
| Floral Park | 16,025 | $150,350 | $754,300 | Compare |
| Farmingville | 16,605 | $129,920 | $444,300 | Compare |
| Seaford | 15,884 | $156,488 | $631,000 | Compare |
| Westbury | 15,789 | $136,917 | $599,700 | 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 Pearl River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pearl River
What is the population of Pearl River, NY?
The population of Pearl River, NY is 16,282 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 Pearl River?
The median household income in Pearl River, NY is $146,574 per year, which is 95% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pearl River?
The median home value in Pearl River, NY is $567,800, which is 132% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pearl River?
The median monthly rent in Pearl River, NY is $2,058, which is 77% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pearl River?
The unemployment rate in Pearl River, NY is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pearl River, NY a good place to live?
Pearl River offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,282 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pearl River, NY?
49.3% of residents in Pearl River 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 Pearl River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pearl River, NY: median home value is $567,800 (132% above national), median rent is $2,058/month, and median household income is $146,574. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pearl River?
The poverty rate in Pearl River, NY is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pearl River, NY?
Pearl River's population is 0.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 12.2% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.