Port Jefferson, NY
Population 8,029 · New York
About Port Jefferson, NY
Port Jefferson is a small town located in New York with a population of 8,029 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $143,125 per year, which is 90% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Port Jefferson features a median home value of $628,500, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. This places Port Jefferson in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,254, 94% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,415 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (2,276 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (918 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Jefferson shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Port Jefferson have an average one-way commute time of 30.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
69.0% of Port Jefferson 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 1.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 6.8% Asian residents, with 16.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Port Jefferson, NY
Compared to national averages, Port Jefferson has a median household income of $143,125 (90% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $628,500, which is 157% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,254 is 94% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Port Jefferson's income is 48% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 62% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Port Jefferson, NY?
Port Jefferson offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $143,125, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a well-educated community where 69.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $628,500. However, Port Jefferson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Port Jefferson has a population of 8,029 with a median age of 45.3 years. Compare Port Jefferson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Port Jefferson
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Paltz | 8,028 | $59,375 | $397,800 | Compare |
| Lake Carmel | 8,090 | $121,402 | $357,500 | Compare |
| Congers | 7,923 | $141,413 | $575,700 | Compare |
| Mount Ivy | 7,913 | $85,226 | $275,200 | Compare |
| Johnstown | 8,153 | $62,333 | $147,000 | Compare |
| Center Moriches | 8,155 | $152,500 | $554,500 | Compare |
| Hornell | 8,173 | $46,321 | $86,600 | Compare |
| Garden City Park | 8,176 | $135,208 | $796,600 | 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 Port Jefferson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Jefferson
What is the population of Port Jefferson, NY?
The population of Port Jefferson, NY is 8,029 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 Port Jefferson?
The median household income in Port Jefferson, NY is $143,125 per year, which is 90% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Jefferson?
The median home value in Port Jefferson, NY is $628,500, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Port Jefferson?
The median monthly rent in Port Jefferson, NY is $2,254, which is 94% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Jefferson?
The unemployment rate in Port Jefferson, NY is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Port Jefferson, NY a good place to live?
Port Jefferson offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,029 and a median age of 45.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Port Jefferson, NY?
69.0% of residents in Port Jefferson 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 Port Jefferson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Jefferson, NY: median home value is $628,500 (157% above national), median rent is $2,254/month, and median household income is $143,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Port Jefferson?
The poverty rate in Port Jefferson, NY is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Port Jefferson, NY?
Port Jefferson's population is 1.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 6.8% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 16.0% of residents are foreign-born.