Riverhead, NY
Population 15,073 · New York
About Riverhead, NY
Riverhead is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 15,073 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,521 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 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 Riverhead features a median home value of $449,000, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. This places Riverhead in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,208, 90% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,463 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (3,071 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,989 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Riverhead shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Riverhead have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.0% of Riverhead residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 27.4% Asian residents, with 27.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Riverhead, NY
Compared to national averages, Riverhead has a median household income of $83,521 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $449,000, which is 83% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,208 is 90% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Riverhead's income is 14% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 16% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,521, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $449,000. However, Riverhead’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Riverhead has a population of 15,073 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Riverhead with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Riverhead
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depew | 15,065 | $75,226 | $180,800 | Compare |
| Kenmore | 15,097 | $75,768 | $192,600 | Compare |
| Tonawanda | 15,044 | $61,619 | $159,500 | Compare |
| Mastic | 15,031 | $106,491 | $370,500 | Compare |
| Johnson City | 15,130 | $51,667 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Gloversville | 15,010 | $49,155 | $95,500 | Compare |
| Greenlawn | 14,986 | $161,442 | $626,700 | Compare |
| South Farmingdale | 14,953 | $162,527 | $584,400 | 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 Riverhead With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Riverhead
What is the population of Riverhead, NY?
The population of Riverhead, NY is 15,073 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 Riverhead?
The median household income in Riverhead, NY is $83,521 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Riverhead?
The median home value in Riverhead, NY is $449,000, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Riverhead?
The median monthly rent in Riverhead, NY is $2,208, which is 90% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Riverhead?
The unemployment rate in Riverhead, NY is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Riverhead, NY a good place to live?
Riverhead offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,073 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Riverhead, NY?
18.0% of residents in Riverhead aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Riverhead?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Riverhead, NY: median home value is $449,000 (83% above national), median rent is $2,208/month, and median household income is $83,521. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Riverhead?
The poverty rate in Riverhead, NY is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead's population is 4.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 27.4% Asian, and 12.0% two or more races. 27.4% of residents are foreign-born.