Shelter Island, NY
Population 2,281 · New York
About Shelter Island, NY
Shelter Island is a small town located in New York with a population of 2,281 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,410 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shelter Island features a median home value of $1,019,000, which is 316% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shelter Island in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,488 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (675 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (127 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelter Island shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 1.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shelter Island have an average one-way commute time of 36.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
55.0% of Shelter Island 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 19.9% White, 17.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.4% Asian residents, with 18.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shelter Island, NY
Compared to national averages, Shelter Island has a median household income of $129,410 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,019,000, which is 316% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Shelter Island's income is 33% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 163% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Shelter Island, NY?
Shelter Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,410, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 55.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,019,000. However, Shelter Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shelter Island has a population of 2,281 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare Shelter Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Shelter Island
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford Hills | 2,283 | $102,750 | $491,500 | Compare |
| Lake Katrine | 2,284 | $64,038 | $210,700 | Compare |
| Glasco | 2,275 | $58,808 | $296,400 | Compare |
| Fort Plain | 2,274 | $37,600 | $78,700 | Compare |
| Granville | 2,270 | $44,940 | $140,800 | Compare |
| Buchanan | 2,296 | $127,375 | $492,000 | Compare |
| Marist College | 2,300 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Eastport | 2,259 | $129,034 | $632,200 | 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 Shelter Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelter Island
What is the population of Shelter Island, NY?
The population of Shelter Island, NY is 2,281 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 Shelter Island?
The median household income in Shelter Island, NY is $129,410 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelter Island?
The median home value in Shelter Island, NY is $1,019,000, which is 316% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shelter Island?
The median monthly rent in Shelter Island, NY is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelter Island?
The unemployment rate in Shelter Island, 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 Shelter Island, NY a good place to live?
Shelter Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,281 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shelter Island, NY?
55.0% of residents in Shelter Island 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 Shelter Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shelter Island, NY: median home value is $1,019,000 (316% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $129,410. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Shelter Island?
The poverty rate in Shelter Island, NY is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shelter Island, NY?
Shelter Island's population is 19.9% White, 17.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 18.1% of residents are foreign-born.