Shelter Island Heights, NY
Population 998 · New York
About Shelter Island Heights, NY
Shelter Island Heights is a small community located in New York with a population of 998 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,884 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 69.4 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 Shelter Island Heights features a median home value of $1,041,300, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shelter Island Heights 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 1,765 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (579 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelter Island Heights shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shelter Island Heights have an average one-way commute time of 16 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
59.2% of Shelter Island Heights 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 0.4% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shelter Island Heights Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Shelter Island Heights, NY
Compared to national averages, Shelter Island Heights has a median household income of $103,884 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,041,300, which is 325% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Shelter Island Heights's income is 7% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 169% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Shelter Island Heights, NY?
Shelter Island Heights offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,884, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 59.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,041,300. However, Shelter Island Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shelter Island Heights has a population of 998 with a median age of 69.4 years. Compare Shelter Island Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Shelter Island Heights
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohocton | 997 | $64,167 | $82,200 | Compare |
| Point Lookout | 996 | $108,371 | $1,049,100 | Compare |
| Richmondville | 1,001 | $46,571 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Adams Center | 1,002 | $100,313 | $178,100 | Compare |
| Port Byron | 994 | $51,528 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Waddington | 1,003 | $69,375 | $195,800 | Compare |
| Tribes Hill | 1,004 | $94,440 | $182,600 | Compare |
| Palenville | 990 | $0 | $233,700 | 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 Shelter Island Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelter Island Heights
What is the population of Shelter Island Heights, NY?
The population of Shelter Island Heights, NY is 998 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New York.
What is the median household income in Shelter Island Heights?
The median household income in Shelter Island Heights, NY is $103,884 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelter Island Heights?
The median home value in Shelter Island Heights, NY is $1,041,300, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shelter Island Heights?
The median monthly rent in Shelter Island Heights, NY is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelter Island Heights?
The unemployment rate in Shelter Island Heights, NY is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shelter Island Heights, NY a good place to live?
Shelter Island Heights offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 998 and a median age of 69.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Shelter Island Heights, NY?
59.2% of residents in Shelter Island Heights 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 Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shelter Island Heights, NY: median home value is $1,041,300 (325% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $103,884. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Shelter Island Heights?
The poverty rate in Shelter Island Heights, NY is 16.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Shelter Island Heights, NY?
Shelter Island Heights's population is 0.4% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.