Shirley, NY
Population 27,807 · New York
About Shirley, NY
Shirley is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 27,807 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,379 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shirley features a median home value of $390,300, which is 59% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shirley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,110, 81% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,934 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (7,721 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (777 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shirley shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shirley have an average one-way commute time of 33.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.9% of Shirley 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 3.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Black or African American, and 14.2% Asian residents, with 13.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shirley, NY
Compared to national averages, Shirley has a median household income of $105,379 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $390,300, which is 59% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,110 is 81% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Shirley's income is 9% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 1% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Shirley, NY?
Shirley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,379, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $390,300. However, Shirley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shirley has a population of 27,807 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Shirley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Shirley
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monsey | 27,787 | $49,095 | $829,700 | Compare |
| Glen Cove | 28,101 | $91,355 | $654,500 | Compare |
| Deer Park | 27,334 | $138,950 | $497,900 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 28,401 | $44,878 | $79,100 | Compare |
| Lindenhurst | 27,106 | $129,033 | $484,800 | Compare |
| Saratoga Springs | 28,542 | $100,485 | $445,100 | Compare |
| Ossining | 26,979 | $100,997 | $444,200 | Compare |
| Newburgh | 28,649 | $51,006 | $221,100 | 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 Shirley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirley
What is the population of Shirley, NY?
The population of Shirley, NY is 27,807 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 Shirley?
The median household income in Shirley, NY is $105,379 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shirley?
The median home value in Shirley, NY is $390,300, which is 59% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shirley?
The median monthly rent in Shirley, NY is $2,110, which is 81% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shirley?
The unemployment rate in Shirley, NY is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shirley, NY a good place to live?
Shirley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 27,807 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shirley, NY?
16.9% of residents in Shirley 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 Shirley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shirley, NY: median home value is $390,300 (59% above national), median rent is $2,110/month, and median household income is $105,379. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shirley?
The poverty rate in Shirley, NY is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shirley, NY?
Shirley's population is 3.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Black or African American, 14.2% Asian, and 8.7% two or more races. 13.4% of residents are foreign-born.