Wading River, NY
Population 8,393 · New York
About Wading River, NY
Wading River is a small town located in New York with a population of 8,393 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $132,213 per year, which is 76% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47 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 Wading River features a median home value of $486,600, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wading River 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 3,550 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (3,000 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (193 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wading River shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wading River have an average one-way commute time of 28.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.2% of Wading River residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 11.2% Asian residents, with 11.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wading River, NY
Compared to national averages, Wading River has a median household income of $132,213 (76% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $486,600, which is 99% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Wading River's income is 36% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 26% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Wading River, NY?
Wading River offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $132,213, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 43.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $486,600. However, Wading River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wading River has a population of 8,393 with a median age of 47 years. Compare Wading River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Wading River
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Windsor | 8,427 | $85,755 | $324,300 | Compare |
| Hastings-on-Hudson | 8,449 | $181,528 | $872,500 | Compare |
| Farmingdale | 8,450 | $134,037 | $530,100 | Compare |
| Malverne | 8,496 | $146,585 | $637,300 | Compare |
| Potsdam | 8,507 | $32,061 | $144,200 | Compare |
| Croton-on-Hudson | 8,205 | $185,718 | $702,600 | Compare |
| Garden City Park | 8,176 | $135,208 | $796,600 | Compare |
| Hornell | 8,173 | $46,321 | $86,600 | 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 Wading River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wading River
What is the population of Wading River, NY?
The population of Wading River, NY is 8,393 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 Wading River?
The median household income in Wading River, NY is $132,213 per year, which is 76% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wading River?
The median home value in Wading River, NY is $486,600, which is 99% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wading River?
The median monthly rent in Wading River, NY is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wading River?
The unemployment rate in Wading River, NY is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wading River, NY a good place to live?
Wading River offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,393 and a median age of 47, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wading River, NY?
43.2% of residents in Wading River 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 Wading River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wading River, NY: median home value is $486,600 (99% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $132,213. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wading River?
The poverty rate in Wading River, NY is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wading River, NY?
Wading River's population is 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 11.2% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 11.8% of residents are foreign-born.