Wantagh, NY
Population 17,964 · New York
About Wantagh, NY
Wantagh is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 17,964 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $174,773 per year, which is 133% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 Wantagh features a median home value of $665,700, which is 172% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wantagh in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,191, 88% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,970 total housing units, 96% are owner-occupied (5,562 units) and 4% are renter-occupied (256 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wantagh 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 Wantagh have an average one-way commute time of 33.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.1% of Wantagh 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 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 8.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wantagh, NY
Compared to national averages, Wantagh has a median household income of $174,773 (133% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $665,700, which is 172% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,191 is 88% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Wantagh's income is 80% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 72% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Wantagh, NY?
Wantagh offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $174,773, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 52.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $665,700. However, Wantagh’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wantagh has a population of 17,964 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Wantagh with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Wantagh
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarsdale | 18,005 | $250,001 | $1,703,800 | Compare |
| North Massapequa | 18,037 | $142,274 | $609,100 | Compare |
| Cohoes | 18,043 | $62,111 | $209,400 | Compare |
| Amsterdam | 18,162 | $50,193 | $119,800 | Compare |
| North Valley Stream | 17,756 | $145,204 | $588,800 | Compare |
| Woodmere | 18,198 | $174,942 | $944,400 | Compare |
| North Babylon | 18,208 | $130,293 | $470,900 | Compare |
| Syosset | 18,274 | $187,936 | $854,500 | 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 Wantagh With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wantagh
What is the population of Wantagh, NY?
The population of Wantagh, NY is 17,964 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 Wantagh?
The median household income in Wantagh, NY is $174,773 per year, which is 133% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wantagh?
The median home value in Wantagh, NY is $665,700, which is 172% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wantagh?
The median monthly rent in Wantagh, NY is $2,191, which is 88% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wantagh?
The unemployment rate in Wantagh, 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 Wantagh, NY a good place to live?
Wantagh offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,964 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wantagh, NY?
52.1% of residents in Wantagh 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 Wantagh?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wantagh, NY: median home value is $665,700 (172% above national), median rent is $2,191/month, and median household income is $174,773. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wantagh?
The poverty rate in Wantagh, 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 Wantagh, NY?
Wantagh's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 8.7% of residents are foreign-born.