Median Income
$83,521
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$449,000
59% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$2,208
90% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Riverhead Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,073
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density999/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Economy
A
Median Income$83,521
Per Capita$37,481
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$139,014M
Commute28 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$449,000
Rent$2,208
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$607,684
Health
Obesity34.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression16.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F
AQI36 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Elevation58 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+75.1%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute28 min
EV Stations30
Libraries65
Is Riverhead a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riverhead receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Riverhead offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riverhead is $83,521, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riverhead is $449,000, making it a premium housing market at 59% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,208 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Riverhead experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Riverhead has a population of 15,073 with a density of 999 people per square mile. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (50.1%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 12.3% Black.
Population
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Riverhead vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 65.9% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Spanish | 34.1% |
| 154% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Riverhead vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Riverhead is $83,521, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Income: Riverhead vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,521 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,481 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,522 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $113,245 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 56,343 |
| County GDP | $139,014M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4,024 |
| Healthcare | 5,146 |
| Retail | 6,106 |
| Manufacturing | 1,670 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $12,682 |
| 262% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Riverhead is $449,000, 59% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $2,208 (90% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $607,684.
Home Values
| Census Median | $449,000 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $607,684 |
| Median List Price | $475,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $475,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $427 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 20 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,208 |
| 90% above US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $12,682 |
| 262% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Riverhead, 34.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 16.8% report depression. 32.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Riverhead vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 16.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,453/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,146 |
Crime Rates: Riverhead vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 154 |
Safety Score
Riverhead has an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.1°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 47.2 inches |
| 24% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 58 ft (18 m) |
| Area | 15.1 sq mi (39.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 999/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9513°N, 72.6761°W |
| County FIPS | 36103 |