New York · Metropolitan Area
Shelter Island is a small town in New York with a population of 2,281. Residents earn $129,410 per year, which is 72% above the national average.
Based on current data, Shelter Island receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, long commute times. Shelter Island stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Shelter Island is $129,410, which is significantly higher than the national average — 72% above $75,149. This places Shelter Island among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Shelter Island is $1,019,000, making it a premium housing market at 261% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.9x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Shelter Island is a highly educated community — 55.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Shelter Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 80.5% |
| 3% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 19.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $129,410 |
| 72% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $56,722 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,353 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $111,114 |
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 6,800 |
| County GDP | $16,096M |
| Restaurants | 485 |
| Healthcare | 542 |
| Retail | 655 |
| Manufacturing | 215 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,204 |
| 134% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.81% |
| Commute Time | 36.7 min |
| Work from Home | 34.4% |
| Census Median | $1,019,000 |
| 261% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,716,775 |
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,204 |
| 134% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.81% |
| Obesity | 29.9% |
| 7% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 18.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 79.2% |
| Exercise Access | 92.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 542 |
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Area | 6.6 sq mi (17.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 348/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0553°N, 72.2971°W |
| County FIPS | 09130 |
Winner: Democrat by 13.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 55.0% |
| 63% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 86.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.39 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 348/sq mi |
| Total Area | 6.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 20 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 542 |
| Restaurants | 485 |
| Retail Stores | 655 |
| Avg Commute | 36.7 min |
| Work from Home | 34.4% |