Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Brookhaven, NY
Thinking of moving to Brookhaven, NY? Home to about 482,000 residents, Brookhaven offers suburban living with a median home price around $450,000 and average rents near $2,250. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (188 per 100k), reasonable commute times (33.8 minutes), and strong public schools, including Ward Melville High. With 54% sunny days, excellent healthcare, and close proximity to higher education like Stony Brook University, Brookhaven is a great choice for families and professionals seeking the best of Long Island living.
Demographics - Brookhaven, NY
Demographics - Brookhaven, NY
Brookhaven has a population of approximately 482,000, with a median age of 41.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (68%), but also features notable Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 16% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city offers a moderately dense suburban environment, appealing to families and professionals alike.
Population:
482,436
Density:
1,950 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.4%
Black:
9.7%
Asian:
5.6%
Others:
16.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Brookhaven, NY?
Living in Brookhaven comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value around $450,000 and average rents at $2,250 per month. Utilities and transportation costs also trend above national averages, reflected in a cost of living index of 136.5. State taxes range from 4% to 8.82%, making budgeting an important consideration for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$450,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$165
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$930
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.5
Grocery:
120.4
Housing:
149.8
Utilities:
118.0
Transportation:
130.5
Health Care:
117.2
Miscellaneous:
112.3
Crime
Is Brookhaven, NY a safe place to live?
Brookhaven is generally considered a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 188 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,310 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 532 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 76 chance of property crime, both of which are relatively low compared to urban centers. This environment supports a strong sense of community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
188
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,310
Crime Index:
1,498
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 532
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Brookhaven, NY year-round?
Brookhaven experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and winters dipping to lows of 25°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities. Residents can expect mild springs and crisp autumns, perfect for experiencing Long Island’s natural beauty.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The community in Brookhaven is characterized by a median household income of $104,090 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, with nearly 37% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the average commute time is about 34 minutes. Public transportation is available but used by a small portion of residents, contributing to a suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$104,090
Family Income:
$117,400
Per Capita Income:
$46,700
Income Male:
$56,200
Income Female:
$47,500
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
16.2%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
5.5%
Commute Time:
33.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
37.3%
Education
How are the schools in Brookhaven, NY?
Brookhaven boasts reputable public schools such as Ward Melville and Patchogue-Medford High, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios and strong academic programs. The area is also home to Stony Brook University, a major research institution, and Suffolk County Community College, offering a wide range of higher education opportunities. Families have access to both quality public and private schooling options.
Public Schools
Name:
Ward Melville High School
Street:
380 Old Town Rd
Phone:
631-730-4900
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7
Name:
Patchogue-Medford High School
Street:
181 Buffalo Ave
Phone:
631-687-6500
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Wisdom Regional School
Street:
114-116 Myrtle Ave
Phone:
631-473-1211
Students:
280
Colleges
Name:
Stony Brook University
City:
Stony Brook
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
26,800
Name:
Suffolk County Community College
City:
Selden
State:
NY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Brookhaven offers excellent healthcare access, anchored by facilities like Stony Brook University Hospital and Long Island Community Hospital. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 95% health insurance coverage, medical care is convenient and comprehensive. The area’s healthcare index of 76.2 signals above-average quality and availability for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stony Brook University Hospital
Address:
101 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Phone:
(631) 689-8333
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Long Island Community Hospital
Address:
101 Hospital Rd, Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone:
(631) 654-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Brookhaven, NY?
Brookhaven’s housing market features a median home price of $450,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,250, with a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, and the area maintains a low foreclosure rate. These factors make Brookhaven appealing to both homebuyers and renters seeking stability and growth.
Median Home Price:
$450,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Brookhaven residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Hauppauge. The DMV provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, and more information is available on the New York DMV website or by phone. Access is convenient for both new and long-term residents.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
250 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.