Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chinatown, NY
Considering a move to Chinatown, NY? This vibrant neighborhood is home to about 47,000 residents, offering a rich cultural experience and excellent walkability. Expect a high cost of living, with median home values around $1,050,000 and rents averaging $2,350 per month. Crime rates are moderate for NYC, and most locals rely on public transit, with average commutes just over 37 minutes. Chinatown stands out for its authentic cuisine, diverse community, and access to nearby public schools and major hospitals—making it a unique and bustling place to call home.
Demographics - Chinatown, NY
Demographics - Chinatown, NY
Chinatown, NY is a densely populated neighborhood with around 47,000 residents, the majority of whom are Asian, reflecting its vibrant cultural identity. The area is characterized by a younger median age of 39.2 and a high percentage of non-English speakers, making it a diverse and dynamic community. Its compact urban environment fosters close-knit living and a true city atmosphere.
Population:
47,000
Density:
70,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
65.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
9.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
75.0%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chinatown, NY?
Living in Chinatown comes with a high price tag, as median home values reach $1,050,000 and typical rents hover near $2,350 per month. The cost of living index is well above the national average, particularly driven by housing and transportation expenses. Residents should budget accordingly for state taxes and everyday costs in this sought-after Manhattan neighborhood.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,100
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
169.0
Grocery:
140.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
116.0
Transportation:
148.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Chinatown, NY a safe place to live?
Chinatown experiences moderate crime rates for New York City, with violent crime remaining relatively rare and property crime more common. The chance of being affected by violent crime is about 1 in 294, while property crimes stand at 1 in 63. Overall, the area offers a reasonable level of safety compared to other urban districts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
340
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,590
Crime Index:
1,930
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 294
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Chinatown, NY year-round?
Chinatown enjoys a typical Northeast climate, with cold winters averaging lows of 27°F, warm summers peaking at 85°F, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. Residents benefit from about 58% sunny days each year and nearly 50 inches of rainfall, supporting a lively urban environment year-round. Seasonal changes bring variety, making outdoor activities possible in every season.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The neighborhood features a mix of working families and individuals, with a median household income of $66,000 and a poverty rate of 22.4%. Most residents rely on public transportation, reflected in a high public transit usage rate of 61% and an average commute of 37 minutes. The community is diverse, with a significant number of non-English speakers and a broad range of educational backgrounds.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$66,000
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,500
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
65.0%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
7.3%
Public Transport Usage:
61.0%
Commute Time:
37.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
65.0%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Chinatown, NY?
Families in Chinatown benefit from several public and private schools, including P.S. 130 and P.S. 124, both known for strong student-teacher ratios. The neighborhood also offers easy access to higher education, with institutions like Borough of Manhattan Community College and NYU located nearby. Educational opportunities cater to diverse backgrounds and provide pathways for all age groups.

Public Schools
Name:
P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto
Street:
143 Baxter St
Phone:
212-226-8073
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
P.S. 124 Yung Wing
Street:
40 Division St
Phone:
212-966-7237
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
Transfiguration School
Street:
29 Mott St
Phone:
212-962-5265
Students:
200

Colleges
Name:
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
0.7 miles
Students:
25,000
Name:
New York University (NYU)
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
1.2 miles
Students:
54,000
Healthcare
Chinatown offers convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital nearby. There are about 3.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 88% of people have health insurance coverage. The area’s healthcare index reflects solid medical infrastructure, ensuring residents’ needs are met locally.

Major Hospitals
Name:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur
Address:
227 Madison St, New York, NY 10002
Phone:
(212) 238-7897
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital
Address:
170 William St, New York, NY 10038
Phone:
(212) 312-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chinatown, NY?
The Chinatown housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $1,050,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $2,650. Homeownership rates are low at just 13%, while most residents rent, and vacancies remain scarce. Property values have seen modest appreciation, reflecting steady demand in this urban hub.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
13.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Chinatown residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles at a convenient downtown location. Local DMV services include licensing, registration, and other essential vehicle-related needs. Residents can access up-to-date information and schedule appointments via the official state DMV website.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
11 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10004
Phone:
1-212-645-5550
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.