Moving to Fire Island, NY?

Fire Island has a small year-round population of about 300 residents, which expands to over 20,000 in the summer, making it a peaceful community most of the year and lively during peak season. The median age is 54, indicating a mature population, and the area is predominantly White, with 92% of residents identifying as such. This close-knit demographic makeup contributes to a quiet, neighborly atmosphere ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Population:

300 (year-round); up to 20,000+ (summer seasonal)

Density:

Varies seasonally, ~150 per sq mi (year-round)

Median Age:

54.0

Gender Ratio:

105 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

7.5%

Ethnic Composition

White:

92.0%

Black:

2.5%

Asian:

1.5%

Others:

4.0%

Is Fire Island, NY a safe place to live?

Fire Island boasts very low crime rates, with violent crimes at just 70 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 680 per 100,000. The odds of encountering a violent crime are 1 in 1,430, making the island one of the safer communities in the region. This safety, combined with a strong sense of community, is a major draw for residents and seasonal visitors alike.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

70 (year-round average; very low)

Property Crimes Per 100k:

680

Crime Index:

750

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 1,430

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 147

The island's residents enjoy a comfortable quality of life, with a median household income of $89,000 and a poverty rate of just over 7%. Educational attainment is high, with nearly 95% completing high school and over half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. While many work locally or remotely, about 13% commute to the mainland for work, typically traveling about 35 minutes to NYC via ferry and train.

Median Income:

$48,000

Household Income:

$89,000

Family Income:

$96,500

Per Capita Income:

$57,000

Income Male:

$60,000

Income Female:

$49,000

Poverty Rate:

7.1%

Non English Speakers:

7.5%

Rent:

$2,500 (off-season avg)

Unemployment Rate:

5.2%

Public Transport Usage:

13.2% (mainland commuters)

Commute Time:

35 minutes (to NYC via ferry + train)

Education

High School or Higher:

94.8%

Bachelors or More:

51.1%

Fire Island residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Good Samaritan University Hospital and South Shore University Hospital located nearby on Long Island. The area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94.6% and a solid physician ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people, ensuring prompt medical care when needed. Emergency services are readily available for both year-round and seasonal residents.

Major Hospitals

Name:

Good Samaritan University Hospital

Address:

1000 Montauk Hwy, West Islip, NY 11795

Phone:

(631) 376-3000

Type:

General & Emergency

Emergency Services:

Yes

Name:

South Shore University Hospital

Address:

301 E Main St, Bay Shore, NY 11706

Phone:

(631) 968-3000

Type:

General & Emergency

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

2.7

Health Insurance Coverage:

94.6%

Health Care Index:

76.3

Vehicle registration and licensing for Fire Island residents are managed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Commack. Residents can access DMV services for renewals, licensing, and registrations either online or at the local office. The island’s car-free lifestyle means fewer personal vehicles are needed, but DMV resources remain accessible for those who require them.

State:

New York

Department:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

Address:

250 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY 11725

Phone:

1-718-477-4820

Website:

https://dmv.ny.gov