Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Howard Beach, NY
Considering a move to Howard Beach, NY? This close-knit Queens community of about 26,200 residents offers suburban vibes within New York City. With median home prices around $615,000 and average rents at $2,050, housing is higher than the national average but reflects the area’s desirability. Howard Beach is known for its safety, boasting low violent crime rates (170 per 100K), and easy access to public transit—though the average commute is about 46 minutes. Residents enjoy reputable schools, proximity to medical centers, and a pleasant coastal climate with 54% sunny days each year. Explore the details below to see if Howard Beach fits your next move!
Demographics - Howard Beach, NY
Demographics - Howard Beach, NY
Howard Beach is home to around 26,200 residents, offering a suburban atmosphere within Queens. The population is predominantly White (72%) with a median age of 45, and about 18.5% speak a language other than English at home. The area’s balanced gender ratio and moderate population density make it appealing for families and retirees alike.
Population:
26,200
Density:
7,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
5.0%
Others:
20.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Howard Beach, NY?
The cost of living in Howard Beach is notably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $615,000 and average rent at $2,050 per month. Utilities and transportation also run above average, reflecting its desirable New York City location. State and local taxes apply, contributing to the area’s overall cost index of 153.1.
Median House Value:
$615,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
4% (NYC income tax applies)
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.1
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
175.0
Utilities:
129.0
Transportation:
156.0
Health Care:
121.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Howard Beach, NY a safe place to live?
Howard Beach is regarded as a safe neighborhood, with a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 residents and property crime remaining relatively low. Residents enjoy a 1 in 588 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it one of the more secure communities in Queens. This reputation for safety contributes to its appeal for families and professionals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Howard Beach, NY year-round?
Howard Beach offers a pleasant coastal climate, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and winters that rarely dip below 27°F. The area experiences about 54% sunny days annually and receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall, supporting a comfortable outdoor lifestyle. Seasonal changes bring mild springs and vibrant falls, making the weather enjoyable year-round.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Howard Beach benefit from a median household income of $86,500 and a poverty rate just above 10%. Nearly 88% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and public transportation is widely used, with commute times averaging 46 minutes. The community is diverse and vibrant, with a strong sense of neighborhood connection.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$86,500
Family Income:
$98,400
Per Capita Income:
$38,000
Income Male:
$50,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
38.2%
Commute Time:
46.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
29.5%
Education
How are the schools in Howard Beach, NY?
Howard Beach features well-regarded public schools such as P.S. 207 and P.S. 232, both known for manageable class sizes and community involvement. The area also offers private education options and is situated near reputable colleges like York College and St. John's University. Families benefit from a strong educational infrastructure, supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
P.S. 207 Rockwood Park
Street:
159-15 88th St
Phone:
718-848-2700
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
P.S. 232 Lindenwood
Street:
153-23 83rd St
Phone:
718-848-8449
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Helen Catholic Academy
Street:
83-09 157th Ave
Phone:
718-835-4155
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
York College – CUNY
City:
Jamaica
State:
NY
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
St. John's University
City:
Queens
State:
NY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
21,700
Healthcare
Howard Beach residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and St. John's Episcopal Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.5% and a solid ratio of 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Quality healthcare is a key asset for families and seniors in the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Address:
8900 Van Wyck Expy, Jamaica, NY 11418
Phone:
(718) 206-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. John's Episcopal Hospital
Address:
327 Beach 19th St, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Phone:
(718) 869-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Howard Beach, NY?
The housing market in Howard Beach is stable, with a median home price of $615,000 and most residents (66.7%) owning their homes. Rental vacancies are low at 4.1%, and home values have appreciated by 4.7% in the past year. This strong market indicates ongoing demand and long-term investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$615,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Howard Beach residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Rockaway Blvd in nearby Jamaica, NY. The DMV offers a full range of licensing, registration, and vehicle services both in person and online. Access to these resources ensures residents can easily manage their transportation needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
168-35 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone:
1-718-966-6155
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.