Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riverhead, NY
Considering a move to Riverhead, NY? This welcoming town of 14,600 residents features a median home price around $485,000 and average rents near $1,750, with a cost of living slightly above the national average. Riverhead is known for its scenic charm, solid schools, and reasonable commute times of about 27 minutes. Enjoy relatively low crime rates, plenty of sunshine, and easy access to healthcare and higher education—making Riverhead an attractive choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Riverhead, NY
Demographics - Riverhead, NY
Riverhead, NY is home to approximately 14,600 residents, with a population density of 540 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White but includes a mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 17% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age of 44 suggests a mature, family-friendly environment.
Population:
14,600
Density:
540 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.5%
Black:
13.2%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead's cost of living index is 128.5, reflecting higher-than-average expenses, especially in housing. The median home value is around $485,000, and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,750. Residents should also expect moderate utility and transportation costs, as well as state income taxes ranging from 4% to 10.9%.
Median House Value:
$485,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.5
Grocery:
122.0
Housing:
140.0
Utilities:
116.0
Transportation:
124.0
Health Care:
112.5
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Riverhead, NY a safe place to live?
Riverhead experiences relatively low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,360 per 100,000 residents. This means residents have a 1 in 699 chance of being affected by violent crime, contributing to a sense of safety within the community. Property crime is more common but still remains below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
143
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,360
Crime Index:
1,503
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 699
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Riverhead, NY year-round?
The town enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers averaging highs near 82°F and cold winters with lows around 26°F. Riverhead receives about 47 inches of annual rainfall, and 55% of days are sunny, providing a pleasant environment year-round. Seasonal changes bring variety, making it ideal for those who appreciate all four seasons.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Riverhead residents have a median household income of $75,600 and a family income of $89,100, with about 12% living below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is just over 27 minutes. The community is diverse and welcoming, with a relatively low unemployment rate and modest use of public transportation.
Median Income:
$41,600
Household Income:
$75,600
Family Income:
$89,100
Per Capita Income:
$35,900
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
16.7%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.9%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.5%
Education
How are the schools in Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and private school options like St. Isidore. Higher education is easily accessible, with Suffolk County Community College’s Eastern Campus nearby and Stony Brook University within commuting distance. This makes Riverhead a convenient location for families and students seeking quality education options.
Public Schools
Name:
Riverhead Senior High School
Street:
700 Harrison Ave
Phone:
631-369-6727
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Pulaski Street Elementary School
Street:
300 Pulaski St
Phone:
631-369-6790
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Isidore School
Street:
515 Marcy Ave
Phone:
631-727-1650
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Suffolk County Community College – Eastern Campus
City:
Riverhead
State:
NY
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
4,000
Name:
Stony Brook University
City:
Stony Brook
State:
NY
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
26,800
Healthcare
Riverhead offers strong healthcare access, anchored by Peconic Bay Medical Center, which provides emergency and surgical services. There are 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 92% of the population has health insurance. The area's healthcare index indicates generally good availability and quality of services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Peconic Bay Medical Center
Address:
1300 Roanoke Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone:
(631) 548-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead's housing market features a median home price of $485,000, with owner occupancy at 62% and a rental vacancy rate of 5.8%. The area has seen a healthy annual home appreciation rate of 6.6%, and rental prices for a two-bedroom average $1,950 per month. New construction remains steady, with low foreclosure rates reflecting market stability.
Median Home Price:
$485,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Riverhead residents can access full DMV services at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office located at 200 Old Country Rd. The office provides driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle services locally. For more information, visit the official DMV website or call their office.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
200 Old Country Rd, Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone:
1-718-477-4820
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.