| City: | Shelter Island, New York |
| City Alias: | Shelter Is |
| County: | Suffolk County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:40:43 PM |
| Population: | 2,470 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 631 / 934 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 41.0512, -72.3132 |
| Land Area: | 9.375 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Shelter Island sits between Long Island's North and South Forks, accessible only by ferry. This 8.8 square mile island in Suffolk County maintains a year-round population of 2,470 residents, but 36% of its 1,966 homes are vacant seasonally. That makes it a classic vacation community where the summer population swells far beyond the off-season count.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire island. The Shelter Island post office maintains 1,188 PO Boxes for 1,125 year-round households, a 1.06 adoption rate that means nearly every household relies on a box. Limited rural delivery (just 2 rural routes) handles only 42 street addresses, leaving most residents and all seasonal homeowners dependent on the post office.
The island's character shows in the numbers. Median home values reach $998,700, and median household income sits at $129,826. The population skews older (median age 54.3) and educated (52% hold bachelor's degrees). Surprisingly, 34% work from home, well above the national average. These are professionals, retirees, and seasonal residents who've chosen island living.
Street names tell the ferry-dependent story. N Ferry Rd and S Ferry Rd are the most developed routes, connecting the two ferry landings that link Shelter Island to Greenport and North Haven. Other roads like Ram Island Dr, Bay Rd, and Quaker Path wind through residential neighborhoods and historic areas. The ZIP+4 data shows only 27 distinct streets serving the entire island.
Ownership patterns favor permanence. Of 1,125 occupied homes, 902 are owner-occupied versus just 223 rentals. That 80% ownership rate, combined with the seasonal vacancy pattern, suggests second homeowners maintain year-round boxes while using their properties part-time. The post office becomes the anchor for an island community that transforms with the seasons.
Ferry roads dominate, with N Ferry Rd and S Ferry Rd connecting the two ferry landings that link Shelter Island to the mainland.
ZIP Code 11964 has 2,470 residents and 1,125 households (average 2.20 persons per household). The median age is 54.3 years, significantly older than the state (39.0) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.7% male and 50.3% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (48.4%). Largest groups are White (86.8%, much higher than the state average of 55.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (9.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.5%, which is much lower than the state average (19.5%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 2,470Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,906Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 263.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $134,620Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,125Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $1,078,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.20Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.04Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,633 | 1,960 | 1,846 | 2,048 | 2,162 | 2,263 | 1,920 | 2,054 | 2,413 | 2,287 | 3,101 | 3,129 | 2,858 | 2,906 |
| Decennial Census | 1,858 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,470 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 54.3
Male Median Age: 52
Female Median Age: 55.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 38 | 50 | 62 | 77 | 64 | 48 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 77 | 73 | 111 | 121 | 122 | 72 | 54 | 41 | 47 |
| Female | 38 | 44 | 50 | 58 | 57 | 45 | 55 | 49 | 39 | 74 | 100 | 108 | 127 | 105 | 105 | 79 | 53 | 57 |
| Total | 76 | 94 | 112 | 135 | 121 | 93 | 105 | 109 | 99 | 151 | 173 | 219 | 248 | 227 | 177 | 133 | 94 | 104 |
| White: | 2,145 | 85.32% |
| Black: | 19 | 0.76% |
| Hispanic:* | 234 | 9.31% |
| Asian: | 37 | 1.47% |
| American Indian: | 5 | 0.20% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 74 | 2.94% |
| Total: | 2,514 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,227 | 49.68% | 52.0 years |
| Females: | 1,243 | 50.32% | 55.5 years |
| Total: | 2,470 | 100% | 54.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,504 | 86.17% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 46 | 1.58% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 151 | 5.20% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 205 | 12.25% |
| Total Population: | 2,906 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,550 | 87.75% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 356 | 12.25% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $134,620, which is far above the national median ($80,734), is up $68,203 (102.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $51,852. Family households earn a median of $153,809 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $153,809). By gender, male median income is $107,169 and female is $97,771, which is markedly greater than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $9,398 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 61.6%, which is trails slightly the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 8.4%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (45.0%).
Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,417 | $79,007 | $76,133 | $93,333 | $79,091 | $79,878 | $81,352 | $82,686 | $82,768 | $97,234 | $100,813 | $98,409 | $129,826 | $134,620 |
| Median Family Income | $77,054 | $102,880 | $77,981 | $133,472 | $122,167 | $121,484 | $112,331 | $0 | $83,411 | $125,824 | $132,029 | $122,917 | $149,183 | $153,809 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $33,750 | $36,518 | $33,036 | $32,366 | $31,225 | $31,667 | $31,094 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $58,882 | $63,839 | $98,375 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $53,854 | $76,932 | $75,694 | $103,882 | $0 | $73,977 | $63,702 | $0 | $61,026 | $86,306 | $108,065 | $98,939 | $102,154 | $107,169 |
| Median Female Income | $51,382 | $53,125 | $54,781 | $71,897 | $0 | $79,219 | $73,899 | $76,210 | $78,321 | $80,363 | $83,125 | $91,359 | $93,191 | $97,771 |
| Employed: | 1,350 | 56.49% |
| Unemployed: | 123 | 5.15% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 917 | 38.37% |
| Total: | 2,390 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 608 | 45.04% |
| Service: | 56 | 4.15% |
| Sales and Office: | 92 | 6.81% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 177 | 13.11% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 417 | 30.89% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,350 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $1,078,500, which is far above the national median ($332,700), is up $268,400 (33.13%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $268,200. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $1,165 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 93.28% (47.24% with a mortgage, 52.76% free-and-clear) and renters 6.72% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 59.52%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $810,100 | $834,200 | $695,300 | $712,100 | $718,200 | $733,200 | $770,700 | $850,000 | $810,300 | $852,600 | $871,700 | $934,900 | $998,700 | $1,078,500 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 73 | 100.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 73 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,165 | $900 | $889 | $1,329 | $1,245 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 479 | 44.07% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 535 | 49.22% |
| Renter Occupied: | 73 | 6.72% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,087 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,087 | 40.48% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 1,598 | 59.52% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,685 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 2,657 | 98.96% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 28 | 1.04% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,685 | 100% |
In 2024, 60.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 86.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 6.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), down 2.80 percentage points since 2011. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (48.82%). College enrollment is 4.51%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 284 | 13.30% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 334 | 15.64% |
| Some college, no degree: | 172 | 8.05% |
| Associate's degree: | 46 | 2.15% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 539 | 25.23% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 761 | 35.63% |
| Total: | 2,136 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,852 | 86.70% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 1,300 | 60.86% |
| Private Insurance: | 2,044 | 56.75% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,363 | 37.84% |
| No Insurance: | 195 | 5.41% |
| Total: | 3,602 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 3,407 | 94.59% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 2.8% | 2.2% | 2.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 81 | 15.88% |
| Kindergarten: | 93 | 18.24% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 249 | 48.82% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 64 | 12.55% |
| College or graduate school: | 23 | 4.51% |
| Total: | 510 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 174 | 34.12% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 406 | 79.61% |
ZIP Code 11964 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 97 business establishments, employing about 466 people with an annual payroll of $36,425,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,384Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 97Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $6,577,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $36,425,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 466Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 11964 is located in Suffolk County, New York, within the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 35620) and New York's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 18,897,109 people, about 0.01% of whom live in ZIP Code 11964, and is subdivided into the Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY division. It covers 9.375 sq mi of land and a water area of 5.987 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 35620Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY (CBSA Div 35004)Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 18,897,109Source: Census |
| MSA: | New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT-PASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 9.375 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 5.987 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 650.02 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Nassau-Suffolk, NY PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3666828Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Shelter Island CDP; New YorkSource: Census |
ZIP Code 11964 is in the Shelter Island Union Free School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on March 1, 2026.