Riverhead, NY Utility & Living Guide

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Riverhead, NY Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Riverhead
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSEG Long Island
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$45/mo

Riverhead Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Town of Riverhead Sanitation Department
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Riverhead’s housing market is competitive, with steady demand for single-family homes. Prices have risen due to its proximity to vineyards and beaches, but remain more affordable than the Hamptons.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 4% + County 3.5% + City 0%</p>

New York State income tax ranges from 4% to 8.82% based on income brackets.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mixed Republican/Democratic leanings)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in agriculture, tourism, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, affordable housing, downtown revitalization
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; Suffolk County Transit buses are accessible but infrequent. Sidewalks are uneven in some areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Long Island Aquarium
  • 🎯
    Splish Splash Water Park
  • 🎯
    Hallockville Museum Farm

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Baiting Hollow and Jamesport are popular for families, offering larger lots and proximity to schools. Downtown Riverhead provides walkability to parks and libraries.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Riverhead based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Short-term rentals require permits; noise ordinances enforced after 10 PM.

Financial Tools

Calculators
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📊 Riverhead — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$63,977
👤 Median Age
43.0
🏠 Homeownership Rate
57.1%
🔑 Renter Rate
42.9%
📉 Poverty Rate
12.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
7.3%
📡 Internet Access
87.3%
🎓 College Educated
14.7%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use raises electric bills by ~20%. Winter heating costs spike gas bills by ~30% due to colder temperatures.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP 11901: Property tax millage rate of 1.2%. No local surtaxes beyond county rates.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are patchy outside downtown, but parks like Stotzky Park have good access. Few elevators in public buildings.

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