Woodhaven Backgrounder

As of 2010, the Woodhaven has a total population of 39,684 according to the Census.  There is a slight increase from the average 2005-2009 total populations of 39,518 residents.

As of 2010, there are a total of 12,149 households. The highest households make up 21.8% (2,684 households). One of these households is made up of one husband, one wife and no children under 18 years of age.

Regarding its population, the neighborhood is made up of mostly the Hispanics and/or Latinos (55.7%), Caucasians (44.7%), and the Asians (16.5%). Other races such as, Blacks and Native Americans only make up less than 10% of the population.

The current demographic had shifted since the 1990s. Woodhaven was predominantly white, making 82.5% of the roughly 29,122 people that lived in the neighborhood. This may have led to racial tension between the white residents and the incoming Hispanic and/or Latino community.

In terms of gender, the population is split quite evenly as of 2010. The male residents make up 49.4% of the population, and the female residents make up 50.6% of the population.

The population is made up of residents in their early and late 40s (roughly 5.2%), late 20s (5.2%), 30s (roughly 4.9%), and children up to 14 years old (roughly 4.3%).

The highest peak of immigrants that came to Woodhaven was in 1993. During this year, 8.6% (538 people) of the population was immigrants.  From then, the immigrant population slowly decreased until 1993, where it rose again to 8.3% (523 people). Again the percentage of immigration decreased until 2001, when it rose back to 8.3%. As of 2002, the immigrant percentage is 7.8% (490 people), which is roughly the same amount.

As of 2003, the total number of business establishments is 408. The total annual payroll is $92,910. The total employment amounts to 2,335. The highest business establishments are held by 1-4 employees. These establishments make up to 74% the total establishments. These business establishments are most likely private owned stores and salons (i.e. 99 Cents/Dollar stores, nail salons, hair salons, etc.).

As of 2003, the highest business sector is retail trade establishments, which makes up 21.4% (87) of the total establishments.

As of 2003, the highest type of dwelling is one-family which makes up 41.9% (2,592) of total land use. Two-family dwelling comes second at 39.4% (2,4,34). The highest number of residential units is 1-4 units (single family), which makes up 99% (5,880) of the total residential units used.

Woodhaven has seen its school enrollment lower throughout the age groups. Comparing census data from 2005-2009 and 2006-2010, the only increases in enrollment in the recent data occur in the 5th-8th grade demographic, and the college demographic. Part of this decrease in enrollment can be attributed to a population trend, as there has been an increase of over 100 10-14 year olds in the recent five-year average, and over 600 more people in the demographic ranges of 18-24.

Another factor to the lower enrollment in primary education in Woodhaven is the lack of adequate schools. In total, there are three public schools, PS 60, PS 97, and the New York City Academy for Discovery, and only one private school, St. Thomas the Apostle.

There is one public library, Queens Public Library located in Forest Parkway. There is one firehouse left in Woodhaven (Engine 293). Last year, Engine 294 had closed despite the neighborhood protests against it. Forest Park is also located in Woodhaven. Forest Park is a popular recreational center made up of roughly 500 acres of land. It was built about 20,000 years ago.

There are currently roughly 126 houses on sale in Woodhaven. The highest priced home is a 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house priced at $999,000. The lowest is priced at $35,000. Of the 126 houses, 6 are in foreclosures.

Regarding community issues, there are plenty in the neighborhood. One is illegal conversion, which consists residents adding extra housing units to a building. This is especially prominent due to the many small businesses cropping up. Another issue is noise pollution. A section of the neighborhood by Jamaica Ave. suffers from the daily comings and goings of the J and Z trains. In addition to that, noises coming from cars and homes are nuisance to the neighborhood, especially to the schools located nearby.