Location & Borders
Astoria, New York is located in the north western corner of the borough of Queens. It is bordered by the East River on the western and northern sides. It borders Woodside, NY at 50th street on the western side and Northern Boulevard, Jackson Heights on the southern side. Some parts of Astoria are considered Long Island City. The part of Astoria bordering the East River is considered “Old Astoria.”
Demographics
The population of Astoria according the the 2010 US Census is 78,793. This shows an 11.6% decrease from 2000. Old Astoria has a recorded population of 27,814, a 3.6% decrease. According to the American Community Survey, the most recent population is 126,072. Of that, 61,811 were males and 64,261 were females. 13.2% of people living in Astoria are between the ages of 25 and 29, the highest percentage on the chart. The second highest was ages 30 to 34 with 10.9% and third was 35 to 39 with 8.5%. Astoria is 61.9% white, 9.3% black, 14.6% Asian, and 14.3% other races. According to Queens Community Board 1, Astoria is the most ethnically diverse community in NYC with 118 different nationalities and a high number of immigrants. The two largest ethnic groups in Astoria are Greeks (8.8%) and Italians (10.3%).
Crime Statistics
Astoria is rated 121 on the Crime Risk Scale. The average in the United States is 100. The risk of murder is 138, rape is 85 and robbery is 297. According to Police Records, the year to date number of murders for 2015 is 6, rape is 11, robbery is 148 and grand larceny is 465. These are all decreased numbers from the year 2010. The crime rates in Astoria are lower than the Queens Borough average. The number of murders per thousand residents is 0.004932 in Astoria, and 0.007060 in Queens. Robbery is at 0.1282 in Astoria and 0.1407 in Queens. Felony assault in Astoria is 0.1430 and Queens is 0.1669.
Current Hot Button Issues
Astoria is home to Kaufman Astoria Studios, formerly known as Paramount Movie Studios. A project is in the works to expand the movie studio. Kaufman Astoria is located off of Steinway street near Long Island City.
In Old Astoria, a long time issue is being faced at the waterfront. A local Assemblywoman has proposed closing Shore Boulevard to vehicular traffic, stirring up the local community with support and opposition.
Also in Old Astoria, the diving pool at the park is being transformed into a performance space. This also has gotten its fair share of opposition and support.
Community Leaders & Organizations
Astoria and Old Astoria are serviced by the Queens Community Board 1. This board also serves Long Island City, Queensbridge, Ditmars, Ravenswood, Steinway, Garden Bay and Woodside. They are located at 45-02 Ditmars Boulevard, Suite LL 125. The chairperson of the board in Vinicio Donato. The manager is Lucille Hartmann. Their meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm.
The Greater Astoria Historical Society is located at 35-20 Broadway on the 4th floor. Other notable resources are the Astoria Park Alliance and the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.
Police Department Information
Astoria is patrolled by the 114th Precinct of the New York Police Department. The community affairs office number is 718-626-9327.
Housing
There are 58,500 housing units in Astoria. 82% of those are rentals. This is higher than the rental rate in Queens as a whole (55.5%) and New York City (77.4%).
Education
40.2% of Astoria residents aged 25 and older hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
Financial & Employment Data
According to the American Community Survey, the average income of Astoria residents is $63, 645. The median income is $51,988. This median income is higher than the average in NYC as a whole ($51,865) and Queens overall ($56,780). This shows a 36% increase from 2000 and a 2% increase from 2010. The survey also shows that 68,476 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 9.6%, lower than the Queens average. Astoria has a 73.1% labor force participation rate.
12.5% of employed Astoria residents work in food service or accommodation. 10.2% work in health care or social assistance. 9.9% work in retail and 9.7% are in professional, scientific or technical service. The average commute to work is 36 minutes, compared to the average 42 minutes for the rest of Queens. Astoria residents are also a third more likely to rely on public transportation to get to work.