Is Dix Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Dix Hills

Dix Hills, a suburban hamlet in the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, offers a blend of residential tranquility and suburban convenience. Situated on Long Island, it provides a lifestyle that balances proximity to urban centers with the appeal of a more spread-out community. The area is known for its affluent character, well-regarded schools, and a generally peaceful atmosphere.

The community’s development from its agricultural roots to a modern residential enclave reflects a significant transformation over the decades. Today, Dix Hills is recognized for its high quality of life, appealing to families and individuals seeking a well-established suburban environment. Its strategic location on Long Island offers residents access to both the natural beauty of the surrounding areas and the amenities of nearby cities.

Is it Safe to Live in Dix Hills?

Dix Hills is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. Total crime in Dix Hills is reported to be 67% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 69% lower than the national average (as reported by ZippBoxx). The Suffolk County Police Department is responsible for protecting the residents of Dix Hills.

The violent crime rate in Dix Hills is approximately 2.094 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). With a B+ grade, the rate of violent crime is lower than the average U.S. city, placing Dix Hills in the 73rd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 73% of comparable cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with northeast areas generally considered the safest.

Cost of Living and Housing in Dix Hills

Dix Hills is an expensive place to live, with a cost of living index that is 92% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This high cost is largely driven by housing expenses, which are approximately 269% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price in Dix Hills was $1.17 million as of a 2022 report (as reported by ZippBoxx), and recent data indicates the average home value is around $1,101,730 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The median sale price of a home was $1.1M last month, up 24.3% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Renting in Dix Hills is also costly, with an average rent of $3,433 per month for a 1,104 square foot apartment or home (as reported by ZippBoxx). More recent data suggests the average rental price is $5,227, which is higher than 90.1% of neighborhoods in New York (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The median monthly rent is $2,082 (as reported by Livability.com).

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Dix Hills is supported by a working population of approximately 12,675 residents. A significant majority, 92.4%, are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). Of the working population, 58.3% are employed by private companies, 17.9% own their businesses, and 13.6% work in the public sector (as reported by Point2Homes).

The average annual household income in Dix Hills was $278,135 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes). The median income for households stood at $227,944, reflecting a positive shift over the same period (as reported by Point2Homes). Households led by residents aged 45 to 64 earn approximately $250,001, while those aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $230,833 (as reported by Point2Homes).

Climate in Dix Hills

Dix Hills experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 24°F to 83°F, with comfortable humidity levels in the summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is around 45 inches, with about 27 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The hottest month in Dix Hills is July, with average highs of 83°F and lows of 67°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 39°F and lows of 25°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area has approximately 162 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between May and September.

Education and Schools

Dix Hills is served by the highly-rated Half Hollow Hills Central School District, which is ranked among the top school districts in New York State. The district as a whole holds a 4-star rating and is recognized for its strong performance, with numerous schools receiving high accolades (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This district encompasses most of the schools within Dix Hills, including several that are ranked among the best in the state for their respective levels.

Standout schools include Vanderbilt Elementary School, ranked 192nd out of 2,445 New York elementary schools, and Candlewood Middle School, ranked 204th out of 1,500 New York middle schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Half Hollow Hills High School East and Half Hollow Hills High School West are also noted for their high performance, with state test scores showing high proficiency in math and reading (as reported by Niche). While the district generally performs well, there can be disparities in proficiency rates between different schools, particularly regarding state assessment results.

Demographics of Dix Hills

Dix Hills is home to approximately 24,773 residents, with a gender distribution of 50.7% male and 49.3% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Dix Hills is 48 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of the population includes 65.3% Caucasian, 16.6% Asian, 6.8% African American, and 8.9% identifying with two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes). Additionally, 80.3% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, while 15.6% are naturalized citizens and 4.1% are non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).

The community has a high homeownership rate, consistent with its affluent demographic profile. The majority of housing units are detached single-family homes, appealing to those seeking space and privacy (as reported by Point2Homes). The age composition shows a balanced distribution, with a significant portion of the population in the adult age brackets, suggesting a stable, established community.

Major Employers in Dix Hills

While Dix Hills is primarily a residential community, several key employers contribute to its local economy. Western Suffolk Boces and the Half Hollow Hills Central School District are significant employers within the area, providing educational and support services (as reported by Zippia). Other companies that have a presence or are major employers in the broader region include those in healthcare, retail, and professional services, though specific major employers within Dix Hills itself are not extensively detailed in available data.

Many residents commute to nearby cities for employment, leveraging the area’s accessibility. The job market is characterized by a strong presence in professional and administrative roles, reflecting the highly educated workforce in the community. Major companies in the wider Long Island area include those in technology, healthcare, and retail sectors, offering diverse employment opportunities for residents.