Is Mastic Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mastic

Mastic, a hamlet in Brookhaven on Long Island, offers a blend of suburban and rural characteristics. It is a community with a growing population and a diverse demographic makeup, attracting a variety of residents. The area provides a range of housing options, from single-family homes to rental apartments.

The cost of living in Mastic is influenced by its Long Island location, with housing being a significant factor. However, compared to some other areas in the region, Mastic presents a more accessible entry point for homeowners and renters. The community is served by a local school district and has access to various amenities and services.

Is it Safe to Live in Mastic?

Mastic’s crime rate is a key consideration for potential residents. While some sources indicate that Mastic’s overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, others suggest it is slightly higher than the national average, with violent crimes also being slightly higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, a different analysis suggests that Mastic’s violent crime rate is well below the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data indicates that Mastic has a violent crime rate of 1 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the New York State average. Property crime rates are reported as average for all cities and towns in America. Another source states that Mastic has an overall crime rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, and a violent crime rate of 3.251 per 1,000 residents, which is considered slightly higher than the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Violent Crime Statistics

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Mastic is approximately 1 in 1,400, according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data. CrimeGrade.org reports a violent crime rate of 3.251 per 1,000 residents, which translates to a chance of being a victim of violent crime that varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 231 in the north to 1 in 443 in the east. This indicates a generally lower risk of violent crime compared to the national average, despite some differing reports.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in Mastic is reported to be around 7 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for cities and towns across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). AreaVibes notes that property crime is 8% higher than the national average. CrimeGrade.org highlights that the southeast parts of Mastic see the most incidents, averaging about 12 per year, while the southwest part has the fewest, with approximately 2 crimes annually.

Cost of Living in Mastic

The cost of living in Mastic, NY, is influenced by its location on Long Island, a region generally known for higher expenses. However, Mastic offers a more moderate cost of living compared to some of its more affluent neighbors. Housing costs, in particular, are a significant factor in the overall expense of living in the area.

The median home price in Mastic has seen an increase, with the median sale price reported at $538,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This reflects a competitive housing market. Rental prices also contribute to the cost of living, with the average rent in Mastic being around $3,400 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Housing Costs

The Mastic housing market is described as very competitive, with a median sale price of $538,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price for homes in Mastic is $544,000, and the median sale price per square foot is $378 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). Homes in Mastic tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 32 days on the market in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Prices

For those considering renting, the average rent in Mastic is approximately $3,400 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure has seen an increase, with month-over-month rent growth at 4.75% and year-over-year growth at 3.06% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The rental market in Mastic indicates tight availability, with rental listings currently at 5, suggesting strong demand.

Overall Expenses

While specific comprehensive cost of living indices for Mastic are not readily available, general data points suggest that expenses, particularly housing, are significant. The median household income in Mastic was reported at $94,034 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), which provides a benchmark for comparing income against expenses.

Job Market and Economy in Mastic

The job market in Mastic and its surrounding areas offers a range of employment opportunities. The average salary in Mastic is approximately $72,000 annually, or $34.62 per hour (as reported by Zippia). This figure represents a median salary, with most salaries falling between $38,481 and $64,998 annually.

The unemployment rate in Mastic is not as readily available as a specific figure, but New York State’s unemployment rate was 4.0% in July 2025 (as reported by the NY State Department of Labor). Major employers in the Mastic-Shirley area include businesses listed by the Mastic Shirley Chamber of Commerce, which encompasses a variety of sectors.

Average Salary and Wages

The average annual salary in Mastic is reported to be around $72,000 (as reported by Zippia). However, another source indicates the average annual salary as $53,215 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Mastic typically range between $38,481 to $64,998, with the 25th percentile at $38,481 and the 75th percentile at $64,998 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Unemployment Rate

Specific unemployment rate data for Mastic is not consistently available. However, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0% in July 2025 (as reported by the NY State Department of Labor). This statewide figure can provide a general context for the employment landscape in the region.

Major Employers

The Mastic-Shirley Chamber of Commerce lists various local businesses that serve as major employers in the area. These include entities in sectors such as finance (Teachers Federal Credit Union), insurance (Goosehead Insurance Bill Condy Agency), automotive repair (Shirley Auto Body), and various retail and service businesses. Primerica, a financial services company, also has a local office.

Climate in Mastic

Mastic experiences a climate typical of Long Island, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and humid, while winters are cold, often bringing snow and wind. The area experiences a partly cloudy sky throughout the year.

The temperature in Mastic typically ranges from 25°F to 82°F over the course of a year, rarely dropping below 11°F or exceeding 89°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with April typically seeing the most rain and January the least.

Temperature

The warm season in Mastic lasts from approximately June to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 73°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 67°F. Conversely, the cold season runs from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 26°F and highs of 40°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall

Mastic receives rainfall throughout the year. April is generally the wettest month, with an average of 3.8 inches of rain. January typically experiences the least amount of rainfall, averaging around 2.7 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall for the broader Mastic Beach area is reported as 48 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education in Mastic

The Mastic area is served by the William Floyd Union Free School District, which is rated well by Niche. The district serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is recognized for its diversity and strong extracurricular programs.

The William Floyd Union Free School District has an overall Niche grade of B+ and is ranked among the best school districts in New York. The district emphasizes academics, diversity, and student activities, providing a comprehensive educational experience for its students.

School District Ratings

The William Floyd Union Free School District, serving Mastic Beach, NY, holds a rating of 4.35 out of 5 stars on Niche, based on numerous reviews from students and parents. This district is ranked #205 among the best school districts in New York (as reported by Niche). Factors contributing to these rankings include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality.

Educational Opportunities

Within the William Floyd Union Free School District, various schools cater to different grade levels. Niche provides ratings for elementary, middle, and high schools within the district. For instance, William Floyd Elementary School and Tangier Smith Elementary School both receive a “B” grade, indicating strong performance. William Floyd High School also receives a “B+” overall Niche grade.

Demographics of Mastic

Mastic is a diverse community with a population of approximately 15,404 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Mastic is around 35.8 years, with a balanced distribution across age groups.

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mastic is varied, reflecting a diverse population. The community is home to a significant Hispanic or Latino population, alongside White, African American, Asian, and other racial groups.

Population and Age Distribution

As of the 2020 census, Mastic had a population of 15,404 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age is 35.8 years, with 24.3% of residents under 18 and 11.3% aged 65 or older. Point2Homes reports the median age in Mastic as 32, with approximately 20.2% of the population under 15 and 10.6% aged 65 or older.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Mastic includes a significant White population, alongside African American, Asian, Native American, and individuals identifying with two or more races (as reported by Wikipedia). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute a notable portion of the population, making up 21.8% according to the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). World Population Review indicates that 67.79% of the population identifies as White, with smaller percentages for other races.

Household and Income Statistics

In Mastic, 40.3% of households have children under 18 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income was reported at $94,034 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with an average household income of $127,996 (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Mastic is 6.58% (as reported by World Population Review).