Oyster Bay, New York

Oyster Bay: Town on Long Island, New York, United States

About

Oyster Bay is a town located in the county of Nassau in the U.S. state of New York. Its population at the 2010 census was 293,214. After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 296,592 inhabitants.

Oyster Bay is a hamlet and census-designated place located on the North Shore of Long Island in Nassau County, New York. It covers the Township of Oyster Bay, which contains over 40 villages and hamlets.

Early Settlement

The first European settlers arrived in Oyster Bay in 1653. The area was originally home to Native Americans of the Matinecock tribe, who fished the plentiful oyster beds.

The town was incorporated in 1667 under English rule. Shipbuilding, oystering, and farming drove the early economy. Oystermen harvesting shellfish became key to supporting development in the area.

In the late 1700s, Oyster Bay emerged as a trading seaport and shipbuilding center. Sloops, schooners, and eventually steamboats connected it to New York City markets. The town's shipyards and timber resources enabled maritime commerce.

Growth in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Construction of the Long Island Railroad’s Oyster Bay Line in 1889 connected the hamlet directly to New York City. Wealthy industrialists like the Vanderbilts built mansions in the area, establishing Oyster Bay as a Gilded Age suburb by the water.

Tourism grew as a major element of the local economy through the early 20th century. Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill estate on Cove Neck brought visitation to the area as well.

Like other Long Island towns, Oyster Bay saw significant suburban expansion after WWII. However, planning maintained much of the hamlet's historic character and maritime roots near the harbor.

Oyster Bay Today

Present-day Oyster Bay hamlet still retains its old maritime village layout and historic charm. A number of colonial-era buildings have been carefully preserved, and the waterfront remains dotted with private yacht clubs.

At the same time, Oyster Bay functions as an affluent suburban community with historic estates. The township’s 40,000+ residents enjoy picturesque neighborhoods, strong public schools, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Oyster Bay has balanced population growth with maintaining its heritage. The hamlet honors its origins as a 17th century Long Island maritime village, while evolving into a desirable and vibrant suburb.

Oyster Bay locator map
Location of Oyster Bay on New York map.

Quick Facts about Oyster Bay

Population : 296,592 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : New York (United States)
County : Nassau County
Postal code : 11771
Phone Area Codes : 631
Area : 439002984 km2
Altitude : 180 feet / 55 meters
Time Zone : America/New_York
Local time : 06:04:28 (19th March 2024)
Population growth : 1.14% (2010-2020)
Sagamore Hill image
Sagamore Hill
Sagamore Hill image

Geography

Oyster Bay is located at 40°51'56"N 73°31'55"W (40.8656500, -73.5320700).

Oyster Bay map

Demographics

The population of Oyster Bay increased by 1.14% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 293,214 - census
2011 295,034 0.62% estimation process
2012 295,607 0.19% estimation process
2013 296,044 0.15% estimation process
2014 297,006 0.32% estimation process
2015 297,168 0.05% estimation process
2016 297,423 0.09% estimation process
2017 297,870 0.15% estimation process
2018 298,315 0.15% estimation process
2019 297,912 -0.14% estimation process
2020 296,592 -0.45% estimation process

Oyster Bay zip code is 11771. County name: Nassau, County fips: 36059

People born in Oyster Bay (47)

People born in Oyster Bay, including sculptor of wax figures Patience Wright, politician James W. Covert, journalist, war reporter Marie Colvin, .

List

Schools in Oyster Bay

College & universities near Oyster Bay, NY

Code Name City ZIP
418126 New York College of Health Professions Syosset (NY) 11791-4413
192448 Long Island University Brookville (NY) 11548-1327
196237 SUNY College at Old Westbury Old Westbury (NY) 11568-0210
194091 New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury (NY) 11568-8000
197221 Webb Institute Glen Cove (NY) 11542-1398

Stations (17)

Amtrak & bus stations near Oyster Bay, NY

Code Name Address Type
STM Stamford Transportation Center Washington Blvd and South State St. RAIL
NRO New Rochelle station 1 Railroad Plaza RAIL
YNY Yonkers station 5 Buena Vista Ave. RAIL
NYP Pennsylvania Station 8th Ave 31st Street / 8th Ave 33rd Street RAIL
BRP Bridgeport 525 Water St. RAIL

Post offices near Oyster Bay

Post Office Name City ZIP
Oyster Bay Post Office Oyster Bay (NY) 11771
East Norwich Post Office East Norwich (NY) 11732
Mill Neck Post Office Mill Neck (NY) 11765
Bayvill Post Office Bayville (NY) 11709
Sy Post Office Syosset (NY) 11791

Other cities in Nassau County

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Nassau County , NY. (more)

City Name Population Title
Hempstead 764,055 Town in Nassau County, New York
Freeport 42,705 The county seat of Stephenson County, Illinois.
Hicksville 41,547 Census-designated place in Nassau County, New York
East Meadow 38,132 Hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) in Nassau County (Long Island), New York, United States
Valley Stream 37,196 Village in Nassau County, New York, United States of America
Long Beach 33,303 City in Nassau County, New York, United States
Elmont 33,198 Census-designated place in Nassau County, New York
Franklin Square 29,320 Census-designated place in Nassau County, New York
Glen Cove 27,005 City in Nassau County, New York
Plainview 26,217 City in Texas
Uniondale 24,759 Census designated-place in New York, United States
Rockville Centre 24,398 Village in Nassau County, New York, United States
Baldwin 24,033 Census designated place in New York, United States
Garden City 22,224 Village in New York, United States
Merrick 22,097 Hamlet and census-designated place in New York
Massapequa 21,685 Census-designated place in New York, United States

Distance to Other Cities

Oyster Bay distances to largest New York cities