Manhattan is the most densely populated borough of New York City, and it is home to numerous iconic skyscrapers, oldest building and landmarks. However, despite its fame, many people wonder just how many buildings are in Manhattan. The answer to this question is complex, as it depends on several factors, including the definition of a building and the sources of data used to calculate its number. In this article, we will explore different methods of counting buildings in Manhattan and present the most accurate estimate based on available data.
What is a Building?
Publicdomainpictures, Petr Kratochvil
Before we dive into the data, it is important to establish what we mean by a building. According to the New York City Department of Buildings, a building is a “structure designed and built for human habitation, occupancy, or use, including any appurtenant structures.” This definition includes all types of structures, from residential and commercial buildings to schools, hospitals, and places of worship. However, it excludes bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure elements that are not designed for human use.
Sources of Data
There are several sources of data that can be used to estimate the number of buildings in Manhattan. Here are the most common ones:
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New York City Department of Buildings:
Wikipedia, Ira Goldstein
The NYCDOB maintains a public database of all buildings in the city, including their addresses, construction dates, and types of use. However, this database may not be 100% accurate, as it relies on self-reporting by property owners and developers.
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United States Census Bureau:
The Census Bureau conducts a decennial survey of all residential and non-residential structures in the United States, including buildings, mobile homes, and other types of housing. However, this data is not always up-to-date, and it may not include all buildings that were constructed after the last census. -
Satellite Imagery:
Wikimedia, User
Advances in satellite technology allow researchers to analyze high-resolution images of urban areas and detect individual buildings using computer algorithms. However, this method may not be able to distinguish between different types of structures, such as skyscrapers and low-rise buildings.
Estimating the Number of Buildings in Manhattan
Maxpexel, User
Based on the available data, we can estimate the number of buildings in Manhattan using different methods. Here are some of the most reliable estimates:
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NYCDOB Data:
According to the NYCDOB’s Building Information System, as of February 2023, there are 1,128,062 buildings in New York City. However, this number includes all five boroughs and may not be accurate for Manhattan alone.
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Census Bureau Data:
The most recent census data for Manhattan is from 2010, which reported a total of 188,697 housing units and 78,221 non-residential structures. However, this data is over a decade old and may not reflect the current state of development in the borough.
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Satellite Imagery Analysis:
A recent study published in the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation used high-resolution satellite imagery to estimate the number of buildings in Manhattan. The study found that there were approximately 62,000 buildings in the borough as of 2018. This estimate is based on a rigorous analysis of images and is likely the most accurate available.
Based on the available information, we can conclude that there are likely over 60,000 buildings in the borough, although this number may fluctuate depending on the definition of a building and the sources of data used. However, it is clear that Manhattan’s skyline is home to a diverse array of structures, from historic brownstones to cutting-edge skyscrapers, that continue to shape the city’s cultural and economic landscape.