New York City is one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world. While often measured by square miles, many people are curious about its size in acres. Understanding NYC’s acreage helps in urban planning, real estate, and environmental studies.

NYC consists of five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—each contributing to the city’s total area. With a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces, the acreage reflects both dense urban zones and open areas. Knowing the acreage also helps appreciate land distribution, parks, and infrastructure.

In this article, we will break down how many acres are in New York City, including individual borough acreage and notable land uses. This information is useful for researchers, planners, and curious residents.

How Many Acres Are In New York City?

1. Total Acreage of New York City – Best Overview

New York City covers approximately 302.6 square miles, which translates to about 193,664 acres. This includes land and water areas combined.

The total acreage encompasses residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, parks, and waterways. NYC is not just skyscrapers—its parks and open areas contribute significantly to the acreage.

The city’s acreage reflects its complex urban layout. High-density boroughs like Manhattan occupy less space, while suburban-style boroughs like Staten Island occupy more. Understanding total acreage is essential for land management and city planning.

Pros:

• Comprehensive overview

• Includes parks & water

• Urban + suburban areas

• Useful for planning

• Accurate data

• Helps zoning

• Land management

Cons:

• Can be complex

• Not intuitive for general public

• Requires conversions

2. Manhattan – Small but Dense

Manhattan covers roughly 22.7 square miles, equal to 14,528 acres. Despite its small acreage, it is the densest borough.

Manhattan’s land is dominated by skyscrapers, commercial zones, and high-density residential areas. Central Park alone occupies 843 acres, showcasing significant green space within limited acreage.

The small acreage with high population density explains the vertical growth. Land scarcity drives real estate prices and urban development. It is an example of maximizing space efficiency.

Pros:

• Dense urban core

• Iconic landmarks

• Efficient land use

• Green spaces

• Central Park

• Economic hub

• Walkable

Cons:

• High cost

• Limited open land

• Crowded

3. Brooklyn – Larger Suburban Areas

Brooklyn covers about 69.4 square miles, or approximately 44,416 acres. It is larger than Manhattan and hosts diverse neighborhoods.

Brooklyn combines urban density with suburban-style residential areas. Parks, waterfronts, and community spaces contribute to the acreage.

The borough’s size allows for housing diversity and recreational facilities. Brooklyn’s larger acreage supports cultural institutions, sports venues, and local businesses.

Pros:

• Larger than Manhattan

• Residential diversity

• Parks & waterfronts

• Cultural sites

• Recreational areas

• Suburban feel

• Community spaces

Cons:

• Traffic congestion

• Rising cost

• Limited parking

4. Queens – Largest Borough

Queens covers about 108.7 square miles, equal to 69,568 acres, making it the largest borough by land area.

It includes urban neighborhoods, suburban zones, and two major airports (JFK & LaGuardia). Queens is ethnically diverse and offers ample green space.

The large acreage allows for housing, parks, sports facilities, and commercial areas. Queens balances density with suburban expansion, providing both city convenience and open spaces.

Pros:

• Largest borough

• Green spaces

• Residential variety

• Airports

• Cultural diversity

• Parks & sports

• Suburban feel

Cons:

• Traffic

• Noise near airports

• Some crowded areas

5. The Bronx – History & Open Spaces

The Bronx covers about 42.2 square miles, roughly 26,976 acres. It includes residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and recreational areas.

The Bronx is home to Yankee Stadium, Bronx Zoo, and New York Botanical Gardens. Its acreage supports both urban density and large green spaces.

This borough balances residential life with recreational opportunities. The acreage enables parks, community centers, and sports complexes.

Pros:

• Large acreage

• Parks & recreation

• Sports facilities

• Residential areas

• Cultural sites

• Community spaces

• Educational facilities

Cons:

• Urban density

• Noise

• Industrial areas

6. Staten Island – Suburban & Green Space

Staten Island covers roughly 57.5 square miles, equivalent to 36,800 acres. It is less dense and more suburban than other boroughs.

Staten Island includes parks, beaches, and nature preserves, such as Staten Island Greenbelt. Its acreage provides room for residential growth and recreational facilities.

The borough offers open space, tranquility, and family-friendly living. It is ideal for those seeking less urbanized land within NYC.

Pros:

• Suburban feel

• Parks & nature

• Large acreage

• Family-friendly

• Recreational areas

• Less dense

• Scenic waterfronts

Cons:

• Limited transit

• Fewer attractions

• Far from Manhattan

How Many Acres Are In New York City FAQs

1. How many acres are in New York City?
Approximately 193,664 acres across all five boroughs.

2. Which borough is the largest by acreage?
Queens, with about 69,568 acres.

3. Which borough is the smallest by acreage?
Manhattan, around 14,528 acres.

4. Does acreage include water?
Yes, total NYC acreage includes both land and water areas.

5. How does acreage relate to population density?
Smaller boroughs like Manhattan are denser, while larger boroughs like Staten Island are less dense.

6. Which borough has the most green space?
Staten Island and Queens have significant green areas. Central Park in Manhattan also contributes notable acreage.

7. Why is knowing NYC acreage important?
It helps in urban planning, real estate, environmental studies, and land management.

Conclusion

New York City covers approximately 193,664 acres, including all five boroughs. Its acreage reflects a mix of dense urban zones, suburban neighborhoods, and vast green spaces.

Manhattan is the smallest but most densely developed borough. Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island are larger, offering more space for parks, residential areas, and infrastructure.

Understanding acreage helps in urban planning, real estate evaluation, and environmental assessment. It also highlights the balance between density and open space in NYC.

NYC’s diverse boroughs, combined acreage, and land distribution create a dynamic metropolitan area that balances growth, housing, and recreation.