How Small is Small?

Big ocean, small town

There's no question that Montauk is a small town, but just how small is small? 

As of 2012, Montauk's year-round population is 3,367. It's grown 12.57% since the 2000 census was taken.

Which means that back in the mid 1700's, when Montauk was just pastureland, there were nearly more cattle (1,500), sheep (1,400) and horses (200) than there are people here these days.

A few other interesting statistics:

The median cost of a home here in Montauk is $727,600, up 3.25% over last year, and nearly five times what Brooklyn financier Arthur Benson paid for all of Montauk - $151,000 -  in 1879, envisioning it as a playground for the rich. 

Given that, it should come as no surprise that, compared to the rest of the country, Montauk's cost of living is over 110% higher than the U.S. average.