Located in the New York State, Broad Channel is a neighborhood in the Rockaways. In 1982, New York City's government granted the people of Broad Channel the right to purchase property. Since then, the population of Broad Channel has increased. The median age of residents is 76.5 years old. The population is comprised primarily of middle-aged adults and youth. Twenty-five percent are under the age of seventeen, while twenty-four percent are between 25 and 44 years old. The ratio of elderly and college-aged residents is also quite low, 8%.
The city has a volunteer fire department. The volunteer firefighters started out with bucket brigades to prevent property damage from fires. This brigade was later incorporated into the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Association and led by first chief Edward H. Schleuter. The current firehouse was constructed in the summer of 1908. Chief Chris Hoobs died in 1913, and the city received its fire charter from the state of New York in 1917.
The neighborhood is located in Queens County. It covers a section of Rulers Bar Hassock Island. The island was part of Jamaica until 1898. Today, the community is located on the southern portion of Rulers Bar Hassock. It is connected to the Rockaway Peninsula by the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge and Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge. The area is also served by ferry services and bus services.