Hempstead, NY
Population 58,569 · New York
About Hempstead, NY
Hempstead is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 58,569 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,454 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hempstead features a median home value of $442,100, which is 81% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hempstead in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,649, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,836 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (7,917 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (9,387 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hempstead shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hempstead have an average one-way commute time of 32.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of Hempstead residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 41.1% Asian residents, with 37.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hempstead Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Hempstead, NY
Compared to national averages, Hempstead has a median household income of $82,454 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $442,100, which is 81% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,649 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Hempstead's income is 15% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 14% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Hempstead, NY?
Hempstead offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,454, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $442,100. However, as a mid-sized city, Hempstead provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Hempstead has a population of 58,569 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Hempstead with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Hempstead
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Plains | 59,818 | $115,586 | $624,100 | Compare |
| Tonawanda Town | 56,973 | $76,644 | $199,400 | Compare |
| Utica | 64,440 | $51,513 | $133,400 | Compare |
| Levittown | 51,557 | $139,696 | $564,000 | Compare |
| Troy | 51,054 | $57,688 | $192,500 | Compare |
| Irondequoit | 50,438 | $76,871 | $169,000 | Compare |
| Schenectady | 68,521 | $56,398 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Niagara Falls | 48,198 | $48,535 | $104,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hempstead With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hempstead
What is the population of Hempstead, NY?
The population of Hempstead, NY is 58,569 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Hempstead?
The median household income in Hempstead, NY is $82,454 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hempstead?
The median home value in Hempstead, NY is $442,100, which is 81% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Hempstead?
The median monthly rent in Hempstead, NY is $1,649, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hempstead?
The unemployment rate in Hempstead, NY is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hempstead, NY a good place to live?
Hempstead offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 58,569 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hempstead, NY?
20.5% of residents in Hempstead aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Hempstead?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hempstead, NY: median home value is $442,100 (81% above national), median rent is $1,649/month, and median household income is $82,454. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hempstead?
The poverty rate in Hempstead, NY is 14.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hempstead, NY?
Hempstead's population is 1.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 41.1% Asian, and 43.2% two or more races. 37.6% of residents are foreign-born.