Valley Stream, NY
Population 40,278 · New York
About Valley Stream, NY
Valley Stream is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 40,278 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $127,426 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Valley Stream features a median home value of $605,000, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. This places Valley Stream in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,994, 71% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,943 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (9,738 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (2,510 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valley Stream shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Valley Stream have an average one-way commute time of 41.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
38.2% of Valley Stream residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, and 19.2% Asian residents, with 38.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Valley Stream Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Valley Stream, NY
Compared to national averages, Valley Stream has a median household income of $127,426 (70% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $605,000, which is 147% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,994 is 71% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Valley Stream's income is 31% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 56% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Valley Stream, NY?
Valley Stream offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $127,426, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a well-educated community where 38.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $605,000. However, Valley Stream’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valley Stream has a population of 40,278 with a median age of 42 years. Compare Valley Stream with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Valley Stream
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coram | 41,527 | $107,159 | $425,300 | Compare |
| Central Islip | 37,751 | $110,166 | $405,000 | Compare |
| West Babylon | 43,239 | $127,785 | $490,500 | Compare |
| Hicksville | 43,868 | $148,008 | $617,100 | Compare |
| Brighton | 36,633 | $83,723 | $259,300 | Compare |
| Kiryas Joel | 36,572 | $43,171 | $685,800 | Compare |
| Freeport | 44,102 | $118,755 | $479,700 | Compare |
| Elmont | 36,436 | $120,917 | $576,800 | 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 Valley Stream With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valley Stream
What is the population of Valley Stream, NY?
The population of Valley Stream, NY is 40,278 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 Valley Stream?
The median household income in Valley Stream, NY is $127,426 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valley Stream?
The median home value in Valley Stream, NY is $605,000, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valley Stream?
The median monthly rent in Valley Stream, NY is $1,994, which is 71% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valley Stream?
The unemployment rate in Valley Stream, NY is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Valley Stream, NY a good place to live?
Valley Stream offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 40,278 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Valley Stream, NY?
38.2% of residents in Valley Stream aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Valley Stream?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valley Stream, NY: median home value is $605,000 (147% above national), median rent is $1,994/month, and median household income is $127,426. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Valley Stream?
The poverty rate in Valley Stream, NY is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Valley Stream, NY?
Valley Stream's population is 0.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, 19.2% Asian, and 24.6% two or more races. 38.3% of residents are foreign-born.