West Hempstead, NY
Population 20,762 · New York
About West Hempstead, NY
West Hempstead is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 20,762 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $160,280 per year, which is 113% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Hempstead features a median home value of $626,100, which is 156% above the national median of $244,900. This places West Hempstead in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,228, 178% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,277 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (5,523 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (530 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Hempstead shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West Hempstead have an average one-way commute time of 37.3 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
49.8% of West Hempstead residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 21.2% Asian residents, with 20.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Hempstead, NY
Compared to national averages, West Hempstead has a median household income of $160,280 (113% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $626,100, which is 156% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,228 is 178% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, West Hempstead's income is 65% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 62% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in West Hempstead, NY?
West Hempstead offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $160,280, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $626,100. However, West Hempstead’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Hempstead has a population of 20,762 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare West Hempstead with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near West Hempstead
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hauppauge | 20,772 | $145,987 | $634,700 | Compare |
| Niskayuna | 20,774 | $128,346 | $326,600 | Compare |
| North Bellmore | 20,776 | $183,250 | $636,800 | Compare |
| Lockport | 20,699 | $59,153 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Eastchester | 20,519 | $158,526 | $774,200 | Compare |
| North Bay Shore | 20,501 | $117,893 | $449,900 | Compare |
| Mineola | 21,082 | $138,385 | $624,300 | Compare |
| North Amityville | 20,364 | $125,991 | $452,100 | 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 West Hempstead With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Hempstead
What is the population of West Hempstead, NY?
The population of West Hempstead, NY is 20,762 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 West Hempstead?
The median household income in West Hempstead, NY is $160,280 per year, which is 113% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Hempstead?
The median home value in West Hempstead, NY is $626,100, which is 156% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Hempstead?
The median monthly rent in West Hempstead, NY is $3,228, which is 178% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Hempstead?
The unemployment rate in West Hempstead, NY is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Hempstead, NY a good place to live?
West Hempstead offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,762 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Hempstead, NY?
49.8% of residents in West Hempstead 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 West Hempstead?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Hempstead, NY: median home value is $626,100 (156% above national), median rent is $3,228/month, and median household income is $160,280. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West Hempstead?
The poverty rate in West Hempstead, NY is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is West Hempstead, NY?
West Hempstead's population is 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 21.2% Asian, and 9.0% two or more races. 20.4% of residents are foreign-born.