West Hempstead, New York Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Hempstead, New York had a total population of 20,648, the 82nd largest community in New York, with a median household income of $164,127, which is 91% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 91% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New York.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.5% — among the lowest in New York.
West Hempstead Quick Facts
How West Hempstead Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,762 | 20,648 | -0.5% |
| Median household income | $160,280 | $164,127 | +2.4% |
| Median home value | $626,100 | $653,600 | +4.4% |
How West Hempstead Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Hempstead Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Nassau County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hempstead | 58,801 | $90,420 | 14.4% | $459,500 |
| Levittown | 51,904 | $146,068 | 4.7% | $590,500 |
| Freeport | 44,088 | $120,625 | 7.4% | $505,900 |
| Hicksville | 43,780 | $144,471 | 3.9% | $634,100 |
| Valley Stream | 40,315 | $133,190 | 5.5% | $616,100 |
| East Meadow | 36,821 | $133,971 | 6.4% | $631,800 |
| Elmont | 36,518 | $114,217 | 5.0% | $602,900 |
| Baldwin | 34,994 | $145,472 | 6.6% | $593,800 |
| Long Beach | 34,756 | $140,739 | 7.6% | $696,400 |
| Uniondale | 33,148 | $124,684 | 9.2% | $539,000 |
Cities Similar to West Hempstead
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastchester | 20,491 | $157,202 | $790,100 | 67.4% | 4.8% |
| Huntington | 19,948 | $168,095 | $767,000 | 68.6% | 4.3% |
| North Bellmore | 20,689 | $181,662 | $659,200 | 53.1% | 1.2% |
| Melville | 19,714 | $159,922 | $788,900 | 61.7% | 4.5% |
| East Northport | 19,700 | $157,662 | $623,800 | 51.2% | 7.0% |
Population Overview
West Hempstead is a small city located in New York, within Nassau County. The total population is 20,648. It ranks as the 82nd most populous out of 1,289 Census-designated places in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Hempstead is 37.5 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 39.8 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Hempstead is $164,127. This is 91% higher than the state median of $85,974. It is also 103% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.5%. This is 68% lower than the state poverty rate of 14.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 5.5%. This is 13% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $653,600. Housing costs are 54% higher than the state median of $423,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 90.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 67% higher than the state average of 54.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Hempstead is White (non-Hispanic), making up 57.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 21.9%.
Education
50.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% higher than the state rate of 40.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.7%. Notably, 23.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Hempstead, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,289 Census-designated places in New York. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Hempstead, New York?
West Hempstead, New York has a population of 20,648 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Hempstead, NY?
The median household income in West Hempstead is $164,127, which is 103% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Hempstead, NY?
The poverty rate in West Hempstead is 4.5%. This means approximately 935 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Hempstead, New York?
West Hempstead's population is 57.8% White, 9.8% Black, 21.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Hempstead, NY?
The median home value in West Hempstead is $653,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x.
How educated is West Hempstead, New York?
50.4% of adults (25+) in West Hempstead hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 23.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.