West Islip, New York Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Islip, New York had a total population of 26,865, the 58th largest community in New York, with a median household income of $176,281, which is 105% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 105% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New York.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.7% — among the lowest in New York.
West Islip Quick Facts
How West Islip 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 | 26,559 | 26,865 | +1.2% |
| Median household income | $171,045 | $176,281 | +3.1% |
| Median home value | $592,700 | $614,300 | +3.6% |
How West Islip 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Islip Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Suffolk County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Babylon | 43,570 | $129,519 | 5.9% | $531,900 |
| Coram | 39,539 | $105,220 | 7.5% | $452,100 |
| Central Islip | 38,373 | $113,707 | 9.2% | $436,400 |
| Commack | 36,558 | $169,792 | 4.2% | $678,200 |
| Huntington Station | 32,601 | $135,477 | 7.2% | $578,000 |
| Centereach | 31,839 | $132,240 | 5.3% | $514,800 |
| Bay Shore | 31,683 | $105,618 | 10.2% | $492,200 |
| Shirley | 28,375 | $112,788 | 6.5% | $424,900 |
| Deer Park | 27,990 | $137,105 | 3.4% | $543,500 |
| Lindenhurst | 27,142 | $130,128 | 5.7% | $521,500 |
Cities Similar to West Islip
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainview | 25,982 | $189,906 | $796,300 | 68.4% | 2.9% |
| Holbrook | 26,449 | $144,760 | $536,200 | 34.4% | 5.2% |
| Rockville Centre | 25,765 | $151,938 | $818,700 | 63.9% | 4.7% |
| Harrison | 29,961 | $164,250 | $1,010,700 | 60.4% | 4.1% |
| Lindenhurst | 27,142 | $130,128 | $521,500 | 31.9% | 5.7% |
Population Overview
West Islip is a mid-sized community located in New York, within Suffolk County. The total population is 26,865. It ranks as the 58th most populous out of 1,289 Census-designated places in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Islip is 38.5 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 39.8 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Islip is $176,281. This is 105% higher than the state median of $85,974. It is also 118% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%. This is 81% 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 3.7%. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $614,300. Housing costs are 45% higher than the state median of $423,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 95.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 75% higher than the state average of 54.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Islip is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (81.2% vs 52.8%). The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 13.4%. The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 9.0%.
Education
49.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 24% 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 95.7%. Notably, 22.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Islip, 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 Islip, New York?
West Islip, New York has a population of 26,865 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Islip, NY?
The median household income in West Islip is $176,281, which is 118% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Islip, NY?
The poverty rate in West Islip is 2.7%. This means approximately 720 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Islip, New York?
West Islip's population is 81.2% White, 1.1% Black, 12.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Islip, NY?
The median home value in West Islip is $614,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is West Islip, New York?
49.8% of adults (25+) in West Islip hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 22.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.