New YorkPop. 58,801Smaller cities
Is Hempstead a Good Place to Live? Hempstead, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hempstead ranks #685 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #301 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (72.6%, #415 of 437) and long commutes (33.3 min, #475 of 524).
Hempstead by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hempstead's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Hempstead: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Hempstead safe?
What is the cost of living in Hempstead?
Hempstead's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,622/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $646,638, 23% above the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Hempstead | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $646,638#977 of 1,187 | $526,714 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $459,500#906 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,622/mo#806 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.1x#864 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.5%#617 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Hempstead housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Hempstead is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New York housing market →Is Hempstead safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Hempstead alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Hempstead crime rate or rank it on safety. New York as a whole records 368 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Hempstead?
The median household in Hempstead earns $90,420, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 5% above New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hempstead | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $90,420#453 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.4%#822 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hempstead?
The median resident of Hempstead is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1125 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hempstead | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 21.5%#1125 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 47.5% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hempstead's schools and health?
Hempstead's 10 public schools graduate 72.6% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $31,802 spent per pupil. 38.9% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Hempstead | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 72.6%#1009 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.8#712 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $31,802#9 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.9%#1061 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.9%#1116 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,122 students are enrolled in Hempstead's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hempstead?
The average commute in Hempstead is 33.3 minutes (New York 33.2); 19.2% of workers take transit and 7.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hempstead scores 15 of 20 (above average walkable), #38 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 35.2°F, with 43.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hempstead | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 33.3 min#1232 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 15.9%#1237 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 55.9% | 48.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 19.2% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 5.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.3% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15#38 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.5 | 26.2 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 41.7 | 27.4 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 48.7 | 33.6 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 58.8 | 42.9 | 3.6 |
| May | 68.4 | 52.5 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 78 | 62.4 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 83.6 | 68.7 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 82.2 | 67.8 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 75.8 | 61 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 64.7 | 49.8 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 39.8 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 44.5 | 32 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jfk International Airport.
| Measure | Hempstead | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jfk International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hempstead?
Nassau County's air had a median air quality index of 29, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Nassau County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Hempstead | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 29#58 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#156 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Nassau County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Nassau County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.0077% | 79% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0087% | 74% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0069% | 73% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Hempstead compare with similar-size cities?
Hempstead is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #301 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,801.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #685 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data | 33.3 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #221 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 min |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #222 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 | 14.8 min |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #1125 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 | 25.4 min |
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #530 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 | 17 min |
| The Hammocks, FLPop. 58,838 | #1023 | 49.7 | $85,628 | $2,187/mo | no data | 35 min |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #313 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data | 25.1 min |
| Taylorsville, UTPop. 58,678 | #731 | 54.5 | $86,413 | $1,482/mo | 187 | 22.2 min |
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #15 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 | 36.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Hempstead compare with the rest of New York?
Hempstead ranks #11 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 55.3 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 5% above the New York median. Homes are 23% above the typical New York home.
| City | Rank in NY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #1 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #2 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #3 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #4 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #5 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #6 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 |
| Irondequoit, NYPop. 50,657 | #7 | 62.0 | $79,162 | $1,159/mo | no data |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #8 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data |
| Troy, NYPop. 51,033 | #9 | 58.6 | $58,477 | $1,175/mo | 345 |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #10 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #11 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #12 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 |
| New York, NYPop. 8,483,844 | #13 | 54.8 | $80,483 | $1,821/mo | 660 |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #14 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #15 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 |
| Rochester, NYPop. 208,772 | #16 | 50.3 | $47,213 | $1,081/mo | 572 |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #17 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #18 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #19 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #20 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 |
All 20 New York cities we track, by overall score. New York statewide: median income $85,820, violent crime 368.4 per 100,000.
How is Hempstead's score calculated?
Hempstead scores 55.3 out of 100, #685 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with New York's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Hempstead. Similar-size median 55.5.
58.2 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hempstead. Similar-size median 58.9.
42.4 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hempstead's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Hempstead's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
51.3 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hempstead. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.0 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hempstead. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.5 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hempstead. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hempstead's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
73.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
86.1 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Hempstead alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hempstead's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hempstead has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Hempstead
Is Hempstead, NY a good place to live?
Hempstead ranks #685 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #301 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (72.6%, #415 of 437) and long commutes (33.3 min, #475 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Hempstead?
Hempstead's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,622/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $646,638, 23% above the typical New York home ($526,714).
Is Hempstead safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Hempstead alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Hempstead crime rate or rank it on safety. New York as a whole records 368 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Hempstead?
The median household in Hempstead earns $90,420, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 5% above New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hempstead?
Median rent in Hempstead is $1,622/mo (Census), #806 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hempstead?
The typical home value in Hempstead is $646,638, up 4.1% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $459,500.
How are the public schools in Hempstead?
Hempstead's 10 public schools graduate 72.6% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $31,802 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hempstead?
The average commute is 33.3 minutes, #1232 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 15.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hempstead?
Hempstead averages 54.3°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 35.2°F in winter, with 43.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hempstead walkable?
Hempstead scores 15 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #38 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Hempstead at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Nassau County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hempstead?
Nassau County's air had a median air quality index of 29, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hempstead?
Hempstead has 58,801 residents. The median resident of Hempstead is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1125 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hempstead compare with the rest of New York?
Hempstead ranks #11 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 55.3 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 5% above the New York median. Homes are 23% above the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Hempstead?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hempstead's population of 58,801 are St. Peters, MO (#221 overall), Grand Forks, ND (#222 overall), National City, CA (#1125 overall), Casper, WY (#530 overall), and The Hammocks, FL (#1023 overall). Hempstead is #685.