Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hempstead, NY
Considering a move to Hempstead, NY? This vibrant community of about 57,500 residents features affordable home prices around $410,000 and average rents near $1,850. With a diverse population, a higher-than-average cost of living, and a strong public transport network, Hempstead offers easy access to NYC, local colleges like Hofstra, and major hospitals. Expect mild summers, a commute of about 33 minutes, and a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort—plus a lively multicultural atmosphere.
Demographics - Hempstead, NY
Demographics - Hempstead, NY
Hempstead is home to about 57,500 residents with a population density of 14,800 per square mile, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere. The community is notably diverse, with nearly 45% identifying as Black or African American and over 32% speaking a language other than English at home. The median age of 34.7 reflects a youthful, dynamic population.
Population:
57,523
Density:
14,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.7
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
19.3%
Black:
44.6%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
34.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hempstead, NY?
The cost of living in Hempstead is significantly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 134.8. Median home values are around $410,000 and average rents are $1,850, making housing the largest expense for most residents. Utilities and transportation costs also contribute to the higher overall expenses in this area.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$830
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.8
Grocery:
124.2
Housing:
148.5
Utilities:
109.2
Transportation:
127.4
Health Care:
113.6
Miscellaneous:
111.0
Crime
Is Hempstead, NY a safe place to live?
Hempstead experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 428 per 100,000 residents and property crimes occurring at a rate of 1,700 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 234 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which is slightly above the national average. Staying aware and taking safety precautions is recommended for new arrivals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
428
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
2,128
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 234
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Hempstead, NY year-round?
Hempstead enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers that reach into the low 80s and winters where temperatures dip to the mid-20s. The city receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 57% of the year. Spring and fall offer mild, comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Local households in Hempstead typically earn a median income of $67,400, while the poverty rate stands at 18.7%. The area has a diverse population, with nearly a third speaking a language other than English, and about 22% of residents use public transportation for their 33-minute average commutes. Educational attainment is varied, with 69.5% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$44,650
Household Income:
$67,400
Family Income:
$72,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$30,600
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
32.7%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
7.9%
Public Transport Usage:
22.5%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
69.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Hempstead, NY?
Hempstead offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools as well as higher education. Local students attend schools like Hempstead High School and Jackson Main Elementary, while Hofstra University and Nassau Community College provide nearby opportunities for college education. Class sizes in public schools tend to be above average, supporting a diverse student community.

Public Schools
Name:
Hempstead High School
Street:
201 President St
Phone:
516-434-4200
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Jackson Main Elementary School
Street:
451 Jackson St
Phone:
516-434-4650
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Academy
Street:
47 Cathedral Ave
Phone:
516-483-7383
Students:
800

Colleges
Name:
Hofstra University
City:
Hempstead
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Nassau Community College
City:
Garden City
State:
NY
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Hempstead residents benefit from easy access to major hospitals such as NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island and Mount Sinai South Nassau, both offering emergency services. The community is well-served by healthcare professionals, with 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and a high health insurance coverage rate of 91%. Healthcare services are generally reliable and accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island
Address:
259 1st St, Mineola, NY 11501
Phone:
(516) 663-0333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mount Sinai South Nassau
Address:
One Healthy Way, Oceanside, NY 11572
Phone:
(516) 632-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hempstead, NY?
The housing market in Hempstead is competitive, with median home prices at $410,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $1,850. Owner-occupancy is relatively low at 38.7%, reflecting a strong rental market, while home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating market stability.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Hempstead are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Garden City. The DMV provides the full range of driver and vehicle services both in person and online. For convenience, appointments and additional information can be found on their official website.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
801 Axinn Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
Phone:
1-718-477-4820
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.