Cost of Living in Hempstead, NY
Population 58,569 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hempstead is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 35 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($442,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Hempstead sits roughly 15 miles east of New York — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than New York's $752,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hempstead
The median home value in Hempstead is $442,100 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,649/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,454/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 61.6°F and lows of 47.0°F, with about 25.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Hempstead has a cost of living index of 137 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 42 | 49 | 59 | 68 | 78 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 65 | 54 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 43 | 53 | 62 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 50 | 40 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.23 | 2.76 | 3.94 | 3.55 | 3.66 | 3.85 | 3.86 | 4.11 | 3.58 | 3.72 | 3.07 | 3.96 |
| Snow" | 7.5 | 8.6 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 4.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hempstead, NY?
Hempstead has a cost index of 137 (100 = national average). It is 37% above the national average.
What is average rent in Hempstead, NY?
The median gross rent in Hempstead is $1,649 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hempstead?
The median home value in Hempstead is $442,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hempstead?
The median household income in Hempstead is $82,454 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hempstead, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hempstead is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Hempstead, NY affordable?
Hempstead is above average in cost of living, with an index of 137 — about 37% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Hempstead?
Hempstead has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 47.0°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Average annual snowfall is 25.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hempstead at a Glance
- Population
- 58,569
- Median Income
- $82,454
- Home Value
- $442,100
- Median Rent
- $1,649/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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