Cost of Living in South Hempstead, NY

Population 3,350 · New York · Data vintage 2023

196
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

South Hempstead's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $595,000 for a typical home, 95% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $175,741 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

South 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 21% lower than New York's $752,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 195
Rent 197

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in South Hempstead

The median home value in South Hempstead is $595,400 — 95% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,588/month, 97% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $175,741/year is 136% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, below 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, South Hempstead has a cost of living index of 196 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 96% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$595,400
95% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$152,827
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,588/mo
97% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$965
1 BR
$1,051
2 BR
$1,302
3 BR
$1,619
4 BR
$1,813
Owner-occupied 96.3%
Renter-occupied 3.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,588
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,202/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
37.8 min
40% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.2%
Carpooled
8.1%
Public transit
13.0%
Walked
1.4%
Work from home
13.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%
Total Sales Tax 8.5%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 4.5%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$175,741
136% above avg
Per Capita Income
$69,889
Unemployment Rate
1.9%
60% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
Labor Force Participation
71.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.8%
Graduate degree 18.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45
Male median age 38
Female median age 47.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.6°F
Avg Low
47.0°F
Annual Precip
43.3"
Annual Snowfall
25.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404249596878848276655445
Low °F 262734435362696861504032
Precip" 3.232.763.943.553.663.853.864.113.583.723.073.96
Snow" 7.58.64.30.60.00.00.00.00.00.00.44.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 31 — Good
75.3%
Good air days/yr
197
Max AQI recorded
365
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Hempstead, NY?

South Hempstead has a cost index of 196 (100 = national average). It is 96% above the national average.

What is average rent in South Hempstead, NY?

The median gross rent in South Hempstead is $2,588 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Hempstead?

The median home value in South Hempstead is $595,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in South Hempstead?

The median household income in South Hempstead is $175,741 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Hempstead, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Hempstead is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is South Hempstead, NY affordable?

South Hempstead is above average in cost of living, with an index of 196 — about 96% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in South Hempstead?

South 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.

South Hempstead at a Glance

Population
3,350
Median Income
$175,741
Home Value
$595,400
Median Rent
$2,588/mo
Unemployment
1.9%
Avg High Temp
61.6°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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