Regional Profile
Hempstead County
Population Demographics
As of 2026 the population of Hempstead County is 18,839. The population is expected to shrink to 18,071 by 2031 - a growth rate of -0.83%.
The median age of Hempstead County residents is 41.
The diversity index of Hempstead County is 72.1, meaning that there is a 72% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
Housing and Income
The average household income in Hempstead County is $71,954 and projected to be $77,979 in 2031. Per capita income is $29,886, projected to be $32,978 in 2031. 1.57% of households – 296 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $658,557 and the average disposable income is $56,539.
There are 9,544 housing units in Hempstead County; 5,353 are owner-occupied, 2,426 are rented, and 1,765 are vacant. The average home value is $180,574, with 845 homes built in 2010 or later, and 634 built in 1939 or earlier.
Business and Workforce
There are 701 businesses in Hempstead County, employing 9,987 workers and pulling from a labor force of 7,236 age 16 and above. 1,718 workers commute into Hempstead County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
5,196 residents both live and work in/around Hempstead County. The average travel time is 21.2 minutes. 6.06% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.85% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 6,241 drive alone, 570 carpool, and 40 take public transportation. 101 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 284 residents work from home.
4,765 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 935 have associates degrees, 1,395 have bachelor’s degrees, and 846 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-30