Demographics
As of 2020, Nassau County, NY had a population of approximately 1,395,774. The median age was 42.5 years, with 51.3% female and 48.7% male residents. The racial/ethnic composition was 58.2% White (non-Hispanic), 12.1% Black or African American, 10.6% Asian, 18.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.4% Native American or Pacific Islander. Nassau remains one of the most populous and diverse counties in New York State.
Elections
Nassau County, NY, has over 950,000 registered voters as of 2023, with approximately 39% Democratic, 31% Republican, and 26% unaffiliated. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, most recently yielding a 55% Republican majority in the 2023 county legislature. There are 360+ polling locations managed by the Nassau County Board of Elections. Key issues include taxes, education, and public safety. Election administration is bipartisan, and voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election reached nearly 81%. Parties represented include Democratic, Republican, Conservative, and Working Families.
Education, Employment and Housing
Nassau County, NY, boasts over 56 public high schools and numerous private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of approximately 92%. About 45% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county offers diverse educational programs, strong STEM and arts curricula, and robust adult education through Nassau BOCES. School safety is prioritized, with most schools scoring above 8/10 on Niche.com for safety and academics. The county invests in advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and vocational training, supporting students’ diverse needs and interests.
As of 2023, Nassau County, NY had an employment rate of approximately 61%. Major industries include healthcare (18%), education (12%), and retail trade (10%). Occupationally, 39% are in management, business, and science roles, while 18% work in service occupations. Around 71% of employed residents commute to work by car, with an average commute time of 33 minutes. Notably, over 35% of Nassau workers commute to jobs in New York City, highlighting the county’s role as a key suburban employment hub.
Nassau County, NY, boasts a 2023 homeownership rate of around 79%. Median home values are approximately $650,000, with monthly rents averaging $2,700. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. Housing styles include single-family homes, condos, and co-ops, with neighborhoods like Garden City, Great Neck, and Hempstead offering diversity. Property taxes are among the highest in the nation, averaging $15,000 annually. Rental and ownership opportunities vary, with suburban and waterfront communities in demand.
County Crime & Safety
Nassau County, NY, is known for its relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate stood at approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly below the U.S. average of 4.0. Property crimes were reported at about 10.1 per 1,000 people. The county consistently reports high safety rankings and proactive policing, with Nassau County Police Department maintaining advanced response systems. Recent FBI data and local reports confirm a downward trend in both violent and property crimes, contributing to Nassau's reputation as one of the safer counties in New York State.
Popular names
- John Smith
- Jose Rodriguez
- Jose Hernandez
- Maria Rodriguez
- Michael Smith
- Jose Martinez
- Jose Cruz
- Maria Martinez
- Michael Miller
- James Smith
- Michael Murphy
- Jose Garcia
- Robert Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Jose Lopez
- Jose Gonzalez
- Maria Hernandez
- Michael Cohen
- Robert Miller
- David Smith
- Robert Johnson
- Maria Garcia
- David Cohen
- Michael Brown
- Michael Williams
- Jose Rivera
- Maria Perez
- Patricia Smith
- Christopher Smith
- Young Kim
- James Lee
- John Murphy
- John Sullivan
- Maria Cruz
- Mohammad Khan
- John Kelly
- Jose Reyes
- Juan Rodriguez
- William Smith
- Gurpreet Singh
- Jose Flores
- Kevin Smith
- Maria Gonzalez
- Robert Jones
- Robert Martin
- Thomas Murphy
- Jose Sanchez
- Jose Torres
- Michael Kelly
- Maria Lopez
- Michael Jones
- Marie Pierre
- Brian Smith
- James Hall
- John Lee
- James Murphy
- Michael Russo
- James Kelly
- Luis Rodriguez
- Maria Diaz
Other Counties in New York
- Albany
- Allegany
- Bronx
- Broome
- Cattaraugus
- Cayuga
- Chautauqua
- Chemung
- Chenango
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Cortland
- Delaware
- Dutchess
- Erie
- Essex
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Genesee
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Herkimer
- Jefferson
- Kings
- Lewis
- Livingston
- Madison
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- New York
- Niagara
- Oneida
- Onondaga
- Ontario
- Orange
- Orleans
- Oswego
- Otsego
- Putnam
- Queens
- Rensselaer
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Saint Lawrence
- Saratoga
- Schenectady
- Schoharie
- Schuyler
- Seneca
- Steuben