Nassau County, New York, sits as an upscale suburban area nestled on Long Island, just east of the bustling metropolis of New York City. According to the 2020 census, Nassau County’s population reached 1,395,774, securing its position as the sixth most populous county in New York State.
Additionally, it stands as one of the nation’s top earners, boasting a median household income of $120,036 in 2020, significantly higher than both the state and national averages of $64,034 and $67,521, respectively. Furthermore, the county maintains a low poverty rate, registering at just 5.8% in 2021, significantly lower than the state and national rates of 13.9% and 12.8%, respectively.
However, the story of Nassau County isn’t uniform across its various neighborhoods. Some areas grapple with economic hardships and social challenges such as low income, high poverty levels, elevated unemployment rates, limited access to quality education, and healthcare services.
In this article, we will delve into five of the county’s most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) for the years 2017-2021 to gauge their economic health. These key indicators will help us assess poverty levels:
1. Roosevelt
Roosevelt is a hamlet situated in central Nassau County, in proximity to Freeport and Hempstead. This suburban locale has a predominantly Black or African American population and is home to approximately 16,000 residents. Despite its proximity to affluence, Roosevelt faces significant economic challenges, as evidenced by ACS data, including:
- A median household income of $64,987, which is 45.9% below the county’s median and 3.8% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 17%, nearly three times higher than the county average and more than one-and-a-half times higher than the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 10%, exceeding both the county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 82%, indicating that only about four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher education.
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2. Uniondale
Uniondale, situated centrally in Nassau County, near Hempstead and East Meadow, represents another suburban area with a diverse population comprising Hispanics, Blacks, Whites, and Asians. The hamlet houses around 25,000 residents but contends with considerable economic hardship, as demonstrated by ACS data, including:
- A median household income of $69,583, which falls 42% below the county median but is 4% higher than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 15%, approximately three times the county rate and more than one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 9%, surpassing both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 77%, implying that only about three-fourths of the adult population have completed high school or higher education.
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3. Inwood
Inwood, located in southwestern Nassau County, near Lawrence and Far Rockaway, constitutes another suburban area with a predominantly Hispanic population reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region. With around 10,000 residents, Inwood faces significant economic challenges, as indicated by ACS data, including:
- A median household income of $70,417, marking a 41.3% deficit compared to the county median but 4.3% higher than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 14%, nearly three times the county average and more than one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 8%, exceeding both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 68%, revealing that only about two-thirds of the adult population have completed high school or higher education.
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4. Elmont
Elmont, positioned in western Nassau County, near Valley Stream and Queens Village, encompasses a diverse population composed of Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Whites. This suburban enclave, home to around 36,000 residents, grapples with economic adversity, as indicated by ACS data, including:
- A median household income of $75,833, which represents a 36.8% shortfall compared to the county median but is 12.3% higher than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 11%, nearly twice the county rate but slightly lower than the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 7%, surpassing both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 84%, implying that only about four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher education.
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5. Westbury
Westbury, a village nestled in central Nassau County, near Carle Place and Hicksville, houses a diverse population of Hispanics, Blacks, Whites, and Asians. With a population of about 15,000, it faces considerable economic challenges, as reflected in ACS data, including:
- A median household income of $77,500, marking a 35.4% deficit compared to the county median but 14.8% higher than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 10%, nearly twice the county rate but slightly lower than the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 6%, surpassing both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 79%, revealing that only about four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher education.
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Conclusion:
Nassau County, New York, shines as an affluent suburban county with a robust economy and high population density. However, disparities in income, poverty, unemployment, and education persist among its various neighborhoods. Some of the county’s most economically challenged areas include Roosevelt, Uniondale, Inwood, Elmont, and Westbury.
These communities grapple with multifaceted challenges, including low income, high poverty rates, elevated unemployment, limited educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare and social services. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders to enhance the quality of life and well-being of these residents.