A look at demographics in Malverne and West Hempstead

An examination of data available on the United States Census’s website revealed that Malverne’s population has been in a slow, steady decline since 1980, growing slightly more diverse, but remaining primarily a white-populated neighborhood. West Hempstead, conversely, has managed to retain its population but has grown in diversity.

According to the data, in 1980, there were 9,262 people in Malverne, 9,124 of which were white; 29 of which were African American or black, 166 of which were of Hispanic origin. The median age was 37.2

In 1990, the U.S. Census expanded its population categories and reported a slight population decrease to 9,024 residents, 8,689 of which were white, 118 black, 4 American Indian, 212 Asian or Pacific Islander, and 31 Hispanic. The median age was 38.9

In 2000, 8,934 people were living in Malverne, with 8,223 classified as white, 154 black, 14 American Indian, 277 Asian and 158 some other race. Of these races, 537 people classified themselves as also being Hispanic. The median age was 41.3.

In 2010, the village was home to 8,514 residents, 7,525 of which were white, 281 black, 4 American Indian, 354 Asian, 1 Hawaiian or Polynesian, 234 some other race, and 119 classified as two or more races. Of all the aforementioned races, 732 people also classified themselves as Hispanic.

West Hempstead retains population; grows in diversity

Over the past three decades, the number of people residing in West Hempstead has dipped, but then climbed again, and with each passing decade has managed to expand its diversity to include more black, Asian and Hispanic residents.

In 1980, West Hempstead had a population of 18,536 people, with 18,063 classified as white, 171 classified as black and 414 classifying themselves as being of Hispanic origin.

In 1990, there were 17,689 people living in the hamlet, 16,679 of which were white, 509 Asian or Pacific Islander, 707 being of Hispanic origin of any race. The median age was 38.

In 2000, there were 18,713 people living in West Hempstead, with 15,473 being white, 1,111 black, 32 American Indian, 951 Asian, and 601 some other race. Of these races, 1,860 people reported themselves of being of Hispanic origin.

In 2010, 18,862 people lived in West Hempstead, 13,962 of which were classified as white, 1,929 of whom were black, 28 American Indian, 1143 Asian, 8 Native Hawaiian, 560 with two or more races, and 1,232 some other race. Of these races, 3,098 classified themselves as also being Hispanic. The median age was 39.9.