Nassau County, New York

Nassau County, New York
Nassau County seamlessly blends suburban charm with urban convenience. Its rich history, diverse communities, strong economy, and array of recreational and cultural amenities make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. File photo: quiggyt4, licensed.

Nassau County is a suburban county located on Long Island, immediately east of New York City. It is bordered by Queens County to the west and Suffolk County to the east. With a population of approximately 1.4 million residents, Nassau County is known for its affluent communities, excellent schools, and proximity to both urban and coastal amenities.

Wantagh, New York - March 17, 2019 : Nassau County Police Department marching in the first Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Long Island
 The Nassau County Police Department honor guard marching in the first Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wantagh, New York, on March 17, 2019. The officers are carrying the American flag and the Nassau County flag, representing their commitment to local and national service during a community festival. File photo: Scott Heaney, licensed.

History

Originally part of Queens County, Nassau County was established in 1899 when the eastern towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay chose not to join the consolidation of New York City. The county was named after the House of Nassau, reflecting its Dutch colonial heritage. Over the years, Nassau transformed from rural farmland to a thriving suburban area, notably with the development of Levittown in the 1940s, one of the nation’s first planned communities.

This is an aerial photograph of Levittown, New York from around 1953, showcasing the early days of this iconic planned suburban community on Long Island, named after its builder William Levitt. The community was built between 1947 and 1951 to accommodate returning veterans and their families, featuring uniformly designed houses and a distinct curvilinear street layout, as seen in the image.
This is an aerial photograph of Levittown, New York from around 1953, showcasing the early days of this iconic planned suburban community on Long Island, named after its builder William Levitt. The community was built between 1947 and 1951 to accommodate returning veterans and their families, featuring uniformly designed houses and a distinct curvilinear street layout, as seen in the image. File photo: Everett Collection, licensed.

Geography

Nassau County encompasses an area of approximately 285 square miles. It features a diverse landscape that includes coastal lowlands along the Atlantic Ocean to the south and rolling hills to the north. The county is home to numerous parks, beaches, and nature preserves, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The Veterans Memorial at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY is a prominent monument serving as a tribute to the heroes of Nassau County who served in various branches of the U.S. armed forces.
The Veterans Memorial at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY is a prominent monument serving as a tribute to the heroes of Nassau County who served in various branches of the U.S. armed forces. The memorial honors veterans of Nassau County from all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. File photo: Little Vignettes Photo, licensed.

Demographics

As of 2025, Nassau County, New York is home to nearly 1.4 million residents, making it one of the largest counties in the state. The county’s population is remarkably diverse, with substantial White, Hispanic, Asian, African American, and multi-ethnic communities. This blend of backgrounds is central to Nassau’s rich cultural life and evolving identity.

two prominent outdoor sculptures in a park setting in Roslyn, New York. In the foreground, there is a sculpture of a woman riding a bicycle, rendered in an expressive, textured style, and in the background, another sculpture depicts a woman's head wearing an oversized hat, held by a sculpted hand, with highly polished metallic surfaces.
Two prominent outdoor sculptures in a park setting in Roslyn, New York. In the foreground, there is a sculpture of a woman riding a bicycle, rendered in an expressive, textured style, and in the background, another sculpture depicts a woman’s head wearing an oversized hat, held by a sculpted hand, with highly polished metallic surfaces. File photo: Jay Gao, licensed.

Economy

Nassau County boasts a robust economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $124.4 billion in 2023. The median household income stands at $143,408, reflecting the county’s affluent status. Key industries include healthcare, education, finance, and technology. The county’s proximity to New York City also makes it a desirable location for commuters.

This image depicts RXR Plaza, a prominent office complex located in Uniondale, Nassau County, New York. The twin, mirrored glass towers are an iconic part of Nassau’s business landscape and represent one of the most recognizable hubs for corporate activity on Long Island.
This RXR Plaza, a prominent office complex located in Uniondale, Nassau County, New York. The twin, mirrored glass towers are an iconic part of Nassau’s business landscape and represent one of the most recognizable hubs for corporate activity on Long Island. File photo: Audley C Bullock, licensed.

Transportation

Nassau County offers a comprehensive transportation network:

The exterior of the Long Beach Long Island Railroad station in Long Beach, NY, taken on April 16, 2016. The station features a classic architectural style with arched windows and a prominent clock outside, part of the Long Island Rail Road commuter network.
The exterior of the Long Beach Long Island Railroad station in Long Beach, NY, taken on April 16, 2016. The station features a classic architectural style with arched windows and a prominent clock outside, part of the Long Island Rail Road commuter network. File photo: quiggyt4, licensed.

Education

Nassau County is home to a highly regarded education system:

  • Public Schools: The county encompasses over 50 school districts, known for their academic excellence and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
  • Higher Education: Institutions such as Hofstra University, Adelphi University, and Nassau Community College offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, contributing to the county’s educated workforce.
Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is one of Long Island’s largest and most beloved public parks, spanning more than 930 acres in East Meadow, Nassau County. Often compared to New York City’s Central Park in scale and amenities, Eisenhower Park is a vibrant hub for recreation, leisure, and community events. From golf courses and athletic facilities to serene lakes and walking paths, the park offers something for every age and interest. File photo: ECL Media LLC, licensed.

Government

Nassau County operates under a county executive-legislature system. The county legislature comprises 19 members who represent various districts and are responsible for enacting local laws, approving budgets, and overseeing county operations.

This image shows a Nassau County Police Marine Patrol boat actively navigating the waterways of south Nassau County, Long Island, New York on February 21, 2019. The boat is notably labeled "9/11 Heroes," indicating a tribute to first responders or victims of the September 11 attacks, and is equipped with emergency response features suitable for marine law enforcement activities in the region.
This image shows a Nassau County Police Marine Patrol boat actively navigating the waterways of south Nassau County, Long Island, New York on February 21, 2019. The boat is notably labeled “9/11 Heroes,” indicating a tribute to first responders or victims of the September 11 attacks, and is equipped with emergency response features suitable for marine law enforcement activities in the region. File photo: Scott Heaney, licensed.

Attractions

Nassau County offers a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities:

  • Jones Beach State Park: A renowned beach destination featuring a boardwalk, swimming facilities, and concert venues.
  • Old Westbury Gardens: A historic estate with beautifully landscaped gardens and a grand mansion open to the public.
  • Nassau Coliseum: A multi-purpose indoor arena hosting sports events, concerts, and exhibitions.
  • Cradle of Aviation Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of aviation and space exploration, reflecting Long Island’s contributions to the aerospace industry.
  • Eisenhower Park: A sprawling public park offering golf courses, athletic fields, and picnic areas.

Overall, Nassau County seamlessly blends suburban charm with urban convenience. Its rich history, diverse communities, strong economy, and array of recreational and cultural amenities make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.