How many people live on Long Island?

Montauk Point Lighthouse overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from the easternmost tip of Long Island, where rugged bluffs meet the sea. First commissioned by President George Washington in 1792 and placed into service in 1796, the historic lighthouse remains New York State's oldest and continues to serve as one of Long Island's most iconic landmarks and enduring symbols of the East End. — Montauk Point Lighthouse overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from the easternmost tip of Long Island, where rugged bluffs meet the sea. First commissioned by President George Washington in 1792 and placed into service in 1796, the historic lighthouse remains New York State’s oldest and continues to serve as one of Long Island’s most iconic landmarks and enduring symbols of the East End. File photo: Haveseen, licensed.

Long Island is home to nearly 8 million people, making it the most populous island in the contiguous United States. This total includes residents of Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. When people commonly refer to “Long Island,” however, they are usually talking only about Nassau and Suffolk counties, which together have a population of approximately 2.9 million residents.

In Short

Approximately 8 million people live on Long Island, including the residents of Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Excluding Brooklyn and Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties are home to roughly 2.9 million people.

How Many People Live on Long Island?

According to recent U.S. Census estimates, nearly 8 million people live on Long Island. This population includes the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, along with Nassau County and Suffolk County. Together, they make Long Island the most populous island in the contiguous United States.

Although the island is geographically one landmass, population figures are often reported in two different ways. Geographers and census data include all four counties, while local residents and businesses typically use “Long Island” to refer only to Nassau County and Suffolk County. Those two suburban counties have a combined population of approximately 2.9 million people.

The population is distributed across hundreds of communities ranging from the densely populated neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens to the suburban villages and hamlets of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Farther east, population density gradually decreases as the landscape transitions to farmland, vineyards, nature preserves, and coastal communities throughout the North Fork, South Fork, and Hamptons.

Despite its relatively compact size, Long Island supports one of the largest suburban populations in the United States. Its proximity to New York City, combined with its extensive transportation network, excellent schools, beaches, parks, and diverse communities, has made it one of the nation’s most desirable places to live.

Quick Facts

Category	Information
Total Population	Nearly 8 million residents
Nassau & Suffolk Population	Approximately 2.9 million residents
Includes	Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County
State	New York State
Largest Population Centers	Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County
National Ranking	Most populous island in the contiguous United States

With nearly 8 million residents spread across four counties, Long Island combines the energy of New York City with the suburban neighborhoods of Nassau County and Suffolk County. From the bustling streets of Brooklyn and Queens to the scenic communities of the North Fork, South Fork, and Hamptons, the island remains one of the most populous, diverse, and influential regions in New York State.