Washington, DC, the US capital, and North Hempstead, a suburban town in New York, offer distinctly contrasting lifestyles. While DC is renowned for its political center, diverse culture, and vibrant urban life, North Hempstead offers tranquility, superb schooling, and a high standard of living. This comparison covers essential aspects such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, employment, real-estate, culture, taxation, transportation, sports teams, geographical conditions, and healthcare.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
North Hempstead, NY : 219.3 miles
Washington's population is larger by 196%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of North Hempstead has grown by 3,711 people (1.7%) during that time.
Generally, North Hempstead is safer than Washington, DC. DC, being a large urban center, experiences higher crime rates than suburban North Hempstead. However, DC has several safe neighborhoods, and law enforcement agencies are continuously working to enhance security. North Hempstead, on the other hand, boasts one of the lowest crime levels in the NY state, making it a safer haven for families and tourists alike.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Washington, DC, is generally high due to housing costs, with a median home price significantly above the national average. North Hempstead is also expensive, but typically lesser than Washington, DC. Day-to-day expenses, like groceries, are comparably higher in DC. Hence, although both cities are pricey, North Hempstead tends to be slightly more affordable.
Income Tax
Washington, DC, has a progressive income tax system, with a rate as high as 8.95% for high earners. New York has a similar structure, but North Hempstead residents may pay less due to lower local taxes.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Washington, DC, are generally lower than in North Hempstead, which has some of the nation's highest property taxes. This difference can significantly impact the cost of homeownership between the two areas.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Washington, DC, is relatively high, at 6%. Meanwhile, the combined sales tax rate for North Hempstead is slightly lower at 4.875% due to lower state and local rates.
Income
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$141,417
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$71,121
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
173.2
If you make $50,000 in Washington, you will have to make $69,726 in North Hempstead to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
DC is a low-lying city on the Potomac River's banks, while North Hempstead is on Long Island's North Shore, featuring a varied landscape with beaches, bays, and hills.
Both DC and North Hempstead host some high-ranking schools. However, North Hempstead's school district is often rated as one of the best in the country. In contrast, in DC, there can be variability in school quality, with some excellent schools and some struggling ones. Both cities have easy access to reputed universities.
Washington, DC's economy revolves around the federal government, though it has diverse sectors like education, healthcare, and tourism. It boasts higher average salaries but also higher costs of living. North Hempstead's economy is more service-based, with construction, education, healthcare, and retail being significant sectors.
Biggest Employers
In Washington, DC, the federal government is the largest employer. Other significant employers include MedStar Health, George Washington University, and Marriott International. In North Hempstead, the Town of Hempstead, Northwell Health, Winthrop University Hospital, and Nassau County govern are significant employers.
Building permits
Type
Average value
Count
City
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
1997
$100,200
$144,100
11
55
1998
$105,500
$144,100
255
55
1999
$113,100
$104,800
319
81
2000
$115,500
$180,400
187
46
2001
$122,100
$174,000
131
57
2002
$126,000
$207,200
383
71
2003
$121,900
$181,600
152
122
2004
$98,000
$287,900
226
104
2005
$146,200
$281,700
125
96
2006
$161,600
$305,800
126
74
2007
$137,800
$281,500
576
18
2008
$165,100
$377,300
248
38
2009
$183,300
$342,600
151
14
2010
$173,600
$373,500
177
33
2011
$197,100
$399,700
227
28
2012
$180,200
$332,100
271
18
2013
$201,000
$413,400
333
24
2014
$211,500
$347,100
288
45
2015
$223,400
$347,000
255
56
2016
$227,000
$382,400
336
48
2017
$230,200
$428,900
352
49
2018
$234,800
$619,700
112
43
2019
$236,800
$515,300
168
37
2020
$233,800
$448,900
139
30
2021
$237,900
$497,800
376
11
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 11 building permits issued in North Hempstead in 2012 (17 less than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In North Hempstead (Nassau County), 53.4% voted for Democrats and 45.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
2020
92.6%
54.3%
5.4%
44.7%
2.0%
1.0%
2016
90.9%
51.2%
4.1%
45.3%
5.0%
3.4%
2012
90.9%
53.4%
7.3%
45.7%
1.8%
0.9%
2008
92.5%
54.0%
6.5%
45.6%
1.0%
0.4%
2004
89.6%
52.3%
9.4%
46.7%
1.0%
1.0%
2000
85.2%
58.0%
9.0%
38.5%
5.9%
3.5%
1996
85.2%
55.7%
9.3%
36.1%
5.5%
8.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
50.6%
7.4%
9.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.2%
10.3%
1.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
0.0%
10.3%
0.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
0.9%
5.3%
5.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.2%
1.8%
3.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.2%
1.1%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
1.1%
2.1%
5.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.3%
0.3%
1.1%
Weather
DC experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, and moderately cold winters. It even gets some snow. North Hempstead has a temperate climate with warm, humid summers, and cold, snowy winters. Both cities experience high humidity levels, and the difference is mainly in winter temperatures and snowfall, with North Hempstead being much colder and snow-prone.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
53.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
68.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
25.2%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
76.4%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
51.2%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
45.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
52.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
16.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
60.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
44%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
11.5 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in North Hempstead, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
Washington
North Hempstead
2018
88
96
0.32
0.28
11.6
15.9
23.2
25.3
N/A
N/A
16.4
N/A
8.8
6.7
0.8
0.3
2017
84
95
0.32
0.17
12.3
16.2
24.9
25.5
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
9.8
6.7
1.0
0.4
2016
98
96
0.43
0.26
14.7
16.9
24.6
25.2
0.002
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.5
6.8
1.0
0.5
2015
91
102
0.34
0.29
14.8
18.1
26.2
24.3
0.002
N/A
17.0
N/A
10.4
7.9
1.3
1.1
2014
85
95
0.33
0.31
11.6
18.0
25.9
24.1
0.002
N/A
17.1
N/A
10.0
7.8
1.0
1.3
2013
88
100
0.34
0.32
11.7
18.5
25.6
24.8
0.002
N/A
17.3
N/A
11.6
8.8
1.0
1.5
2012
103
102
0.58
0.36
15.2
18.1
27.6
25.1
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
9.1
1.6
1.9
2011
105
110
0.67
0.37
15.4
20.4
27.7
24.3
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.9
3.1
2.4
2010
114
108
0.88
0.42
15.9
19.5
29.3
24.5
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.0
3.4
2.6
2009
90
106
0.86
0.40
16.2
21.6
24.4
20.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
10.1
4.6
3.7
2008
103
113
1.23
0.47
16.2
22.8
25.3
21.8
0.003
0.013
N/A
N/A
8.5
11.5
5.6
4.6
2007
113
120
1.17
0.52
16.8
23.8
27.1
20.9
0.004
0.016
N/A
N/A
10.4
12.1
5.1
4.5
2006
114
116
1.11
0.52
17.2
24.0
25.5
20.3
0.004
0.018
N/A
N/A
10.9
12.8
4.5
4.7
2005
105
107
0.86
0.61
20.5
26.4
22.7
19.5
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
4.5
5.9
2004
113
96
0.62
0.62
21.3
26.1
20.6
18.3
0.004
0.030
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
6.5
5.6
2003
108
105
0.90
0.72
23.6
27.6
20.8
18.9
N/A
0.025
N/A
26.9
12.2
N/A
8.3
6.0
2002
125
115
1.16
0.67
23.7
27.6
25.0
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.6
N/A
N/A
6.7
5.4
2001
113
117
1.07
0.62
23.9
27.7
22.0
20.1
0.017
N/A
N/A
24.1
N/A
N/A
6.7
6.7
2000
115
110
1.17
0.65
20.2
27.4
19.1
18.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
8.2
6.6
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
51.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
30.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
25%
Transportation
Washington, DC, has superior public transit options due to the Metro, ample buses, taxis, and bikeshare programs. It's relatively straightforward for commuters and tourists. North Hempstead relies more heavily on automobiles, though it has good rail connections to Manhattan and other areas.
Transport
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
456
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
Bicycle
2%
0.2%
Bus
6.3%
2.3%
Carpooled
7.8%
9%
Car alone
62.5%
64.5%
Railroad
0.3%
14.5%
Streetcar
10.6%
0%
Subway
1.3%
1.2%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.3%
Walked
5.7%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
Average
39.2 min
35.2 min
Real Estate
DC's real estate is expensive, with high demand for urban condos. North Hempstead, predominantly suburban, offers more spacious homes and properties, with prices varying by neighborhood. Both markets are competitive and possibly intimidating for first-time buyers.
Neighborhoods
DC offers diverse neighborhoods, from bustling Downtown to tranquil, family-friendly regions like Chevy Chase. North Hempstead is mostly suburban and divided into villages, each with its charm. Both cities offer variety, from swanky to more affordable areas.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
Houses
357,482
78,927
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.9
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
76,820 (97.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
60,270 (78.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
16,550 (21.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$2,429
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$543,123
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$868,288
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
7
Renting percentage
58%
21.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
1,473.1
Household income disparities
45.7%
32%
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
19,645 (37.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
164 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
33,305 (62.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
4,188 (7.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
2,281 (4.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
0.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
8,268
State government workers
6,699
2,777
Unpaid family workers
580
297
Industries and Occupations
In DC, the predominant industries are government, professional services, and education. In North Hempstead, education, healthcare, and the service industry dominate. North Hempstead also has more construction and outdoor labor opportunities.
Both DC and North Hempstead offer excellent healthcare with multiple high-ranking hospitals. Healthcare in DC is more metropolitan and numerous, while North Hempstead has more community-based healthcare systems.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Washington, DC boasts superior infrastructure, with many historical landmarks, museums, and government buildings. North Hempstead, being suburban, has more residential infrastructure, characterized by quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods, parks, and beaches.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
North Hempstead
TV stations
27
30
Culture and Food
Washington, DC, is a cultural hub offering diverse restaurants, prominent Smithsonian museums, and performing art venues like the Kennedy Center. North Hempstead offers a quieter cultural scene, with local eateries, community festivals, and proximity to NYC's rich cultural life.
Sports Teams
Washington, DC, is home to professional teams in all major sports, including Washington Football Team (NFL), Washington Nationals (MLB), and Capitals (NHL). North Hempstead doesn't have major league teams, but sports fans enjoy proximity to New York teams.
Washington, DC
North Hempstead, NY
Washington, DC and 
North Hempstead, NY : 219.3 miles
