From January 12 through April 28, 2026, our research team conducted a comprehensive demographic study of New York State’s 62 counties. We analyzed population data from the U.S. Census Bureau, county growth trends, and regional development patterns to provide this definitive ranking of New York’s most populous counties.
This report examines:
- The top 10 largest counties in New York by current population
- Year-over-year population changes and growth trends
- Population density comparisons across major counties
- Regional distribution patterns within New York State
- Suffolk County’s position among New York’s largest counties
The Largest Counties in New York by Population (2026)
The table below presents the most current population figures for New York’s largest counties, ranked by total residents.
| Rank | County | 2026 Population | Area (sq mi) | Density (per sq mi) | Change Since 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kings County (Brooklyn) | 2,649,269 | 69 | 38,395 | -2.68% |
| 2 | Queens County | 2,349,330 | 109 | 21,553 | -1.52% |
| 3 | New York County (Manhattan) | 1,664,214 | 23 | 72,357 | -1.35% |
| 4 | Suffolk County | 1,548,850 | 911 | 1,700 | +1.77% |
| 5 | Bronx County | 1,406,612 | 42 | 33,491 | -3.74% |
| 6 | Nassau County | 1,400,095 | 285 | 4,913 | +0.66% |
| 7 | Westchester County | 1,022,321 | 431 | 2,372 | +2.08% |
| 8 | Erie County | 945,699 | 1,043 | 907 | -0.71% |
| 9 | Monroe County | 750,718 | 657 | 1,143 | -1.01% |
| 10 | Richmond County (Staten Island) | 503,008 | 58 | 8,673 | +1.59% |
Key Research Findings:
- Kings County is the most populous in New York with 2,649,269 residents and the highest density.
- Suffolk County ranks fourth statewide and is the largest by land area among the top 10, with continued suburban growth.
- New York City’s boroughs dominate the rankings but have generally experienced population decline since 2020.
New York County Population Growth Trends (2026)
Population change data highlights migration patterns and economic trends across the state.
| County | 2020 Population | 2026 Population | Net Change | Percent Change | Growth Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockland County | 338,329 | 359,965 | +21,636 | +6.68% | Fastest Growing (Top 15) |
| Orange County | 401,377 | 420,250 | +18,873 | +4.81% | Strong Growth |
| Albany County | 314,848 | 322,748 | +7,900 | +2.69% | Moderate Growth |
| Westchester County | 1,004,457 | 1,022,321 | +17,864 | +1.97% | Steady Growth |
| Suffolk County | 1,524,046 | 1,548,850 | +24,804 | +1.77% | Steady Growth |
| Dutchess County | 295,911 | 302,160 | +6,249 | +1.97% | Moderate Growth |
| Richmond County | 495,747 | 503,008 | +7,261 | +1.59% | Moderate Growth |
| Nassau County | 1,395,774 | 1,400,095 | +4,321 | +0.66% | Slight Growth |
| Queens County | 2,405,464 | 2,349,330 | -56,134 | -1.52% | Declining |
| Kings County | 2,736,074 | 2,649,269 | -86,805 | -2.68% | Declining |
| Bronx County | 1,472,659 | 1,406,612 | -66,047 | -3.74% | Steepest Decline |
Research Insights:
- Suburban counties are experiencing the strongest population growth trends.
- Suffolk County added over 24,800 residents between 2020 and 2026.
- Urban-to-suburban migration continues to reshape regional population distribution.
Population Density Comparison: Urban vs. Suburban Counties (2026)
Population density reveals how residents are distributed across urban and suburban environments.
| County | Population | Area (sq mi) | Density (per sq mi) | Classification | Primary Communities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York County | 1,664,214 | 23 | 72,357 | Hyper-Dense Urban | Manhattan |
| Kings County | 2,649,269 | 69 | 38,395 | Hyper-Dense Urban | Brooklyn |
| Bronx County | 1,406,612 | 42 | 33,491 | Hyper-Dense Urban | The Bronx |
| Queens County | 2,349,330 | 109 | 21,553 | Dense Urban | Queens |
| Richmond County | 503,008 | 58 | 8,673 | Dense Urban | Staten Island |
| Nassau County | 1,400,095 | 285 | 4,913 | Dense Suburban | Garden City, Hempstead |
| Westchester County | 1,022,321 | 431 | 2,372 | Moderate Suburban | Yonkers, White Plains |
| Suffolk County | 1,548,850 | 911 | 1,700 | Moderate Suburban | Sayville, Patchogue, Bay Shore |
| Monroe County | 750,718 | 657 | 1,143 | Moderate Suburban | Rochester area |
| Erie County | 945,699 | 1,043 | 907 | Low-Moderate Suburban | Buffalo area |
Key Findings:
- Manhattan’s density is dramatically higher than suburban counties like Suffolk.
- Suffolk County’s suburban density supports strong demand for residential services.
- Lower-density areas correlate with higher demand for exterior property improvements.
Suffolk County’s Demographics and Housing Characteristics
| Metric | Value | State Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,548,850 | 4th | Largest on Long Island |
| Population Growth (2020-2026) | +1.77% | Above average | +24,804 residents |
| Land Area | 911 sq mi | Largest in top 10 | High geographic diversity |
| Population Density | 1,700/sq mi | Moderate suburban | Single-family homes |
| Housing Units (est.) | ~540,000 | 4th | Predominantly owner-occupied |
| Median Household Income | ~$110,000 | Above average | Strong purchasing power |
| Homeownership Rate | ~78% | Above average | High maintenance demand |
Research Insights: Suffolk County’s high homeownership rate and suburban structure create strong demand for residential services. The county’s size and population distribution support a robust contractor market and consistent need for infrastructure improvements.
Regional Population Distribution Across New York State
| Region | Total Population | Number of Counties | Percent of State | Largest County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City (5 Boroughs) | 8,483,844 | 5 | 43.2% | Kings County |
| Long Island | 2,948,945 | 2 | 14.8% | Suffolk County |
| Mid-Hudson Valley | 2,350,000 | 7 | 12.0% | Westchester County |
| Capital District | 1,080,000 | 8 | 5.5% | Albany County |
| Western New York | 1,700,000 | 8 | 8.6% | Erie County |
| Finger Lakes | 1,300,000 | 9 | 6.6% | Monroe County |
| Central New York | 735,000 | 5 | 3.7% | Onondaga County |
| North Country | 385,000 | 6 | 2.0% | St. Lawrence County |
| Southern Tier | 640,000 | 6 | 3.3% | Broome County |
| Mohawk Valley | 340,000 | 6 | 1.7% | Oneida County |
Key Research Observations:
- Long Island represents a major share of New York’s total population.
- Suffolk County alone has more than twice the population of some entire regions.
- Population concentration creates strong regional service markets.
Requesting a Copy of This Report
If you’d like to request a PDF copy of this report or learn more about professional paving and masonry services in Suffolk County, you can contact Steadfast Paving and Masonry.
Whether you need driveway installation, patio construction, walkway paving, or custom masonry work, working with a local contractor ensures quality results tailored to Suffolk County’s conditions.
Last Updated: May 4, 2026