Hauppauge Community Sees Gradual Changes Since 2000

The faces that make up Hauppauge's community and their quality of living have gradually changed over the past decade, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The American Community Survey - a detailed community survey that draws data from a long form 5-year census, tax documents and random samples - showed  a growing population with more Hispanic roots and rising median family income with a low unemployment rate in Hauppauge. These factors demonstrate a mix of what characteristics make the area unique, while smaller changes represent larger national trends.

Since 1999, Hauppauge's population has seen a modest increase from 20,127 up to its current 21,356. This population shift is seen in its youth, as children under 18 increase from 24 percent to 26 percent of the population, as well as the seniors over 65 increasing from 11 percent to 14 percent of the population. However, this means the working class, particularly those age 24 to 35 are leaving the area.

The youth population growth has increased Hauppauge school enrollment by more than 1,000 at the elementary school level and nearly 400 at the high school level.

Its demographics - the people and faces making up the community - are gradually shifting in reflection of national trends. Those who identify was white still make up 91 percent of the community, down 2 percent. However, while Hauppauge's Hispanic population remains low in numbers its percentage of the population has nearly doubled, up 85 percent, far quicker than Suffolk County's average of 33 percent.

Despite this growing population and recession in recent years, Hauppauge's median family income continues to increase. Over the past 10 years, the median family income has increased from $84,819 to $98,272. Suffolk County's median income still lags behind reaching $84,530 in 2009. 

This higher income may in part be attributed to the fact that Hauppauge managed to maintain a surprisingly low unemployment of 3.7 percent in 2009. This is despite the fact Town of Islip reported unemployment near 8 percent in September 2009 and in Town of Smithtown it hovered near 6.3 percent in September 2009.

Keep an eye on Patch over the upcoming days as we explore more what these figures mean, how the demographic and economic shifts are seen in the community and what these shifts mean for Hauppauge.