West Islip, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Islip, New York
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U.S. Census map
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 West Islip, New York
Location in Long Island
West Islip, New York
Location in New York
West Islip, New York
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Suffolk |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.81 sq mi (20.22 km2) |
| • Land | 6.09 sq mi (15.78 km2) |
| • Water | 1.71 sq mi (4.44 km2) |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 27,048 |
| • Density | 4,438.46/sq mi (1,713.80/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
11795
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| Area code(s) | 516/631 |
| FIPS code | 36-80302 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0969276 |
West Islip is a community in Suffolk County, New York, United States. It is a type of town called a hamlet and a CDP. West Islip was founded in 1683. It is located on the South Shore of Long Island. In 2020, about 27,048 people lived there.
Contents
Where is West Islip Located?
West Islip is found at coordinates 40.715008 degrees North and -73.297746 degrees West. It covers a total area of about 6.7 square miles (17.5 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Natural Borders and Nearby Areas
To the south of West Islip are the Great South Bay, Jones Beach Island, and Fire Island. These are popular spots for outdoor activities.
West Islip shares its western border with Babylon and North Babylon. Its eastern neighbor is Bay Shore. To the north, it borders Deer Park and Brentwood.
The western edge of West Islip has natural boundaries. These include Sampawams Creek, Hawley's Lake, and the Guggenheim Lakes. West Islip is about 45 miles (72 km) east of Manhattan and 45 miles (72 km) west of Southampton, New York.
West Islip's Population
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 27,048 | — | |
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As of 2020, West Islip had a population of 27,048 people. These people lived in 8,107 households. Most residents were non-Hispanic White (85.9%). Other groups included Asian (2.3%) and Black (0.7%). About 10.4% of people identified as multiracial or another race.
About 9.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino. Many of these were of Puerto Rican background. Families made up a large part of the community. About 39.4% of households had children under 18. The average household had about 3 people.
The median age in West Islip was 37 years old. This means half the people were younger than 37, and half were older.
A Look at West Islip's Past
The first people to live in the West Islip area were the Secatogue Native Americans. Historians have found an old burial ground north of West Islip beach. This helped them learn about the villages these Native Americans built. They lived near the Great South Bay and several creeks.
Early Life and Growth
For a long time, farming and fishing were the main ways people made a living in West Islip. In the mid-1800s, the Long Island Rail Road was completed. This train line made it easier for travelers to visit West Islip.
West Islip Today
Today, West Islip has its own important services. It has a fire department to keep everyone safe. There is also a post office and a public library. A major hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, is also located here. The area is still great for fishing and swimming.
Getting Around West Islip
West Islip is easy to reach by public transport. It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the Babylon station on the Long Island Rail Road. This train can take you to other parts of Long Island and even to New York City.
You can also use the Suffolk County Transit bus system. Bus route 2 runs along Montauk Highway in West Islip. This route also stops at Good Samaritan University Hospital.
Learning and Schools in West Islip
West Islip has several options for education.
Public Schools
- West Islip School District
- Brentwood Union Free School District
Private Schools
- St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
- Our Lady of Lourdes School
- The Bridges Academy
Public Libraries
- West Islip Public Library
Famous People from West Islip
Many talented people have lived in West Islip. Here are a few:
- Matt Anderson, an ice hockey player for the New Jersey Devils.
- A. J. Benza, a gossip columnist and TV host.
- Tom Bohrer, an Olympic rower who won two silver medals.
- Sal Caccavale, a former soccer player for the New York Red Bulls.
- Thomas Joseph Downey, who served as a congressman.
- Edie Falco, an actress known for her role in The Sopranos.
- Sean Henry, the CEO of the Nashville Predators hockey team.
- John J. Flanagan, a New York State Senator.
- Aidan Kelly, an Olympic luge slider.
- Mike Komisarek, a retired NHL hockey player.
- Rick Lazio, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Ken Marino, an actor and comedian.
- Al Oerter, an Olympic discus thrower.
- Logan O'Hoppe, a Major League Baseball catcher.
- Kris Statlander, a professional wrestler.
- Nick Tropeano, a Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Frank Vignola, a very skilled guitarist.
- Jarett Gandolfo, a New York State Assemblyman.
- Maria Tash, a jewelry designer.
