THE WESTCHESTER BRIEF
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Westchester County hit 1,015,743 residents. The largest population gain of any county in New York State. And 44 of 62 counties are losing people.
WESTCHESTER CROSSES ONE MILLION
The latest Census Bureau estimates put Westchester at 1,015,743 residents — up 11,286 since the 2020 Census and up 6,578 in just the last year. No other county in New York added more people. Meanwhile, the state as a whole has declined 1.7% since 2020, and 44 of 62 counties shrank.
The growth is concentrated in three cities: New Rochelle, White Plains, and Yonkers. New Rochelle has added approximately 4,500 new homes since 2020 with another 6,500 units in the pipeline. Its downtown, anchored by nearly 12 million square feet of mixed-use development near the train station, has fundamentally changed the skyline. Governor Hochul announced $16 million for the city's LINC revitalization plan in February.
White Plains is repositioning around District Galleria and transit-oriented density. Yonkers continues to absorb residents across its sprawling housing stock. Together, these three cities account for a disproportionate share of the county's growth.
Why it matters: Westchester's own planning data shows the county needs 11,703 new housing units to balance supply and demand. Between 2010 and 2024, multifamily buildings of five or more units accounted for 78% of all new housing permits — up from 29% before the recession. The county is building density, not single-family homes. That density creates pressure on school districts, transit systems, water infrastructure, and emergency services. The Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund has generated $627 million in total investment supporting over 8,000 new housing units regionally, including more than 2,000 affordable units. But building housing and building the infrastructure to support it are two different things.
Listen to the full episode on all podcast platforms.
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
Yonkers Ranked 25th Most Diverse City
WalletHub's 2026 analysis ranked Yonkers the 25th most diverse city in the United States. The city ranked 44th in socioeconomic diversity and 42nd in cultural diversity. Its demographic profile: 44% Hispanic, 32% White, 15% Black.
State Budget Still Unresolved
Lawmakers have passed multiple temporary spending extenders since missing the April 1 deadline for the seventh consecutive year. Major sticking points remain: auto insurance reform, the 2019 climate law, school aid formulas, and proposed taxes on high earners.
Pratt Landing Advances in New Rochelle
The Planning Board is reviewing the Pratt Landing waterfront project, which includes over 300 residential units, 99 condominiums, a hotel, and commercial space. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion targeted for 2029.
ONE MORE THING
One million residents. The county has never been this big. But the infrastructure debate is just starting. What is the one thing — school seats, train capacity, water, roads, hospital beds — that you think Westchester is least prepared for? Reply and tell us.
Listen to The Westchester Brief daily on all podcast platforms.
Visit: www.iliveheremedia.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @iliveherewestchester
YouTube: Subscribe for the video version
Don't miss an episode. Forward this to a neighbor and ask them to subscribe.