The neighborhoods of Long Island City (L.I.C.), Sunnyside, and Woodside in northwest Queens are playing a significant role in the economic development of the borough, according to a new report from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The analysis is part of DiNapoli’s ongoing series examining local economies across New York City.
“These diverse neighborhoods have grown economically over the past decade and experienced relatively strong household incomes, moderate poverty levels and increased business activity and housing supply,” said DiNapoli. “There is a strong immigrant population in this section of Queens and it is helping lead the borough’s revitalization. While there is a lot of positive progress to cheer for, challenging issues like the high cost of housing persist. It’s my hope that this report will be an asset that local leaders and community stakeholders can use as they continue their efforts to ensure these are great neighborhoods to live, work and go to school in.”
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez stated: “Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside truly capture the spirit of New York. Nearly half the residents here are immigrants, and their hard work has helped make these neighborhoods an economic engine for Queens. This report makes clear the remarkable growth Western Queens has seen, but also the ongoing challenges like housing affordability. As the representative for Western Queens, I’ll keep fighting in Washington to make sure federal policy supports small businesses, invests in working families, and protects immigrant communities.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. commented: “Western Queens’ growth has breathed new life into our borough through new housing, new businesses, job creation, expanded cultural programming, green space and much more, as shown in the State Comptroller’s Economic Snapshot. But as exciting as that growth has been, it also presents real challenges around affordability. I look forward to working with the State Comptroller and all our partners to effectively balance that inspirational growth with responsible development that keeps people in their communities.”
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris added: “I am very appreciative State Comptroller DiNapoli issued this report, which shows that western Queens continues to drive New York’s economy forward. We must invest more in our communities so that we can see continued growth and success throughout New York, while tackling the issue of affordability. I thank State Comptroller DiNapoli for his continued focus on the well-being of our communities.”
Assemblymember Claire Valdez (37th AD) said: “This report shows Western Queens has experienced tremendous growth. New housing, small businesses, and job opportunities are shaping and reshaping Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside. These changes have brought energy and opportunity to our communities, but with this progress comes the pressing challenge of affordability, as too many families struggle to keep pace with rising costs. Our responsibility now, as always, is to ensure that growth doesn’t push people out but instead helps them thrive right where they are. I’m committed to working with community leaders and partners so this development benefits all of our residents.”
According to data cited by DiNapoli’s office for 2023:
– The region had 123,823 residents; about half were born outside the United States—higher than both boroughwide (47.6%) and citywide (36.5%) shares.
– Most immigrants came from Asia (48.7%) or Latin America (36.4%).
– The average age was 37.7 years old; L.I.C.’s population skewed younger at 33.
– A greater proportion held high school diplomas (87%) or college degrees (49%) compared with overall rates for Queens.
Median household income reached $94,371—surpassing both borough ($84,961) and city ($79,713) medians—with L.I.C.’s median income ($162K) being double those found in Sunnyside or Woodside.
Housing expansion was particularly pronounced in L.I.C.-Hunters Point due largely to zoning changes since 2001 allowing high-density construction near transit corridors such as Court Square or Hunters Point; between 2010–2024 its housing units quadrupled from previous levels while increases elsewhere were modest by comparison.
Most area homes are rentals—three quarters—outpacing city averages; median rent stood at $2,107 per month including utilities.
Private sector jobs grew by 9% over ten years ending 2023 despite pandemic-related losses; however this lagged behind broader trends within both Queens County (24% job growth) or citywide (19%). Job gains occurred mainly within business services as well as social assistance sectors.
Roughly two-thirds of residents aged sixteen or older were employed—a higher rate than either borough or city averages.
Small business formation remained steady during 2013–2023 but accelerated after 2021 even as larger firms declined; most recent increases came from business services plus leisure/hospitality industries.
In education:
– There were over seven thousand K–8 students locally during 2023–24.
– Five out twelve public schools operated above capacity though others had available seats.
– Students’ English test proficiency exceeded both boroughwide/citywide averages while math scores matched them.
Crime rates fell by nearly five percent last year following several years of increase although violent crime remains elevated relative historical norms due primarily upticks felony assaults paralleling wider city patterns.
DiNapoli’s report noted disparities among neighborhoods regarding how benefits from economic gains have been distributed—especially favoring L.I.C.-Hunters Point—and urged ongoing monitoring by policymakers while warning potential risks if federal support programs face funding reductions.
