New JerseyPop. 71,496Smaller cities
Is Camden a Good Place to Live? Camden, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Camden ranks #1292 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #518 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($112,000, #8 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,312 per 100,000, #442 of 444) and low household income ($40,546, #521 of 524).
Camden by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Camden's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Camden?
Camden's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,226/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $152,107, 74% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Camden | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.6#816 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $152,107#47 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,823/mo#590 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $112,000#20 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,226/mo#467 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 36.3%#1303 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Camden housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Camden is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Camden safe?
Camden recorded 1,312 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4 times the US rate of 328 and 6.8 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #1070 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #442 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Camden County Police Department. Property crime runs 3,214 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Camden | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 1,312#1070 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,214#981 of 1,085 | 1,250 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Camden?
The median household in Camden earns $40,546, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 61% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 10.1% (US 4.3%). 30.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Camden | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $40,546#1302 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 10.1%#1053 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 30.2%#1294 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Camden?
The median resident of Camden is 33.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1307 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 34.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Camden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 10.1%#1307 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 34.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Camden's schools and health?
Camden's 21 public schools graduate 77.6% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $29,240 spent per pupil. 40.6% of adults are obese and 18% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Camden | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77.6%#933 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.3#40 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $29,240#20 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.6%#1148 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 18%#1283 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.8%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 28.1%#1290 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 15,235 students are enrolled in Camden's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Camden?
The average commute in Camden is 23.8 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 11.1% of workers take transit and 5.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Camden scores 14.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.3°F and winters 36.1°F, with 44.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Camden | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.8 min#664 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 54.6% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 11.1% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.5% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5.5% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.3#113 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.3 | 26 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 44.3 | 27.5 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 52.8 | 34.3 | 4 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 44.3 | 3.5 |
| May | 74.4 | 54.2 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 63.9 | 4 |
| Jul | 87.8 | 69.6 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 67.9 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 78.9 | 60.9 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 67.2 | 49.2 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 55.9 | 38.8 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 46 | 31.2 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Phila International Airport.
| Measure | Camden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 56.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Phila International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Camden?
Camden County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Camden County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Camden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#243 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Camden County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Camden County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0068% | 72% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0049% | 66% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0015% | 59% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Camden compare with similar-size cities?
Camden is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #518 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,496.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #1292 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 | 23.8 min |
| Wilmington, DEPop. 71,727 | #1142 | 46.9 | $58,671 | $1,224/mo | 1,152 | 23.5 min |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #38 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data | 27.5 min |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #1134 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 | 20.4 min |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #258 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 | 21.6 min |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #794 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 | 15 min |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #197 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #75 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 | 24 min |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Camden compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Camden ranks #20 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 38 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 61% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 6.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 74% below the typical New Jersey home.
| City | Rank in NJ | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #1 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #2 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #3 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 |
| Bayonne, NJPop. 71,553 | #5 | 60.0 | $83,887 | $1,682/mo | 275 |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #6 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #7 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #8 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #9 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #10 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #11 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #12 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #13 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #14 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 |
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #15 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 |
| Passaic, NJPop. 70,002 | #16 | 47.9 | $55,371 | $1,465/mo | 585 |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #17 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #18 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #19 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #20 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 |
All 20 New Jersey cities we track, by overall score. New Jersey statewide: median income $104,294, violent crime 193.8 per 100,000.
How is Camden's score calculated?
Camden scores 38 out of 100, #1292 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Jersey's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Camden. Similar-size median 55.5.
2.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Camden's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
20.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Camden. Similar-size median 58.9.
24.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Camden's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
75.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Camden's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
76.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Camden. Similar-size median 56.1.
2.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Camden. Similar-size median 42.4.
17.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Camden. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Camden's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Camden's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Camden has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Camden
Is Camden, NJ a good place to live?
Camden ranks #1292 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #518 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($112,000, #8 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,312 per 100,000, #442 of 444) and low household income ($40,546, #521 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Camden?
Camden's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,226/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $152,107, 74% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Camden?
Camden recorded 1,312 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4 times the US rate of 328 and 6.8 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #1070 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #442 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Camden County Police Department. Property crime runs 3,214 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Camden?
The median household in Camden earns $40,546, 51% below the US figure of $83,163 and 61% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 10.1% (US 4.3%). 30.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Camden?
Median rent in Camden is $1,226/mo (Census), #467 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,823/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 36.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Camden?
The typical home value in Camden is $152,107, down 4.5% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $112,000.
How are the public schools in Camden?
Camden's 21 public schools graduate 77.6% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $29,240 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Camden?
The average commute is 23.8 minutes, #664 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Camden?
Camden averages 56.3°F over the year, 76.3°F in summer and 36.1°F in winter, with 44.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Camden walkable?
Camden scores 14.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Camden at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Camden County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Camden?
Camden County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Camden?
Camden has 71,496 residents. The median resident of Camden is 33.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1307 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 34.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Camden compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Camden ranks #20 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 38 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 61% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 6.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 74% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Camden?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Camden's population of 71,496 are Wilmington, DE (#1142 overall), Centreville, VA (#38 overall), Dothan, AL (#1134 overall), St. Charles, MO (#258 overall), and Jacksonville, NC (#794 overall). Camden is #1292.