New JerseyPop. 70,090Smaller cities
Is East Orange a Good Place to Live? East Orange, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
East Orange ranks #1022 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #426 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.2%, #464 of 476) and long commutes (35.4 min, #500 of 524).
East Orange by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with East Orange'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 East Orange?
East Orange's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,441/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $482,835, 17% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | East Orange | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $482,835#785 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 | $2,000/mo#708 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $365,900#701 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,441/mo#674 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.4%#1208 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.
East Orange 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. East Orange is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is East Orange safe?
East Orange recorded 426 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #757 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #337 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by East Orange Police Department. Property crime runs 1,937 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | East Orange | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 426#757 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,937#686 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 East Orange?
The median household in East Orange earns $60,830, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.2% (US 4.3%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | East Orange | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $60,830#1026 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 8.2%#1042 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.4%#943 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 East Orange?
The median resident of East Orange is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1072 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 31% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | East Orange | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.7%#1072 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 31% | 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 East Orange's schools and health?
East Orange's 22 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $29,625 spent per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 14.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | East Orange | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.5#379 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $29,625#16 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.5%#1126 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 14.6%#1052 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. 9,392 students are enrolled in East Orange's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in East Orange?
The average commute in East Orange is 35.4 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 20.3% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index East Orange scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.8°F and winters 35.3°F, with 46.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | East Orange | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 35.4 min#1268 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 20.4%#1284 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 55.4% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 20.3% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.2% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.7% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.5#243 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 | 40 | 25.5 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 43 | 27.2 | 3 |
| Mar | 50.9 | 34.2 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 62.6 | 44.1 | 3.9 |
| May | 72.6 | 53.9 | 4 |
| Jun | 81.8 | 63.6 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 86.9 | 69.4 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 84.7 | 68 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 77.7 | 60.7 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 66 | 49 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 54.9 | 39 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 44.8 | 31.2 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Newark Liberty International Airport.
| Measure | East Orange | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.6 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 Newark Liberty International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in East Orange?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in East Orange's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Essex County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 64% of US counties.
| Measure | East Orange | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#501 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 Essex County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Essex County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0065% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 70% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0052% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0026% | 26% 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 East Orange compare with similar-size cities?
East Orange is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #426 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 70,090.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #1022 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 | 35.4 min |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | #540 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 | 27.4 min |
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #12 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 | 25.2 min |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #925 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 | 19.8 min |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #357 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 | 16.7 min |
| Walnut Creek, CAPop. 70,088 | #443 | 59.1 | $130,432 | $2,680/mo | 217 | 30.6 min |
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #103 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 | 29.4 min |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #1257 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 | 17.7 min |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #1295 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 | 19.1 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 East Orange compare with the rest of New Jersey?
East Orange ranks #15 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 42% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 East Orange's score calculated?
East Orange scores 49.7 out of 100, #1022 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 East Orange. Similar-size median 55.5.
21.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by East Orange's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
65.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in East Orange. Similar-size median 58.9.
42.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in East Orange's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
75.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
East Orange's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
57.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in East Orange. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in East Orange. Similar-size median 42.4.
27.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in East Orange. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across East Orange's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
65.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
63.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: East Orange'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 East Orange 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 East Orange
Is East Orange, NJ a good place to live?
East Orange ranks #1022 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #426 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.2%, #464 of 476) and long commutes (35.4 min, #500 of 524).
What is the cost of living in East Orange?
East Orange's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,441/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $482,835, 17% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in East Orange?
East Orange recorded 426 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #757 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #337 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by East Orange Police Department. Property crime runs 1,937 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in East Orange?
The median household in East Orange earns $60,830, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.2% (US 4.3%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in East Orange?
Median rent in East Orange is $1,441/mo (Census), #674 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,000/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in East Orange?
The typical home value in East Orange is $482,835, down 0.2% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $365,900.
How are the public schools in East Orange?
East Orange's 22 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $29,625 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in East Orange?
The average commute is 35.4 minutes, #1268 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 20.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in East Orange?
East Orange averages 55.5°F over the year, 75.8°F in summer and 35.3°F in winter, with 46.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is East Orange walkable?
East Orange scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 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 East Orange at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Essex County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 64% of US counties.
Who lives in East Orange?
East Orange has 70,090 residents. The median resident of East Orange is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1072 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 31% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does East Orange compare with the rest of New Jersey?
East Orange ranks #15 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 42% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to East Orange?
The tracked cities in other states closest to East Orange's population of 70,090 are North Richland Hills, TX (#540 overall), Apex, NC (#12 overall), St. Cloud, MN (#925 overall), Eau Claire, WI (#357 overall), and Walnut Creek, CA (#443 overall). East Orange is #1022.