New JerseyPop. 46,057Small cities
Is Hackensack a Good Place to Live? Hackensack, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hackensack ranks #293 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (112.6, #206 of 208) and high rents ($1,911/mo, #190 of 208).
Hackensack by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hackensack'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 Hackensack?
Hackensack'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 $1,911/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $474,701, 18% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Hackensack | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $474,701#768 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,674/mo#956 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $393,700#774 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,911/mo#1048 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 27.2%#1153 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Hackensack 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. Hackensack is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Hackensack safe?
Hackensack recorded 235 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 21% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #426 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #76 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hackensack Police Department. Property crime runs 1,893 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hackensack | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 235#426 of 1,085 | 194 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,893#661 of 1,085 | 1,250 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Hackensack?
The median household in Hackensack earns $84,277, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hackensack | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $84,277#545 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12.1%#656 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hackensack?
The median resident of Hackensack is 41.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 42.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #412 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hackensack | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 41.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 42.1%#412 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 36.6% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hackensack's schools and health?
Hackensack's 6 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $29,108 spent per pupil. 30.4% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hackensack | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $29,108#22 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 30.4%#418 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.1%#276 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 15.8%#1114 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,154 students are enrolled in Hackensack's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hackensack?
The average commute in Hackensack is 28.9 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 11.7% of workers take transit and 14.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hackensack scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.6°F and winters 35.2°F, with 46.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hackensack | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 28.9 min#1050 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 14%#1203 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 55.8% | 63.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 11.7% | 9.7% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5.5% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 14.4% | 13.5% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 39.9 | 25.7 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 42.8 | 27 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 50.6 | 34 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 43.7 | 4 |
| May | 73.1 | 53.3 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 82 | 63.1 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 87 | 68.9 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 67.3 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 78.4 | 59.9 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 66.8 | 47.9 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 55.5 | 38.3 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 44.9 | 30.8 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Teterboro Airport.
| Measure | Hackensack | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 35.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 46.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Teterboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hackensack?
Bergen County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 71% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bergen County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Hackensack | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#691 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bergen County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bergen County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.016% | 90% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0074% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 72% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0063% | 69% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 23% 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 Hackensack compare with similar-size cities?
Hackensack is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #57 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 46,057.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #293 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 | 28.9 min |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #61 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 | 18.9 min |
| Farmington, NMPop. 46,314 | #1101 | 47.9 | $68,784 | $1,037/mo | 1,045 | 19.5 min |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #493 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 | 14.8 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 min |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #114 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 | 25.7 min |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #148 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 | 24.8 min |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #247 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 | 17 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 Hackensack compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Hackensack ranks #3 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 19% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 21% above the statewide rate. Homes are 18% 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 Hackensack's score calculated?
Hackensack scores 62.2 out of 100, #293 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Hackensack. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hackensack's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
78.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hackensack. Similar-size median 52.2.
63.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hackensack's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
88.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hackensack's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
50.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hackensack. Similar-size median 46.7.
54.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hackensack. Similar-size median 44.2.
37.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hackensack. Similar-size median 47.3.
59.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hackensack's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
54.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hackensack's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hackensack 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 Hackensack
Is Hackensack, NJ a good place to live?
Hackensack ranks #293 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (112.6, #206 of 208) and high rents ($1,911/mo, #190 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Hackensack?
Hackensack'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 $1,911/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $474,701, 18% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Hackensack?
Hackensack recorded 235 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 21% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #426 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #76 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hackensack Police Department. Property crime runs 1,893 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hackensack?
The median household in Hackensack earns $84,277, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hackensack?
Median rent in Hackensack is $1,911/mo (Census), #1048 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,674/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hackensack?
The typical home value in Hackensack is $474,701, up 3.6% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $393,700.
How are the public schools in Hackensack?
Hackensack's 6 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $29,108 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hackensack?
The average commute is 28.9 minutes, #1050 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 14% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hackensack?
Hackensack averages 55.4°F over the year, 75.6°F in summer and 35.2°F in winter, with 46.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hackensack walkable?
Hackensack scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 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 Hackensack at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bergen County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hackensack?
Bergen County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 71% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Hackensack?
Hackensack has 46,057 residents. The median resident of Hackensack is 41.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 42.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #412 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hackensack compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Hackensack ranks #3 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 19% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 21% above the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Hackensack?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hackensack's population of 46,057 are Urbandale, IA (#61 overall), Farmington, NM (#1101 overall), Salina, KS (#493 overall), Potomac, MD (#19 overall), and Huntington, WV (#1221 overall). Hackensack is #293.