New JerseyPop. 58,668Smaller cities
Is Hoboken a Good Place to Live? Hoboken, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hoboken ranks #15 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($180,579, #10 of 524) and low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476), and trails on high rents ($2,938/mo, #513 of 524) and long commutes (36.8 min, #512 of 524).
Hoboken by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hoboken'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 Hoboken?
Hoboken'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 $2,938/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $883,427, 52% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Hoboken | 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 | $883,427#1090 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 | $3,989/mo#1103 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $895,100#1228 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,938/mo#1289 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.5%#391 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.
Hoboken 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. Hoboken is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Hoboken safe?
Hoboken recorded 199 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% below the US rate of 328 and 3% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #355 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #162 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hoboken Police Department. Property crime runs 1,394 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hoboken | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 199#355 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,394#418 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 Hoboken?
The median household in Hoboken earns $180,579, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 73% above New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hoboken | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $180,579#16 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.8%#305 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 Hoboken?
The median resident of Hoboken is 31.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 82.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #6 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 33.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hoboken | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 31.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 82.6%#6 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 33.8% | 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 Hoboken's schools and health?
Hoboken's 8 public schools graduate 95.5% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 12 students per teacher and $22,257 spent per pupil. 22.5% of adults are obese and 4.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Hoboken | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95.5%#61 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12#91 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,257#111 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.5%#56 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 4.5%#6 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.6%#206 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. 3,596 students are enrolled in Hoboken's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hoboken?
The average commute in Hoboken is 36.8 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 36.6% of workers take transit and 36.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hoboken scores 15.5 of 20 (most walkable), #14 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 | Hoboken | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 36.8 min#1286 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.8%#1199 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 16.3% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 36.6% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 7.5% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 36.7% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.5#14 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 | 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 | Hoboken | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.3 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 Teterboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hoboken?
Hudson County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hudson County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Hoboken | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#889 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 Hudson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hudson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 88% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0083% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0083% | 76% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0077% | 72% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 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 Hoboken compare with similar-size cities?
Hoboken is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #9 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,668.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #15 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 | 36.8 min |
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #530 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 | 17 min |
| The Hammocks, FLPop. 58,838 | #1023 | 49.7 | $85,628 | $2,187/mo | no data | 35 min |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #685 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data | 33.3 min |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #313 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data | 25.1 min |
| Taylorsville, UTPop. 58,678 | #731 | 54.5 | $86,413 | $1,482/mo | 187 | 22.2 min |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #100 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 | 23.6 min |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #291 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 | 34.7 min |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #1116 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 | 18.5 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 Hoboken compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Hoboken ranks #1 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 74.2 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 73% above the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 52% above 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 Hoboken's score calculated?
Hoboken scores 74.2 out of 100, #15 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Hoboken. Similar-size median 55.5.
91.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hoboken's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
84.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hoboken. Similar-size median 58.9.
87.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hoboken's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
87.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hoboken's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
16.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hoboken. Similar-size median 56.1.
91.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hoboken. Similar-size median 42.4.
50.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hoboken. Similar-size median 50.0.
75.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hoboken's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
76.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
45.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hoboken'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 Hoboken 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 Hoboken
Is Hoboken, NJ a good place to live?
Hoboken ranks #15 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($180,579, #10 of 524) and low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476), and trails on high rents ($2,938/mo, #513 of 524) and long commutes (36.8 min, #512 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Hoboken?
Hoboken'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 $2,938/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $883,427, 52% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Hoboken?
Hoboken recorded 199 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% below the US rate of 328 and 3% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #355 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #162 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hoboken Police Department. Property crime runs 1,394 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hoboken?
The median household in Hoboken earns $180,579, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 73% above New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hoboken?
Median rent in Hoboken is $2,938/mo (Census), #1289 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,989/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hoboken?
The typical home value in Hoboken is $883,427, up 4.5% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $895,100.
How are the public schools in Hoboken?
Hoboken's 8 public schools graduate 95.5% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 12 students per teacher and $22,257 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hoboken?
The average commute is 36.8 minutes, #1286 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 13.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hoboken?
Hoboken 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 Hoboken walkable?
Hoboken scores 15.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #14 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 Hoboken at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hudson County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hoboken?
Hudson County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hoboken?
Hoboken has 58,668 residents. The median resident of Hoboken is 31.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 82.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #6 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 33.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hoboken compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Hoboken ranks #1 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 74.2 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 73% above the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 52% above the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Hoboken?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hoboken's population of 58,668 are Casper, WY (#530 overall), The Hammocks, FL (#1023 overall), Hempstead, NY (#685 overall), Towson, MD (#313 overall), and Taylorsville, UT (#731 overall). Hoboken is #15.