New JerseyPop. 294,078Big cities
Is Jersey City a Good Place to Live? Jersey City, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jersey City ranks #369 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 53 big cities and #4 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($97,710, #8 of 53), and trails on long commutes (36.8 min, #53 of 53) and high rents ($2,007/mo, #48 of 53).
Jersey City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Jersey City'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 Jersey City?
Jersey City'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 $2,007/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $657,765, 13% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Jersey City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $657,765#982 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,157/mo#1052 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $566,900#1043 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $2,007/mo#1099 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 24.6%#961 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Jersey City 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. Jersey City is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Jersey City safe?
Jersey City recorded 487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #827 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jersey City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,831 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jersey City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 487#827 of 1,085 | 194 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,831#640 of 1,085 | 1,250 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Jersey City?
The median household in Jersey City earns $97,710, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jersey City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $97,710#372 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 15.6%#897 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Jersey City?
The median resident of Jersey City is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 54.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #194 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 27.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jersey City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 34.7 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 54.8%#194 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 27.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Jersey City's schools and health?
Jersey City's 49 public schools graduate 77.8% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $25,661 spent per pupil. 26.2% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Jersey City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 77.8%#929 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $25,661#51 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 26.2%#189 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 14.9%#250 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12%#875 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 30,917 students are enrolled in Jersey City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jersey City?
The average commute in Jersey City is 36.8 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 36.1% of workers take transit and 24.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jersey City scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 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 | Jersey City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 36.8 min#1286 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 18%#1264 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 26.1% | 63.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 36.1% | 9.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 5.5% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 1% | 0.3% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 24.7% | 13.5% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.2#123 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | Jersey City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 55.5°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 75.8°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 35.3°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 46.6 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Jersey City?
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 | Jersey City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.19%#889 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Jersey City compare with similar-size cities?
Jersey City is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 294,078.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #369 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 | 36.8 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 min |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #537 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 | 22.3 min |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #261 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 | 25.4 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Gilbert, AZPop. 280,262 | #224 | 63.8 | $122,551 | $2,110/mo | 117 | 25.9 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 Jersey City compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Jersey City ranks #4 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 60.5 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 6% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 Jersey City's score calculated?
Jersey City scores 60.5 out of 100, #369 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 Jersey City. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Jersey City's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
62.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jersey City. Similar-size median 54.8.
72.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jersey City's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
72.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jersey City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
42.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jersey City. Similar-size median 47.2.
53.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jersey City. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jersey City. Similar-size median 53.7.
72.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jersey City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
45.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Jersey City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Jersey City 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 Jersey City
Is Jersey City, NJ a good place to live?
Jersey City ranks #369 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 53 big cities and #4 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($97,710, #8 of 53), and trails on long commutes (36.8 min, #53 of 53) and high rents ($2,007/mo, #48 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Jersey City?
Jersey City'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 $2,007/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $657,765, 13% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Jersey City?
Jersey City recorded 487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #827 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jersey City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,831 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jersey City?
The median household in Jersey City earns $97,710, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jersey City?
Median rent in Jersey City is $2,007/mo (Census), #1099 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,157/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jersey City?
The typical home value in Jersey City is $657,765, 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 $566,900.
How are the public schools in Jersey City?
Jersey City's 49 public schools graduate 77.8% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $25,661 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jersey City?
The average commute is 36.8 minutes, #1286 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 18% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Jersey City?
Jersey City 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 Jersey City walkable?
Jersey City scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City?
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 Jersey City?
Jersey City has 294,078 residents. The median resident of Jersey City is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 54.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #194 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 27.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jersey City compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Jersey City ranks #4 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 60.5 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 6% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Jersey City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jersey City's population of 294,078 are St. Paul, MN (#508 overall), Pittsburgh, PA (#364 overall), Lincoln, NE (#390 overall), Durham, NC (#537 overall), and Plano, TX (#261 overall). Jersey City is #369.