New JerseyPop. 56,345Smaller cities
Is New Brunswick a Good Place to Live? New Brunswick, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Brunswick ranks #914 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #380 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (32%, #521 of 524) and low graduation rates (72%, #418 of 437).
New Brunswick by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Brunswick'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 New Brunswick?
New Brunswick'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 $1,814/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $448,096, 23% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | New Brunswick | 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 | $448,096#729 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 | $2,731/mo#968 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $353,800#665 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,814/mo#975 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 33.1%#1287 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.
New Brunswick 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. New Brunswick is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is New Brunswick safe?
New Brunswick recorded 504 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% above the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #847 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #374 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Brunswick Police Department. Property crime runs 1,820 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | New Brunswick | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 504#847 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,820#634 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 New Brunswick?
The median household in New Brunswick earns $65,810, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 32% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | New Brunswick | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $65,810#911 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 32%#1301 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 New Brunswick?
The median resident of New Brunswick is 24.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1048 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 21.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Brunswick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 24.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.4%#1048 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 21.4% | 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 New Brunswick's schools and health?
New Brunswick's 13 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $26,726 spent per pupil. 36.6% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | New Brunswick | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 72%#1013 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 | $26,726#41 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.6%#917 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.9%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 24.7%#1268 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. 9,021 students are enrolled in New Brunswick's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Brunswick?
The average commute in New Brunswick is 23.3 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 4.6% of workers take transit and 11% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Brunswick scores 14.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.7°F and winters 34°F, with 49.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | New Brunswick | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.3 min#625 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.3%#750 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 40.9% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.6% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 14.7% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.5#90 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 | 40.3 | 22.9 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 42.8 | 24 | 3 |
| Mar | 50.6 | 31 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 40.8 | 3.9 |
| May | 72.1 | 50.6 | 4 |
| Jun | 81.2 | 60.4 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 86.5 | 65.6 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 84.7 | 64 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 78.4 | 56.5 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 66.5 | 44.2 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 55.5 | 35.2 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 45.4 | 28.4 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Brunswick 3 Se.
| Measure | New Brunswick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 34°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 49.5 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 New Brunswick 3 Se.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in New Brunswick?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Middlesex County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | New Brunswick | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#575 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 Middlesex County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Middlesex County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0068% | 84% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0082% | 76% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0017% | 72% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0058% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0015% | 59% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0027% | 27% 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 New Brunswick compare with similar-size cities?
New Brunswick is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #380 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,345.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #914 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 | 23.3 min |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #191 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 | 29.8 min |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #408 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 | 18.1 min |
| Beaumont, CAPop. 56,266 | #585 | 56.9 | $107,118 | $1,681/mo | 216 | 35.7 min |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #927 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 | 19.1 min |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #640 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 | 24 min |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #884 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 | 30.8 min |
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #211 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 | 15.5 min |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #353 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 | 22.9 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 New Brunswick compare with the rest of New Jersey?
New Brunswick ranks #10 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 37% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 23% 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 New Brunswick's score calculated?
New Brunswick scores 51.5 out of 100, #914 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 New Brunswick. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by New Brunswick's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
61.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Brunswick. Similar-size median 58.9.
43.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Brunswick's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
69.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
New Brunswick's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Brunswick. Similar-size median 56.1.
13.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Brunswick. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Brunswick. Similar-size median 50.0.
70.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Brunswick's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
71.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: New Brunswick'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 New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick
Is New Brunswick, NJ a good place to live?
New Brunswick ranks #914 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #380 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (32%, #521 of 524) and low graduation rates (72%, #418 of 437).
What is the cost of living in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick'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 $1,814/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $448,096, 23% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick recorded 504 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% above the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #847 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #374 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Brunswick Police Department. Property crime runs 1,820 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in New Brunswick?
The median household in New Brunswick earns $65,810, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 32% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in New Brunswick?
Median rent in New Brunswick is $1,814/mo (Census), #975 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,731/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 33.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Brunswick?
The typical home value in New Brunswick is $448,096, up 0.6% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $353,800.
How are the public schools in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick's 13 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $26,726 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Brunswick?
The average commute is 23.3 minutes, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 6.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick averages 53.8°F over the year, 73.7°F in summer and 34°F in winter, with 49.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is New Brunswick walkable?
New Brunswick scores 14.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #90 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 New Brunswick at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Middlesex County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
How is the air quality in New Brunswick?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick has 56,345 residents. The median resident of New Brunswick is 24.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1048 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 21.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Brunswick compare with the rest of New Jersey?
New Brunswick ranks #10 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 37% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to New Brunswick?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Brunswick's population of 56,345 are Smyrna, GA (#191 overall), Coeur d'Alene, ID (#408 overall), Beaumont, CA (#585 overall), Kingsport, TN (#927 overall), and Southaven, MS (#640 overall). New Brunswick is #914.