New JerseyPop. 310,178Big cities
Is Newark a Good Place to Live? Newark, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Newark ranks #1109 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #42 of 53 big cities and #17 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.1%, #7 of 53), and trails on high unemployment (7.7%, #53 of 53) and long commutes (32.6 min, #52 of 53).
Newark by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Newark'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 Newark?
Newark'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 $1,392/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $481,850, 17% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Newark | 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 | $481,850#784 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 | $2,114/mo#764 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $373,700#722 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,392/mo#628 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 7.2x#1166 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 32.1%#1278 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.
Newark 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. Newark is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Newark safe?
Newark recorded 517 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% above the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #858 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #29 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newark Police Department. Property crime runs 1,789 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Newark | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 517#858 of 1,085 | 194 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,789#617 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 Newark?
The median household in Newark earns $52,060, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 50% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 7.7% (US 4.3%). 23.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Newark | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $52,060#1202 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 7.7%#1037 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 23.4%#1205 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 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 Newark?
The median resident of Newark is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 19.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1176 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 24.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Newark | 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% | 19.7%#1176 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 24.4% | 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 Newark's schools and health?
Newark's 75 public schools graduate 81.1% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $27,189 spent per pupil. 35.9% of adults are obese and 14.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Newark | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 81.1%#848 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 16.4#676 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $27,189#29 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 35.9%#855 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 14.6%#1136 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 23.4%#1253 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. 60,493 students are enrolled in Newark's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Newark?
The average commute in Newark is 32.6 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 19.3% of workers take transit and 7.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Newark scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 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 | Newark | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 32.6 min#1215 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 15.5%#1230 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 49.1% | 63.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 19.3% | 9.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 5.1% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 7.3% | 13.5% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.8#187 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 | Newark | 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 Newark?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Newark'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 | Newark | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#501 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 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 Newark compare with similar-size cities?
Newark is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #42 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 310,178.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #239 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 | 24.7 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 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 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #1019 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 | 21.7 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 Newark compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Newark ranks #17 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 50% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.7 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 Newark's score calculated?
Newark scores 47.7 out of 100, #1109 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Newark. Similar-size median 53.8.
20.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Newark's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
61.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Newark. Similar-size median 54.8.
39.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Newark's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
68.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Newark's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
57.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Newark. Similar-size median 47.2.
19.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Newark. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Newark. Similar-size median 53.7.
57.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Newark's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
67.4 - 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 48.1.
63.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Newark'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 Newark 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 Newark
Is Newark, NJ a good place to live?
Newark ranks #1109 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #42 of 53 big cities and #17 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.1%, #7 of 53), and trails on high unemployment (7.7%, #53 of 53) and long commutes (32.6 min, #52 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Newark?
Newark'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 $1,392/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $481,850, 17% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Newark?
Newark recorded 517 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% above the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #858 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #29 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newark Police Department. Property crime runs 1,789 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Newark?
The median household in Newark earns $52,060, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 50% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 7.7% (US 4.3%). 23.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Newark?
Median rent in Newark is $1,392/mo (Census), #628 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,114/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 32.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Newark?
The typical home value in Newark is $481,850, down 1.3% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $373,700.
How are the public schools in Newark?
Newark's 75 public schools graduate 81.1% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $27,189 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Newark?
The average commute is 32.6 minutes, #1215 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 15.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Newark?
Newark 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 Newark walkable?
Newark scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 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 Newark 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 Newark?
Newark has 310,178 residents. The median resident of Newark is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 19.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1176 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 24.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Newark compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Newark ranks #17 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 50% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Newark?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Newark's population of 310,178 are Lexington, KY (#405 overall), Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), Irvine, CA (#239 overall), and Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall). Newark is #1109.