New JerseyPop. 158,735Mid-size cities
Is Paterson a Good Place to Live? Paterson, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Paterson ranks #1239 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #239 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.5%, #239 of 241) and high violent crime (869 per 100,000, #215 of 235).
Paterson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Paterson'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 Paterson?
Paterson'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 $1,548/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $536,737, 8% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Paterson | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $536,737#877 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,878/mo#634 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $360,100#684 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,548/mo#752 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 33.2%#1289 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Paterson 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. Paterson is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Paterson safe?
Paterson recorded 869 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #1022 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #215 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Paterson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,414 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Paterson | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 869#1022 of 1,085 | 194 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,414#840 of 1,085 | 1,250 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Paterson?
The median household in Paterson earns $55,997, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.5% (US 4.3%). 21.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Paterson | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $55,997#1127 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 8.5%#1046 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 21.2%#1155 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Paterson?
The median resident of Paterson is 33.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 11.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1294 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 26.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Paterson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 11.8%#1294 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 26.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Paterson's schools and health?
Paterson's 47 public schools graduate 79.6% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $24,975 spent per pupil. 37.5% of adults are obese and 16.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Paterson | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 79.6%#897 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.5#223 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $24,975#63 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.5%#978 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.1%#1225 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 28.6%#1294 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 27,568 students are enrolled in Paterson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Paterson?
The average commute in Paterson is 22.6 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 7.4% of workers take transit and 5.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Paterson 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 | Paterson | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.6 min#556 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 61.3% | 63.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7.4% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 6% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 5.2% | 13.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | Paterson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 55.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 75.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 35.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 46.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Paterson?
Passaic County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% 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 Passaic County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Paterson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#753 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Passaic County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Passaic County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 85% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.007% | 73% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0047% | 65% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% 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 Paterson compare with similar-size cities?
Paterson is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #239 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 158,735.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #1239 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 | 22.6 min |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #563 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 | 26.7 min |
| Hayward, CAPop. 158,801 | #792 | 53.4 | $113,318 | $2,391/mo | 460 | 32.3 min |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #1168 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 | 25.5 min |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #83 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 | 28.4 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 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 Paterson compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Paterson ranks #18 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 43.1 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 46% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 4.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 8% 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 Paterson's score calculated?
Paterson scores 43.1 out of 100, #1239 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 Paterson. Similar-size median 52.9.
18.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Paterson's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
34.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Paterson. Similar-size median 53.8.
37.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Paterson's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
73.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Paterson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
56.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Paterson. Similar-size median 51.2.
25.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Paterson. Similar-size median 42.1.
25.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Paterson. Similar-size median 50.1.
56.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Paterson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
51.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Paterson's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Paterson 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 Paterson
Is Paterson, NJ a good place to live?
Paterson ranks #1239 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #239 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.5%, #239 of 241) and high violent crime (869 per 100,000, #215 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Paterson?
Paterson'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 $1,548/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $536,737, 8% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Paterson?
Paterson recorded 869 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #1022 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #215 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Paterson Police Department. Property crime runs 2,414 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Paterson?
The median household in Paterson earns $55,997, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.5% (US 4.3%). 21.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Paterson?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,548/mo (Census), #752 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,878/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 33.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Paterson?
The typical home value in Paterson is $536,737, up 4.8% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $360,100.
How are the public schools in Paterson?
Paterson's 47 public schools graduate 79.6% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $24,975 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Paterson?
The average commute is 22.6 minutes, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Paterson?
Paterson 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 Paterson walkable?
Paterson 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 Paterson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Passaic County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Paterson?
Passaic County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Paterson?
Paterson has 158,735 residents. The median resident of Paterson is 33.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 11.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1294 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 26.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Paterson compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Paterson ranks #18 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 43.1 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 46% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 4.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Paterson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Paterson's population of 158,735 are Murfreesboro, TN (#563 overall), Hayward, CA (#792 overall), Killeen, TX (#1168 overall), Alexandria, VA (#83 overall), and Lakewood, CO (#775 overall). Paterson is #1239.