New JerseyPop. 55,855Smaller cities
Is Perth Amboy a Good Place to Live? Perth Amboy, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Perth Amboy ranks #922 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #382 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.3%, #465 of 476) and high poverty (20.2%, #459 of 524).
Perth Amboy by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Perth Amboy'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 Perth Amboy?
Perth Amboy'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 $1,688/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $500,079, 14% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Perth Amboy | 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 | $500,079#812 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 | $2,370/mo#866 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $370,600#712 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,688/mo#865 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 32.7%#1281 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.
Perth Amboy 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. Perth Amboy is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Perth Amboy safe?
Perth Amboy recorded 269 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 39% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #503 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #229 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Perth Amboy Police Department. Property crime runs 810 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Perth Amboy | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 269#503 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 810#144 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 Perth Amboy?
The median household in Perth Amboy earns $61,977, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.3% (US 4.3%). 20.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Perth Amboy | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $61,977#1003 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 8.3%#1043 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 20.2%#1118 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 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 Perth Amboy?
The median resident of Perth Amboy is 37.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Perth Amboy | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 15.7%#1252 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 35.4% | 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 Perth Amboy's schools and health?
Perth Amboy's 13 public schools graduate 84.9% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $39,920 spent per pupil. 40.9% of adults are obese and 15.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Perth Amboy | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84.9%#728 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.7#145 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $39,920#3 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.9%#1160 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.6%#1199 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 30.4%#1302 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. 10,379 students are enrolled in Perth Amboy's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Perth Amboy?
The average commute in Perth Amboy is 23.5 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 2.8% of workers take transit and 4.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Perth Amboy scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 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 | Perth Amboy | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.5 min#639 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.9%#987 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 59.7% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.8% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6.4% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 4.8% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.4#100 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 | Perth Amboy | 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 Perth Amboy?
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 | Perth Amboy | 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 Perth Amboy compare with similar-size cities?
Perth Amboy is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #382 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,855.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #922 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 | 23.5 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 |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 min |
| Bonita Springs, FLPop. 55,904 | #780 | 53.6 | $95,210 | $1,882/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #1300 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 | 23.4 min |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #243 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #219 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 | 24.6 min |
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #979 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data | 31.3 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 Perth Amboy compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Perth Amboy ranks #11 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 41% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 Perth Amboy's score calculated?
Perth Amboy scores 51.4 out of 100, #922 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 Perth Amboy. Similar-size median 55.5.
21.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Perth Amboy's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
83.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Perth Amboy. Similar-size median 58.9.
36.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Perth Amboy's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
80.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Perth Amboy's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
54.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Perth Amboy. Similar-size median 56.1.
29.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Perth Amboy. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Perth Amboy. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Perth Amboy's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.5 - 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: Perth Amboy'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 Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy
Is Perth Amboy, NJ a good place to live?
Perth Amboy ranks #922 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #382 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.3%, #465 of 476) and high poverty (20.2%, #459 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Perth Amboy?
Perth Amboy'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 $1,688/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $500,079, 14% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Perth Amboy?
Perth Amboy recorded 269 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 39% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #503 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #229 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Perth Amboy Police Department. Property crime runs 810 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Perth Amboy?
The median household in Perth Amboy earns $61,977, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.3% (US 4.3%). 20.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Perth Amboy?
Median rent in Perth Amboy is $1,688/mo (Census), #865 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,370/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 32.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Perth Amboy?
The typical home value in Perth Amboy is $500,079, up 2.6% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $370,600.
How are the public schools in Perth Amboy?
Perth Amboy's 13 public schools graduate 84.9% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $39,920 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Perth Amboy?
The average commute is 23.5 minutes, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 8.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Perth Amboy?
Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy walkable?
Perth Amboy scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 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 Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy?
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 Perth Amboy?
Perth Amboy has 55,855 residents. The median resident of Perth Amboy is 37.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 15.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1252 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Perth Amboy compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Perth Amboy ranks #11 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 41% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Perth Amboy?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Perth Amboy's population of 55,855 are Bozeman, MT (#211 overall), Tigard, OR (#353 overall), Olympia, WA (#497 overall), Bonita Springs, FL (#780 overall), and Port Arthur, TX (#1300 overall). Perth Amboy is #922.