New JerseyPop. 90,338Smaller cities
Is Trenton a Good Place to Live? Trenton, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Trenton ranks #1241 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #501 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($160,700, #34 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (65.8%, #429 of 437) and high violent crime (808 per 100,000, #431 of 444).
Trenton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Trenton'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 Trenton?
Trenton's cost of living index is 103.2, 3% above the US level of 100 and #867 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,294/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $348,502, 40% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Trenton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.2#867 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $348,502#516 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 | $2,006/mo#715 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $160,700#109 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,294/mo#521 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 29.6%#1242 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.
Trenton 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. Trenton is in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Trenton safe?
Trenton recorded 808 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 4.2 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #1009 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #431 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Trenton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,415 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Trenton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 808#1009 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,415#841 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 Trenton?
The median household in Trenton earns $52,537, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 50% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.1% (US 4.3%). 21.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Trenton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $52,537#1192 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 8.1%#1040 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21.6%#1168 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 Trenton?
The median resident of Trenton is 34.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1244 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Trenton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 16.2%#1244 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 37.9% | 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 Trenton's schools and health?
Trenton's 30 public schools graduate 65.8% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $22,949 spent per pupil. 36.1% of adults are obese and 15.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Trenton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 65.8%#1047 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,949#92 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.1%#880 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.5%#1191 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.3%#1089 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 25%#1270 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. 15,542 students are enrolled in Trenton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Trenton?
The average commute in Trenton is 26.9 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 6.6% of workers take transit and 7.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Trenton scores 14.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.9°F and winters 34.4°F, with 45.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Trenton | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.9 min#922 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.6%#1036 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 57.7% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6.6% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.9% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.1% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.8#57 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 | 39.7 | 24.3 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 42.8 | 25.9 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 50.8 | 32.7 | 4 |
| Apr | 62.9 | 42.1 | 3.6 |
| May | 72.4 | 51.6 | 4 |
| Jun | 81 | 60.9 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 86 | 66.6 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 84 | 64.8 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 77.1 | 57.7 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 45.9 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 54.5 | 36.3 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 44.4 | 29.3 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Trenton-Mercer Airport.
| Measure | Trenton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 34.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.6 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 Trenton-Mercer Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Trenton?
Mercer County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mercer County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Trenton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.18%#836 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 Mercer County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Mercer County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0099% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 80% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.019% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.008% | 75% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0018% | 73% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.002% | 22% 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 Trenton compare with similar-size cities?
Trenton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #501 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 90,338.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #1241 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 | 26.9 min |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #249 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 | 26 min |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #123 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #424 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 | 14.9 min |
| Westminster, CAPop. 89,860 | #856 | 52.4 | $85,541 | $2,168/mo | 334 | 27 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 min |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 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 Trenton compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Trenton ranks #19 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 42.8 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 50% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 4.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 40% 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 Trenton's score calculated?
Trenton scores 42.8 out of 100, #1241 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 Trenton. Similar-size median 55.5.
18.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Trenton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
38.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Trenton. Similar-size median 58.9.
38.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Trenton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Trenton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Trenton. Similar-size median 56.1.
23.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Trenton. Similar-size median 42.4.
28.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Trenton. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Trenton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
72.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
44.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Trenton'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 Trenton 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 Trenton
Is Trenton, NJ a good place to live?
Trenton ranks #1241 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #501 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($160,700, #34 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (65.8%, #429 of 437) and high violent crime (808 per 100,000, #431 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Trenton?
Trenton's cost of living index is 103.2, 3% above the US level of 100 and #867 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,294/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $348,502, 40% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Trenton?
Trenton recorded 808 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 4.2 times New Jersey's 194. That ranks #1009 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #431 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Trenton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,415 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Trenton?
The median household in Trenton earns $52,537, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 50% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 8.1% (US 4.3%). 21.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Trenton?
Median rent in Trenton is $1,294/mo (Census), #521 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,006/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Trenton?
The typical home value in Trenton is $348,502, down 1.7% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $160,700.
How are the public schools in Trenton?
Trenton's 30 public schools graduate 65.8% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $22,949 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Trenton?
The average commute is 26.9 minutes, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 9.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Trenton?
Trenton averages 54.1°F over the year, 73.9°F in summer and 34.4°F in winter, with 45.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Trenton walkable?
Trenton scores 14.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #57 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 Trenton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mercer County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, inland flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Trenton?
Mercer County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Trenton?
Trenton has 90,338 residents. The median resident of Trenton is 34.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1244 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Trenton compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Trenton ranks #19 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 42.8 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 50% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 4.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 40% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Trenton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Trenton's population of 90,338 are Nashua, NH (#249 overall), Germantown, MD (#123 overall), Lawton, OK (#1244 overall), Champaign, IL (#424 overall), and Westminster, CA (#856 overall). Trenton is #1241.