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Is West New York a Good Place to Live? West New York, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West New York ranks #498 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #230 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.1%, #99 of 468), and trails on long commutes (34.5 min, #493 of 524) and low graduation rates (77%, #391 of 437).
West New York by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West New York'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 West New York?
West New York'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 $1,716/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $450,193, 22% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | West New York | 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 | $450,193#732 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 | $2,531/mo#920 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $465,600#921 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,716/mo#891 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.5x#1108 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.7%#1216 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.
West New York 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. West New York is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is West New York safe?
West New York recorded 236 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 22% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #427 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #197 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West New York Police Department. Property crime runs 1,254 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | West New York | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 236#427 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,254#335 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 West New York?
The median household in West New York earns $71,729, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | West New York | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $71,729#784 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 19.4%#1091 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| 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 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 West New York?
The median resident of West New York is 37.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 23% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West New York | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 33.5%#667 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 23% | 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 West New York's schools and health?
West New York's 9 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $25,327 spent per pupil. 32.6% of adults are obese and 13.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | West New York | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $25,327#59 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32.6%#580 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.7%#1052 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.8%#378 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 27.1%#1283 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. 7,409 students are enrolled in West New York's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West New York?
The average commute in West New York is 34.5 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 37.1% of workers take transit and 13.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West New York scores 15.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #29 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 | West New York | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 34.5 min#1259 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 17%#1252 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 28.8% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 37.1% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 10.5% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.7% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.1#29 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 | 39.9 | 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 | West New York | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.3 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 Teterboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West New York?
Hudson County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hudson County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | West New York | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#889 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 Hudson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hudson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 88% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0083% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0083% | 76% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0077% | 72% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 23% 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 West New York compare with similar-size cities?
West New York is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #230 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,004.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #498 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 | 34.5 min |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #1253 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 | 18.6 min |
| Westchester, FLPop. 52,032 | #1063 | 48.6 | $72,262 | $1,819/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| Palm Desert, CAPop. 51,990 | #928 | 51.3 | $77,513 | $1,778/mo | 138 | 21 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #426 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 | 19.4 min |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #556 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 | 25.8 min |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #132 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 | 24.9 min |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #836 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 | 31.2 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 West New York compare with the rest of New Jersey?
West New York ranks #7 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 58.1 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 31% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 22% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 West New York's score calculated?
West New York scores 58.1 out of 100, #498 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 West New York. Similar-size median 55.5.
47.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West New York's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
82.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West New York. Similar-size median 58.9.
54.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West New York's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
68.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West New York's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
49.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West New York. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in West New York. Similar-size median 42.4.
49.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West New York. Similar-size median 50.0.
65.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West New York's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
74.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
45.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West New York'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 West New York 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 West New York
Is West New York, NJ a good place to live?
West New York ranks #498 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #230 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.1%, #99 of 468), and trails on long commutes (34.5 min, #493 of 524) and low graduation rates (77%, #391 of 437).
What is the cost of living in West New York?
West New York'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 $1,716/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $450,193, 22% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in West New York?
West New York recorded 236 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 22% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #427 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #197 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West New York Police Department. Property crime runs 1,254 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in West New York?
The median household in West New York earns $71,729, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in West New York?
Median rent in West New York is $1,716/mo (Census), #891 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,531/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West New York?
The typical home value in West New York is $450,193, up 4.5% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $465,600.
How are the public schools in West New York?
West New York's 9 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $25,327 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West New York?
The average commute is 34.5 minutes, #1259 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 17% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West New York?
West New York 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 West New York walkable?
West New York scores 15.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #29 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 West New York at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hudson County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in West New York?
Hudson County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in West New York?
West New York has 52,004 residents. The median resident of West New York is 37.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #667 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 23% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West New York compare with the rest of New Jersey?
West New York ranks #7 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 58.1 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 31% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 22% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to West New York?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West New York's population of 52,004 are Battle Creek, MI (#1253 overall), Westchester, FL (#1063 overall), Palm Desert, CA (#928 overall), Levittown, NY (#13 overall), and Columbus, IN (#426 overall). West New York is #498.