Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elizabeth, NJ
Considering a move to Elizabeth, NJ? With a vibrant population of 137,298 and a median home price of $385,000, Elizabeth blends affordability with urban energy. Rents average $1,450, and the city has a robust public transit network and commute time of just under 30 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, Elizabeth offers diverse educational opportunities and a dynamic multicultural community. Expect four-season weather, with plenty of sunny days and convenient access to major hospitals, shopping, and NYC.
Demographics - Elizabeth, NJ
Demographics - Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth, NJ is a diverse city of 137,298 residents, with a young median age of 35.5 and a high population density. Over half of the population speaks a language other than English at home, and Hispanic/Latino residents make up a significant portion of the community. This vibrant mix creates a multicultural atmosphere that is welcoming and dynamic for newcomers.
Population:
137,298
Density:
11,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
56.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
19.6%
Black:
20.8%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
57.3% (includes Hispanic/Latino: 66.4%)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ?
The cost of living in Elizabeth is above the national average, with a median home value of $385,000 and typical rents around $1,450 per month. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also higher than average, reflecting the city’s urban conveniences and proximity to New York City. State income tax rates range from 1.4% to 10.75%, impacting overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$137
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,035
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$640
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.7
Grocery:
114.2
Housing:
128.7
Utilities:
109.8
Transportation:
117.9
Health Care:
110.2
Miscellaneous:
108.4
Crime
Is Elizabeth, NJ a safe place to live?
Elizabeth experiences crime rates that are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 242 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 75 chance for property crime. While safety is a concern in some areas, many neighborhoods maintain a strong sense of community and proactive local policing. Prospective residents may want to explore specific neighborhoods to find the best fit for their needs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
413
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,337
Crime Index:
1,750
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 242
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Elizabeth, NJ year-round?
Elizabeth enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 25°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine on over half its days. This climate offers residents a true taste of all seasons, perfect for those who appreciate variety in their weather.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Elizabeth's neighborhoods feature a median household income of $58,373 and a poverty rate of 16.7%. Nearly 27% of residents use public transportation, and average commute times are just under 30 minutes. The area is known for its mix of renters and homeowners, as well as a strong multicultural presence and accessible local amenities.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$58,373
Family Income:
$61,700
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$34,700
Income Female:
$32,300
Poverty Rate:
16.7%
Non English Speakers:
56.2%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
27.2%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Elizabeth, NJ?
Elizabeth offers a wide range of educational options, including large public schools such as Elizabeth High School and several private and charter schools. The city is also close to well-regarded colleges like Union College and Kean University, both just a few miles away. Families benefit from diverse choices for K-12 and higher education in and near the city.
Public Schools
Name:
Elizabeth High School - Frank J. Cicarell Academy
Street:
40 Morrell St
Phone:
908-436-5860
Students:
5,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.9
Name:
William F. Halloran School No. 22
Street:
1014 South Elmora Ave
Phone:
908-436-4860
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary of the Assumption High School
Street:
237 S Broad St
Phone:
908-352-4350
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Union College of Union County, NJ
City:
Cranford
State:
NJ
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Kean University
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Elizabeth is served by major hospitals like Trinitas Regional Medical Center, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 80% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is robust. Residents benefit from a range of local medical facilities and reliable healthcare services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Address:
225 Williamson St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone:
(908) 994-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
Address:
865 Stone St, Rahway, NJ 07065
Phone:
(732) 381-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
78.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elizabeth, NJ?
The housing market in Elizabeth is competitive, with median home prices of $385,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,450. Only about a quarter of residents own their homes, highlighting a strong rental market and a 6.8% vacancy rate. Annual home appreciation stands at 8.1%, making Elizabeth attractive for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
24.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Elizabeth residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located on E. Jersey Street. The local DMV offers a full range of licensing and registration services, and more information is available on the state’s official website. This accessibility simplifies vehicle-related needs for city residents.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
1139 E. Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.