Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harrison, NJ
Considering a move to Harrison, NJ? With a vibrant population of 19,553 and a median home price of $445,000, Harrison is an urban hub known for its diversity, strong transit options, and proximity to Newark and NYC. Rent averages $2,000 for a two-bedroom, and crime rates remain relatively low for the area. Enjoy easy commutes (36 minutes on average), a high percentage of sunny days, and access to local schools and nearby higher education. Harrison's walkability and access to public transport make it ideal for city commuters.
Demographics - Harrison, NJ
Demographics - Harrison, NJ
Harrison, NJ has a diverse urban population of 19,553, with a median age of 34.1 and a density of 14,000 people per square mile. Over one-third of residents speak a non-English language at home, reflecting the town’s multicultural character. The community features a balanced gender ratio and a mix of ethnic backgrounds, making it vibrant and inclusive.
Population:
19,553
Density:
14,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
37.2%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
20.4%
Others:
36.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harrison, NJ?
Living in Harrison comes with a cost of living index of 130.5, meaning it’s notably higher than the national average. The median home value is $445,000, while average rent for a two-bedroom runs about $2,000 per month. Residents should also budget for relatively high utilities and state taxes, consistent with the greater New Jersey metro area.
Median House Value:
$445,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
130.5
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
145.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
114.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Harrison, NJ a safe place to live?
Harrison maintains a relatively low crime rate for northern New Jersey, with about 136 violent crimes and 1,280 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 735, helping provide a sense of safety for families and individuals alike. Property crime risk is moderate, at about 1 in 78.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
136
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,280
Crime Index:
1,416
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 735
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 78
Weather
What is the weather like in Harrison, NJ year-round?
The city experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging between 25°F and 39°F and warm summers peaking near 87°F. Harrison sees around 47 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 56% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Harrison's neighborhoods are a blend of working professionals and families, with a median household income of $77,100 and about 28% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average just over 36 minutes, and 28% of locals use public transportation, highlighting the area’s excellent connectivity. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, and unemployment remains below 5%.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$77,100
Family Income:
$84,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
35.0%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
28.0%
Commute Time:
36.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
28.4%
Education
How are the schools in Harrison, NJ?
Harrison offers quality public schooling with manageable class sizes and reputable elementary and high schools, such as Harrison High School and Lincoln Elementary. The town is close to prominent colleges, including NJIT and Rutgers University-Newark, both just two miles away. Private school options are also available, making Harrison suitable for families seeking a range of educational opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Harrison High School
Street:
401 Kingsland Ave
Phone:
973-482-5050
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Lincoln Elementary School
Street:
221 Hamilton St
Phone:
973-483-5884
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1

Private Schools
Name:
Holy Cross School
Street:
15 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S
Phone:
973-484-3535
Students:
240

Colleges
Name:
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
11,500
Name:
Rutgers University-Newark
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals like St. Michael's Medical Center and Clara Maass Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency services nearby. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, Harrison provides robust healthcare options. The city scores well on healthcare accessibility and quality within the region.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Michael's Medical Center
Address:
268 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone:
(973) 877-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Clara Maass Medical Center
Address:
1 Clara Maass Dr, Belleville, NJ 07109
Phone:
(973) 450-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harrison, NJ?
Harrison’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $445,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,000. The owner-occupied rate is relatively low at 25.4%, reflecting a strong rental market, while home values have appreciated by 7.2% in the past year. New construction is present but limited, offering both modern and established housing choices.
Median Home Price:
$445,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
25.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver services for Harrison residents are handled by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission located in nearby Newark. The DMV offers vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services, and can be reached at 1-609-292-6500 or through their official website. Proximity to this facility makes managing transportation needs convenient for locals.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
228 Frelinghuysen Ave, Newark, NJ 07114
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.