Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hawthorne, NJ
Thinking of moving to Hawthorne, NJ? This charming borough of 19,637 residents offers a welcoming suburban feel, with median home prices around $425,000 and average rents at $1,650. Hawthorne boasts low violent crime rates, excellent access to healthcare, and schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. With an average commute of 29.8 minutes and easy transit options to nearby cities, it’s a great spot for families or professionals seeking a safe, community-oriented lifestyle in northern New Jersey.
Demographics - Hawthorne, NJ
Demographics - Hawthorne, NJ
Hawthorne, NJ is a close-knit borough of about 19,600 residents, offering a balanced community with a median age just over 40 and a population density of 6,300 per square mile. The area is predominantly White, but also features a mix of other backgrounds and nearly 16% non-English speakers, reflecting its diversity. This makes Hawthorne a welcoming option for those seeking a suburban environment with a blend of cultures.
Population:
19,637
Density:
6,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.6%
Black:
3.5%
Asian:
3.9%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hawthorne, NJ?
Living in Hawthorne comes with a cost of living index of 125, higher than the national average, mainly driven by housing costs with median home values around $425,000 and average rents at $1,650. Essential expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are also slightly above average, reflecting the area’s desirable location and amenities. State income tax rates range from 1.4% to 10.75%, so budgeting for higher expenses is important.
Median House Value:
$425,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,770
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
125.0
Grocery:
119.0
Housing:
135.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
122.0
Health Care:
111.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Hawthorne, NJ a safe place to live?
Hawthorne is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of just 70 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,420 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also relatively low, making the borough attractive for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. Residents enjoy a secure, small-town atmosphere while staying close to major urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
870
Crime Index:
940
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,420
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 115
Weather
What is the weather like in Hawthorne, NJ year-round?
Residents of Hawthorne experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows in the mid-20s and warm summers reaching highs in the mid-80s. The town receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days 54% of the year, offering a classic northeastern climate. This weather supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Hawthorne's neighborhoods feature a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $101,300 and a low poverty rate of 5.5%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 93% holding at least a high school diploma, and unemployment is below the national average at 3.8%. The average commute is about 30 minutes, and public transportation is accessible for those working in nearby cities.
Median Income:
$42,500
Household Income:
$101,300
Family Income:
$112,300
Per Capita Income:
$44,600
Income Male:
$53,200
Income Female:
$45,100
Poverty Rate:
5.5%
Non English Speakers:
15.8%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
8.1%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
39.1%
Education
How are the schools in Hawthorne, NJ?
Hawthorne’s public schools, such as Hawthorne High School and Lincoln Middle School, offer favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1, supporting a personalized education experience. The borough also features private school options and is located just a few miles from major colleges like William Paterson University and Passaic County Community College. High educational attainment among residents and proximity to higher education institutions make Hawthorne ideal for families prioritizing quality schooling.

Public Schools
Name:
Hawthorne High School
Street:
160 Parmelee Ave
Phone:
973-423-6415
Students:
626
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Name:
Lincoln Middle School
Street:
230 Hawthorne Ave
Phone:
973-423-6460
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Anthony School
Street:
270 Diamond Bridge Ave
Phone:
973-423-1818
Students:
230

Colleges
Name:
William Paterson University
City:
Wayne
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
9,600
Name:
Passaic County Community College
City:
Paterson
State:
NJ
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
8,000
Healthcare
Hawthorne offers excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals nearby and a robust network of physicians—2.9 per 1,000 residents. Over 94% of locals have health insurance coverage, ensuring comprehensive care is readily available. The area’s healthcare index score of 75.2 reflects high-quality medical services and resources for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Joseph’s University Medical Center
Address:
703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503
Phone:
(973) 754-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Valley Hospital
Address:
223 N Van Dien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone:
(201) 447-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hawthorne, NJ?
The housing market in Hawthorne is competitive, with a median home price of $425,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 66%. Rental options are available, with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,650 and a low vacancy rate of 3.7%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, making Hawthorne an appealing choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$425,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Hawthorne are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, with the main office located in Trenton and a user-friendly website for online services. The DMV provides essential vehicle registration, licensing, and related services for all New Jersey drivers. Access to DMV resources is straightforward, supporting a smooth transition for newcomers.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
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.