Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jersey City, NJ
Considering a move to Jersey City, NJ? Home to 292,449 residents, Jersey City offers a vibrant, diverse community and unbeatable NYC access. Expect a median home price of $590,000 and average rent around $2,220, with a high cost of living and a dynamic housing market. Commute times average 36 minutes, with nearly half of residents using public transit. The city features strong educational options, ample sunny days, and a lively urban environment, making it a top spot for commuters, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Jersey City, NJ
Demographics - Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City is a densely populated, multicultural city of nearly 292,500 residents with a median age of 34.5 and a vibrant mix of White, Black, and Asian communities. Over a third of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the city's global character and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
292,449
Density:
18,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
32.6%
Black:
22.4%
Asian:
27.8%
Others:
17.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jersey City, NJ?
Living in Jersey City comes with a high cost of living index of 146.0, driven by a median home value of $590,000 and typical rent around $2,220. Utilities and transportation costs are above the national average, but residents benefit from urban amenities and proximity to New York City.
Median House Value:
$590,000
Gross Rent:
$2,220
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.0
Grocery:
130.4
Housing:
175.8
Utilities:
115.7
Transportation:
128.9
Health Care:
113.2
Miscellaneous:
116.4
Crime
Is Jersey City, NJ a safe place to live?
Jersey City maintains moderate crime rates with about 338 violent crimes and 1,287 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents have a 1 in 296 chance of experiencing a violent crime, which is comparable to many major urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
338
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,287
Crime Index:
1,625
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 296
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Jersey City, NJ year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Jersey City, with warm summers reaching up to 87°F and chilly winters dipping to 27°F. The city receives about 46.5 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine 58% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for year-round activities.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Jersey City neighborhoods have a median household income of $92,500, with about 48% of locals holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Nearly half the community relies on public transportation, and the average commute is just over 36 minutes, fitting its status as a commuter-friendly city.
Median Income:
$52,000
Household Income:
$92,500
Family Income:
$104,600
Per Capita Income:
$45,400
Income Male:
$54,200
Income Female:
$46,500
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
35.4%
Rent:
$2,220
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
46.9%
Commute Time:
36.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.7%
Bachelors or More:
48.2%
Education
How are the schools in Jersey City, NJ?
Jersey City boasts a variety of educational opportunities, including strong public schools like Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School, reputable private institutions, and nearby colleges such as New Jersey City University. This range of options supports learners from kindergarten through advanced degrees.

Public Schools
Name:
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School
Street:
123 Coles St
Phone:
201-418-7617
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
PS 16 Cornelia F. Bradford School
Street:
96 Sussex St
Phone:
201-915-6450
Students:
880
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Peter's Prep
Street:
144 Grand St
Phone:
201-547-6400
Students:
950

Colleges
Name:
New Jersey City University
City:
Jersey City
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Saint Peter's University
City:
Jersey City
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
The city offers strong healthcare access, with major hospitals like Jersey City Medical Center and Christ Hospital, and an above-average 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of locals have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage for most residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Jersey City Medical Center
Address:
355 Grand St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone:
(201) 915-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Christ Hospital
Address:
176 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone:
(201) 795-8200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jersey City, NJ?
Jersey City's housing market is competitive, with a median home price at $590,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $2,220. The city has a low owner-occupancy rate of 29.5%, indicating a robust rental market and ongoing home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$590,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,220
Owner Occupied Rate:
29.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s Jersey City office on Summit Ave, offering convenient access for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and more. Residents can find information and schedule appointments online through the state’s official website.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
438 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
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.