Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kearny, NJ
Thinking of moving to Kearny, NJ? With a friendly population of about 42,000 and a median home price near $418,000, Kearny offers urban convenience with a strong commuter vibe—over 18% use public transit. Enjoy reasonable rents, a diverse community, and quick access to NYC. Crime rates are moderate, and local schools provide solid education options. With 53% sunny days, a lively cultural mix, and easy commutes, Kearny is a smart pick for those seeking value close to the city.
Demographics - Kearny, NJ
Demographics - Kearny, NJ
Kearny is home to nearly 42,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is notably diverse, with nearly half identifying as White and over a third speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density creates a vibrant, urban atmosphere ideal for those seeking a multicultural environment.
Population:
41,999
Density:
7,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.0
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
49.5%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
5.6%
Others:
39.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kearny, NJ?
The cost of living in Kearny is above the national average, driven mainly by a median home value of $418,000 and typical rents around $1,650 per month. Utilities and transportation are also moderately priced, making budgeting important for newcomers. State taxes and daily expenses reflect the area's proximity to major cities, offering urban amenities with a suburban feel.
Median House Value:
$418,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
125.8
Grocery:
119.5
Housing:
135.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
121.0
Health Care:
111.2
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Kearny, NJ a safe place to live?
Kearny experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 180 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,200 per 100,000. The chances of encountering violent crime are relatively low, about 1 in 555, contributing to a generally safe community atmosphere. Residents benefit from active local policing and a close-knit neighborhood feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,380
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Kearny, NJ year-round?
Kearny enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and chilly winters dipping to 25°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 53% of the year. These conditions provide residents with a comfortable climate and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Kearny’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $82,100 and a poverty rate around 10%. The area boasts a strong sense of community, with nearly 82% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and average commute times of 34 minutes, reflecting its popularity among commuters. Public transit is widely used, adding to the area's urban accessibility.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$82,100
Family Income:
$87,600
Per Capita Income:
$34,700
Income Male:
$45,500
Income Female:
$39,200
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
34.0%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
18.2%
Commute Time:
34.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.7%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Kearny, NJ?
Kearny offers a range of educational options, with public schools like Kearny High and Washington Elementary providing solid student-to-teacher ratios. Private schooling and proximity to higher education institutions such as Rutgers University-Newark and New Jersey City University enhance learning opportunities. The community is committed to educational attainment, with over 22% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
Kearny High School
Street:
336 Devon St
Phone:
201-955-5070
Students:
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Washington Elementary School
Street:
734 Kearny Ave
Phone:
201-955-5100
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0

Private Schools
Name:
Mater Dei Academy
Street:
131 Midland Ave
Phone:
201-991-3300
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
New Jersey City University
City:
Jersey City
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Rutgers University - Newark
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
13,700
Healthcare
Residents of Kearny have access to major hospitals like HUMC Mountainside and Clara Maass Medical Center, both providing comprehensive emergency and general care. The city maintains a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 91%, and there are approximately 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. These resources ensure quality healthcare is readily available for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
HUMC Mountainside
Address:
1 Bay Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone:
(973) 429-6000
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:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kearny, NJ?
The housing market in Kearny features a median home price of $418,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,650. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% in the past year, while the owner-occupied rate is just under 45%, highlighting a healthy mix of renters and homeowners. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a stable and sought-after real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$418,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, Kearny residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton. The commission provides comprehensive DMV services, including licensing, registration, and information, accessible both in person and online. Residents can easily find up-to-date information and resources through the official state website.
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.