Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Newark, NJ
Considering a move to Newark, NJ? With over 307,000 residents, Newark offers vibrant urban living, diverse communities, and some of the region's best transit access—22% use public transport. Home prices average $385,000 and 2-bedroom rents around $1,320, making it relatively affordable for the NYC metro area. Commute times average 35 minutes, and local schools include specialized high schools and major universities. While crime rates are higher than suburban areas, Newark's cultural scene, healthcare access, and rich history continue to attract new residents seeking city amenities and opportunity.
Demographics - Newark, NJ
Demographics - Newark, NJ
Newark is a densely populated city with over 307,000 residents, a median age of 34.5, and a vibrant mix of cultures—nearly half of the population is Black and over a third speak a language other than English at home. The city’s youthful demographic and diversity contribute to its dynamic urban atmosphere.
Population:
307,220
Density:
11,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.5
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
25.2%
Black:
48.6%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
23.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Newark, NJ?
Living in Newark comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, with median home values at $385,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,320. Utilities and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the city's metropolitan status, while state income taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$690
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.3
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
126.8
Utilities:
113.0
Transportation:
125.5
Health Care:
107.8
Miscellaneous:
108.5
Crime
Is Newark, NJ a safe place to live?
Newark experiences higher crime rates than many suburban areas, with about 799 violent crimes and 2,593 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 125 chance of encountering violent crime, making safety awareness important for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
799
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,593
Crime Index:
3,392
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 125
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Newark, NJ year-round?
Newark enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 26°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine just over half the year, making for a balance of seasonal variety and outdoor opportunities.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Typical Newark households have a median income of about $45,700, with a significant portion of residents commuting an average of 35 minutes to work, often using public transit. The area has a relatively high poverty rate of 25% and a diverse, multilingual community, with over a third of residents speaking a language other than English.
Median Income:
$39,600
Household Income:
$45,700
Family Income:
$49,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,600
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
25.2%
Non English Speakers:
35.4%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
22.0%
Commute Time:
35.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.5%
Education
How are the schools in Newark, NJ?
Newark boasts a variety of educational opportunities, from specialized public high schools like Science Park and East Side High to prominent universities including Rutgers University-Newark and NJIT. The city also offers private school options and has a strong emphasis on higher education accessibility.
Public Schools
Name:
Science Park High School
Street:
260 Norfolk St
Phone:
973-733-8689
Students:
930
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
East Side High School
Street:
238 Van Buren St
Phone:
973-465-4900
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Benedict's Preparatory School
Street:
520 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Phone:
973-792-5700
Students:
750
Colleges
Name:
Rutgers University-Newark
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
13,000
Name:
New Jersey Institute of Technology
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,400
Healthcare
Newark offers robust healthcare options, including major hospitals like University Hospital and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, both providing emergency services. The city benefits from a high rate of health insurance coverage (over 90%) and has 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, supporting comprehensive local medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
University Hospital
Address:
150 Bergen St, Newark, NJ 07103
Phone:
(973) 972-4300
Type:
General & Trauma Center
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Address:
201 Lyons Ave, Newark, NJ 07112
Phone:
(973) 926-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Newark, NJ?
The housing market in Newark is characterized by a median home price of $385,000 and a strong rental sector, with only about 23% of homes owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by over 8% in the past year, while rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,320, offering a range of options for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
23.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Newark residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission located on Frelinghuysen Ave, providing convenient access to licensing and registration services. The DMV offers a comprehensive website and customer support for all state vehicle needs.
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.