Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Passaic, NJ
Considering a move to Passaic, NJ? Home to about 70,500 people, Passaic offers a vibrant, diverse community with a strong immigrant presence—over 60% speak a language other than English at home. With a median home price around $370,000 and average rent at $1,390, the city is more affordable than many North Jersey neighbors, though homeownership is low. Commute times average 29 minutes, and nearly 29% use public transit. While property and violent crime rates are higher than average, Passaic offers convenient access to local hospitals, schools, and the New York metro area. Expect four true seasons and a bustling urban lifestyle.
Demographics - Passaic, NJ
Demographics - Passaic, NJ
Passaic is a densely populated city of about 70,500 residents, notable for its youthful median age of 31.2 and a nearly even gender balance. The community is highly diverse, with over 60% speaking a language other than English at home, and a majority identifying as non-White. This vibrant multicultural environment contributes to Passaic’s distinct urban character.
Population:
70,537
Density:
22,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
30.4%
Black:
7.0%
Asian:
3.6%
Others:
59.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Passaic, NJ?
The cost of living in Passaic is somewhat higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 117. A median home value of $370,000 and average rent of $1,390 make housing relatively affordable for the region, though utility and transportation costs are also above average. Residents should also consider state income tax rates, which range from 1.4% to 10.75%.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,390
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.0
Grocery:
110.0
Housing:
124.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
118.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Passaic, NJ a safe place to live?
Passaic experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 276 and property crime at 1 in 81. The city’s overall crime index reflects concerns found in many urban areas, so new residents should be mindful of neighborhood safety when choosing where to live. Despite this, many families and individuals find Passaic’s community atmosphere appealing.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
363
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,236
Crime Index:
1,599
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 276
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 81
Weather
What is the weather like in Passaic, NJ year-round?
Passaic offers four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 24°F and warm summers reaching highs of 85°F. The city receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 53% of the year. Residents should be prepared for both winter snow and humid summer days.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Households in Passaic have a median income of $51,880, though the poverty rate is higher than average at 28.2%. About 28.5% of residents use public transportation, and the typical commute time is around 29 minutes. The area is characterized by a strong multicultural presence and a relatively high unemployment rate of 8.1%.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$51,880
Family Income:
$48,100
Per Capita Income:
$17,500
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
60.3%
Rent:
$1,390
Unemployment Rate:
8.1%
Public Transport Usage:
28.5%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
64.2%
Bachelors or More:
12.1%
Education
How are the schools in Passaic, NJ?
Passaic offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Passaic High School and specialized academies, as well as private schools and nearby colleges such as Passaic County Community College and Montclair State University. Student-teacher ratios in local schools average around 14:1, and higher education is accessible within a short commute. This makes the city a practical choice for families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Passaic High School
Street:
170 Paulison Ave
Phone:
973-470-5600
Students:
2,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Passaic Gifted and Talented Academy
Street:
97 Lafayette Ave
Phone:
973-470-5500
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Passaic Catholic Regional School
Street:
99 Prospect St
Phone:
973-777-8818
Students:
280
Colleges
Name:
Passaic County Community College (Paterson campus)
City:
Paterson
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
21,000
Healthcare
Passaic residents have access to major medical facilities such as St. Mary's General Hospital and Clara Maass Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and 83% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible for most. The city’s healthcare index of 71 suggests generally satisfactory local medical resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Mary's General Hospital
Address:
350 Boulevard, Passaic, NJ 07055
Phone:
(973) 365-4300
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:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.0%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Passaic, NJ?
The housing market in Passaic is dominated by rentals, with just 18.1% owner-occupied homes and a median home price of $370,000. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,390, and the market has seen a 6.1% home appreciation rate over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating steady demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,390
Owner Occupied Rate:
18.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Passaic residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton. The DMV offers a full range of services both in person and online. For more information, visit the official website of the New Jersey MVC.
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.