Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Perth Amboy, NJ
Thinking of moving to Perth Amboy, NJ? Home to about 55,000 residents, this vibrant waterfront city offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $307,000 and average rent for a 2-bedroom at $1,430. Commutes average 29 minutes, crime rates are moderate for the region, and there’s a rich multicultural spirit—over 65% speak a language other than English at home. While education rates are lower than the state average, families enjoy local schools, diverse cuisine, and easy access to major highways and public transit.
Demographics - Perth Amboy, NJ
Demographics - Perth Amboy, NJ
Perth Amboy is a diverse city of about 55,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 34.1 and a high population density. Over 65% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a vibrant, multicultural community. The city’s ethnic makeup is predominantly non-white, contributing to its dynamic local character.
Population:
55,436
Density:
11,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
65.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
13.8%
Black:
13.9%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
70.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Perth Amboy, NJ?
The cost of living in Perth Amboy is slightly above the national average, driven by a median home value of $307,000 and average rent around $1,430. Utilities and transportation costs are also moderately high, but groceries and healthcare remain more affordable compared to nearby areas. State taxes vary, and overall, residents can expect a balanced mix of expenses.
Median House Value:
$307,000
Gross Rent:
$1,430
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.8
Grocery:
107.5
Housing:
109.4
Utilities:
111.4
Transportation:
112.6
Health Care:
103.8
Miscellaneous:
104.2
Crime
Is Perth Amboy, NJ a safe place to live?
Perth Amboy experiences moderate crime rates, with about 273 violent crimes and 1,007 property crimes per 100,000 residents each year. The chances of being a victim of violent crime are about 1 in 366, while property crime risk is 1 in 99. These levels are typical for urban areas in the region, so residents should remain aware but not overly concerned.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
273
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,007
Crime Index:
1,280
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 366
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 99
Weather
What is the weather like in Perth Amboy, NJ year-round?
Perth Amboy enjoys four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 26°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine around 55% of the year. This climate offers residents a classic northeastern experience with comfortable springs and autumns.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Local households in Perth Amboy have a median income of $59,118, while the poverty rate stands at 19.2%. Educational attainment is below the state average, with only about 11% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commuters typically spend 29 minutes traveling to work, and public transportation is used by nearly 14% of residents.
Median Income:
$37,900
Household Income:
$59,118
Family Income:
$61,900
Per Capita Income:
$21,036
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
65.3%
Rent:
$1,430
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
13.8%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.4%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Perth Amboy, NJ?
Perth Amboy offers a range of public and private school options, with Perth Amboy High School serving over 2,600 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15.5. Middlesex College and Rutgers University are both within a short driving distance, expanding access to higher education. While educational attainment is lower than state averages, families benefit from local and nearby academic resources.
Public Schools
Name:
Perth Amboy High School
Street:
300 Eagle Ave
Phone:
732-376-6030
Students:
2,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Samuel E. Shull Middle School
Street:
380 Hall Ave
Phone:
732-376-6060
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Private Schools
Name:
Assumption Catholic School
Street:
380 Meredith St
Phone:
732-826-8721
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Middlesex College
City:
Edison
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
11,500
Name:
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City:
New Brunswick
State:
NJ
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
50,000
Healthcare
Perth Amboy is served by Raritan Bay Medical Center, offering general and emergency care within city limits. There are about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 89% of people have health insurance coverage. Access to essential healthcare services is convenient for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Raritan Bay Medical Center – Perth Amboy
Address:
530 New Brunswick Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone:
(732) 442-3700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
70.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Perth Amboy, NJ?
The local housing market features a median home price of $307,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,430. About 36% of homes are owner-occupied, with modest home appreciation of 5.2% over the past year. Rental vacancies are at 6.8%, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$307,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,430
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Drivers in Perth Amboy are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in Edison, located nearby for all vehicle registration and licensing needs. Residents can access DMV services in person, by phone, or online. The agency provides standard services and resources for New Jersey motorists.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
2236 Route 27, Edison, NJ 08817
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.