Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Reading, NJ
Considering a move to Port Reading, NJ? This small, friendly community of about 3,700 people offers affordable living with a median home price around $385,000 and average rents near $1,650. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute of about 32 minutes, low crime rates compared to national averages, and good access to healthcare and schools. The area features a comfortable climate with 54% sunny days and solid educational options, making it a great choice for families and commuters alike.
Demographics - Port Reading, NJ
Demographics - Port Reading, NJ
Port Reading is a close-knit community of about 3,700 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is diverse, with over 60% identifying as White and substantial Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, while around 18% speak a language other than English at home. The city’s moderate density offers a suburban feel appealing to families and professionals alike.
Population:
3,700
Density:
2,550 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60.4%
Black:
8.6%
Asian:
7.1%
Others:
23.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Reading, NJ?
Living in Port Reading comes with a cost of living index of 121, reflecting higher-than-average expenses, particularly for housing and groceries. The median home value is $385,000 and average rents are around $1,650, with utility and transportation costs also slightly above the national average. State taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%, so new residents should plan for higher living costs compared to many other U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$132
Auto Insurance:
$1,790
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$630
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
121.0
Grocery:
116.5
Housing:
128.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
118.3
Health Care:
109.4
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Port Reading, NJ a safe place to live?
Port Reading experiences lower crime rates than many areas, with just 178 violent crimes and 1,250 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 562, making it a relatively safe place to live. Most residents enjoy peace of mind in this suburban community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,428
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 562
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Reading, NJ year-round?
The city experiences four distinct seasons, with winter lows averaging 25°F and summer highs reaching about 85°F. Residents enjoy a moderate climate with 54% sunny days and nearly 47 inches of annual rainfall. This weather pattern supports outdoor activities throughout much of the year.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Port Reading typically have a median income of $89,000, while per capita income stands at $36,700, and the poverty rate is a modest 7.1%. The area is well-educated, with over 90% of adults holding a high school diploma and 32.5% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Most residents commute around 32 minutes to work, and public transit is used by just over 5% of the population.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$89,000
Family Income:
$98,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,700
Income Male:
$50,800
Income Female:
$42,400
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
26.1%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
5.3%
Commute Time:
32.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.3%
Bachelors or More:
32.5%
Education
How are the schools in Port Reading, NJ?
Families in Port Reading have access to several public and private schools, including Port Reading School #9 and Woodbridge High School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with Middlesex College just 7 miles away and Rutgers University within a 13-mile drive. The educational environment supports academic achievement from elementary through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Port Reading School #9
Street:
77 Turner St
Phone:
732-602-8450
Students:
415
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Woodbridge High School
Street:
25 Samuel Lupo Pl, Woodbridge
Phone:
732-602-8600
Students:
1,460
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. James School
Street:
341 Amboy Ave, Woodbridge
Phone:
732-634-0500
Students:
290

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:
13 miles
Students:
50,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from strong healthcare access, including nearby major hospitals like Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, Port Reading offers reliable medical care and emergency services. The local healthcare index is favorable, reflecting quality services for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center
Address:
65 James St, Edison, NJ 08820
Phone:
(732) 321-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Reading, NJ?
Port Reading's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $385,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,650. Homeownership is high at 68%, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.6%, indicating a healthy, steady real estate environment. Recent home appreciation of 5.3% suggests good potential for property investment.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services in Port Reading are provided by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in Trenton. Residents can access licensing, registration, and vehicle services through the state's official website or by phone. The commission is the primary resource for all motor vehicle needs in New Jersey.
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.