Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Preakness, NJ
Considering a move to Preakness, NJ? With a population around 17,500, this suburban community features a high rate of homeownership, strong schools, and a median home price of $525,000. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 85 per 100K, excellent educational attainment (over half hold bachelor’s degrees), and a healthy income profile. With moderate commute times, 54% sunny days, and proximity to top hospitals and colleges, Preakness offers a comfortable, family-friendly lifestyle.
Demographics - Preakness, NJ
Demographics - Preakness, NJ
Preakness, NJ is home to about 17,500 residents, with a median age of 43.1 and a population density of 2,900 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (81%) with a notable Asian presence, and 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modestly diverse population.
Population:
17,500
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.0%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
8.4%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Preakness, NJ?
The cost of living in Preakness is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 132.7 and a median house value of $525,000. Residents can expect average gross rents of $2,050 and moderate utility and insurance costs, making it a desirable but premium suburban location.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$800
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.7
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
145.2
Utilities:
117.8
Transportation:
128.5
Health Care:
115.3
Miscellaneous:
112.1
Crime
Is Preakness, NJ a safe place to live?
Preakness enjoys a low violent crime rate of 85 per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively low, with residents facing a 1 in 112 chance, supporting the community's reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
895
Crime Index:
980
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 112
Weather
What is the weather like in Preakness, NJ year-round?
The climate in Preakness features warm summers with highs reaching 85°F and cold winters with lows around 23°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 54% sunny days, offering residents a full range of seasonal activities.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Preakness residents benefit from a strong economic profile, with median household incomes around $128,400 and a low poverty rate of 3.8%. Most adults are highly educated, over 95% having completed high school, and the average commute time is about 32 minutes.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$128,400
Family Income:
$142,000
Per Capita Income:
$56,200
Income Male:
$72,000
Income Female:
$53,000
Poverty Rate:
3.8%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.5%
Commute Time:
32.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
54.7%
Education
How are the schools in Preakness, NJ?
Preakness offers access to quality public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, along with nearby higher education options like William Paterson University and Montclair State University. The community’s schools are known for strong academic performance and a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Preakness School
Street:
1006 Hamburg Turnpike
Phone:
973-633-3175
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7
Name:
Wayne Hills High School
Street:
272 Berdan Ave
Phone:
973-317-2000
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2

Private Schools
Name:
Al-Ghazaly School
Street:
970 Black Oak Ridge Rd
Phone:
973-956-0033
Students:
350

Colleges
Name:
William Paterson University
City:
Wayne
State:
NJ
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
9,600
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
21,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Preakness is robust, with 95.5% of residents insured and 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people. The nearby St. Joseph's Wayne Medical Center provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services, supporting the community’s health needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Joseph's Wayne Medical Center
Address:
224 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone:
(973) 942-6900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.5%
Health Care Index:
77.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Preakness, NJ?
The housing market in Preakness is characterized by a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 78% and a strong appreciation rate of 6.2% over the past year. Median home prices are $525,000, while rental vacancies remain low, indicating a stable and in-demand real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Preakness are managed through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission located on Route 46 in nearby Wayne, making DMV tasks convenient for local residents. The office provides comprehensive licensing and registration services both in-person and online.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
481 Route 46 West, Wayne, NJ 07470
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.