Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wanaque, NJ
Considering a move to Wanaque, NJ? This small town of 11,400 offers a close-knit vibe, with a median home price of $370,000 and reasonable rents averaging $1,550. Residents enjoy a safe community with low violent crime (85 per 100K), good local schools, and an average commute of about 33 minutes. With a strong rate of homeownership, beautiful parks, and easy access to major healthcare and higher education, Wanaque is an attractive choice for families and those seeking suburban comfort.
Demographics - Wanaque, NJ
Demographics - Wanaque, NJ
Wanaque is a suburban community of around 11,400 residents, with a median age of 45, reflecting a mature, family-friendly population. The area is predominantly White, with a modest mix of other ethnicities, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The population density and gender ratio contribute to a balanced, close-knit neighborhood atmosphere.
Population:
11,400
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.1
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
83.0%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
4.5%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wanaque, NJ?
Living in Wanaque comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, reflected in a median home value of $370,000 and typical rents around $1,550. Utilities and groceries are also a bit higher than U.S. norms, but residents benefit from a high quality of life and a range of local amenities. State taxes can vary, but overall expenses align with the area's desirable suburban setting.
Median House Value:
$370,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,800
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.1
Grocery:
114.8
Housing:
128.6
Utilities:
109.5
Transportation:
118.2
Health Care:
108.8
Miscellaneous:
107.4
Crime
Is Wanaque, NJ a safe place to live?
Wanaque is considered a safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate of just 85 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk well below many urban areas. Residents enjoy a reassuring sense of security, making it an especially appealing choice for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
720
Crime Index:
805
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 158
Weather
What is the weather like in Wanaque, NJ year-round?
Wanaque experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows in the 20s and warm summers reaching the low 80s. The area receives about 49 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine over half the year, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the seasons.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Wanaque enjoy a strong median income of over $100,000, with a low poverty rate of just 5%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times run about 33 minutes. A small percentage of residents use public transit, reflecting the area's suburban character.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$101,700
Family Income:
$110,800
Per Capita Income:
$42,800
Income Male:
$52,800
Income Female:
$45,200
Poverty Rate:
5.1%
Non English Speakers:
21.2%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
4.2%
Commute Time:
33.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
37.7%
Education
How are the schools in Wanaque, NJ?
Families in Wanaque benefit from quality public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as local private school options. Higher education is easily accessible, with William Paterson University located just six miles away, supporting a strong educational environment for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Wanaque Elementary School
Street:
1 1st St
Phone:
973-835-8200
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.9
Name:
Haskell Elementary School
Street:
973 Ringwood Ave
Phone:
973-835-8200
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis of Assisi School
Street:
868 Ringwood Ave
Phone:
973-835-2660
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
William Paterson University
City:
Wayne
State:
NJ
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
9,600
Healthcare
Wanaque residents have convenient access to major medical facilities like St. Joseph's Wayne Medical Center and Chilton Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services nearby. With nearly 3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 94% health insurance coverage, the community benefits from strong healthcare resources.

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
Name:
Chilton Medical Center
Address:
97 W Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Phone:
(973) 831-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
73.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wanaque, NJ?
The housing market in Wanaque is robust, with a median home price of $370,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 82%. Rental vacancies are low, and homes have appreciated over 6% in the past year, making the area attractive for both buyers and renters seeking stability and long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$370,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Wanaque handle vehicle services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton and accessible online or by phone. The state DMV provides all standard services, ensuring drivers can easily manage licenses, registrations, and renewals.
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.