Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Paterson, NJ
Considering a move to West Paterson, NJ? With a population of 12,052, this friendly suburban community offers a median home price around $437,000 and average rents at $1,680. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of just 82 per 100K, reasonable commute times, and access to quality public schools. The area features a diverse population, strong access to healthcare, and four distinct seasons—making it a convenient and comfortable place to call home.
Demographics - West Paterson, NJ
Demographics - West Paterson, NJ
West Paterson, NJ is home to about 12,000 residents with a median age of 40, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals. The city is predominantly White (72%), but also features a notable Asian and multicultural presence, and over a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and nearly even gender ratio contribute to a welcoming suburban atmosphere.
Population:
12,052
Density:
5,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.3
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
26.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
7.5%
Others:
17.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Paterson, NJ?
The cost of living in West Paterson is higher than the national average, with a median home value of $437,000 and a cost of living index of 126. Groceries, housing, and utilities are all above average, while state income taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%, making budgeting important for new residents. Monthly rents average $1,680, reflecting the area's desirability and proximity to amenities.
Median House Value:
$437,000
Gross Rent:
$1,680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$715
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
126.4
Grocery:
119.0
Housing:
135.0
Utilities:
112.2
Transportation:
121.5
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is West Paterson, NJ a safe place to live?
West Paterson boasts a low violent crime rate of 82 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a reassuringly safe environment for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively modest, with a 1 in 116 chance annually. These statistics make the community feel secure and attractive to those prioritizing safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
866
Crime Index:
948
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 116
Weather
What is the weather like in West Paterson, NJ year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 25°F and warm summers peaking at 86°F. The area receives around 49 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days, providing a classic northeastern climate. Seasonal changes bring a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
West Paterson's neighborhoods are characterized by a strong sense of community, with a median household income close to $88,000 and a low poverty rate of just over 5%. Most adults have completed high school, and a third hold a bachelor's degree or higher, supporting a well-educated and economically stable population. Commute times average about 32 minutes, and public transportation is accessible for those working in nearby cities.
Median Income:
$47,500
Household Income:
$87,900
Family Income:
$97,100
Per Capita Income:
$38,600
Income Male:
$51,200
Income Female:
$41,700
Poverty Rate:
5.1%
Non English Speakers:
26.0%
Rent:
$1,680
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
9.4%
Commute Time:
31.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.8%
Education
How are the schools in West Paterson, NJ?
West Paterson offers quality education options, including public schools like Memorial and Charles Olbon, which maintain low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. Private schooling is available, and the city is conveniently located near major universities such as William Paterson University and Montclair State, expanding higher education opportunities. The community values education, with strong high school and college attainment rates.

Public Schools
Name:
Memorial School
Street:
1 Memorial Dr
Phone:
973-812-2250
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Charles Olbon School
Street:
50 Roosevelt Ave
Phone:
973-812-2266
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Pompei School
Street:
70 Murray Ave
Phone:
973-942-0486
Students:
300

Colleges
Name:
William Paterson University
City:
Wayne
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
9,600
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
21,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust in West Paterson, with major hospitals like St. Joseph's University Medical Center nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 92%. The city has 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring timely medical attention. Overall, healthcare quality is strong, supporting residents' well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Joseph's University Medical Center
Address:
703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503
Phone:
(973) 754-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary's General Hospital
Address:
350 Boulevard, Passaic, NJ 07055
Phone:
(973) 365-4300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Paterson, NJ?
The housing market in West Paterson is competitive, with a median home price of $437,000 and a home appreciation rate of 6.2% over the past year. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, rental vacancies are low, and the foreclosure rate is minimal. These factors combine to create a stable and appealing real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$437,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,680
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, headquartered in Trenton. The state DMV offers a comprehensive website and phone support for licensing, registration, and related needs. Local offices and resources make it convenient for newcomers to handle transportation requirements.
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.