Living in Newark, NJ
Newark is the 61st-largest city in the US, home to about 324,000 people in 2025. It has grown 4% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (112.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 323,808+4% since 2020
- Median home value
- $373,7007.2 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,392/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $52,060median, per year
- Price level
- 112.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 40° / 87°lows 26° / 69°
- Average commute
- 33 min7% work from home
- State income tax
- 10.75%top rate, graduated
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County: Essex County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 30 ft
Metro area: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Cost of living in Newark
The median home in Newark is worth $373,700 and the median household earns $52,060 a year, so a typical home costs about 7.2 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,392 a month, about 32% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area at 112.6, with housing at 148.6 and goods at 110.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $84,400 here. New Jersey taxes wages at a top rate of 10.75%. The average combined state and local sales tax in New Jersey is 6.6%.
What would my salary be worth in Newark?
Newark weather
Average highs run from 40°F in January to 87°F in July, and January nights average 26°F. It gets 47 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 32 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 80 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to June and August to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Newark
People and work
The median resident is 34.7 years old, and 20% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 24% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 33 minutes; 7% of workers work from home and 19% take public transit.
- Median age
- 34.7165th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 20%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 24%of households
- People per sq mile
- 13,41224.1 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 19%5% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 11.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 23.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1966median year
Who moves to Newark, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County) and Fort Lauderdale (Broward County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County), Houston (Harris County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Essex County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, strong wind, tornado, inland flooding.
Home prices
+6.3% in a year
Up 54% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Newark, NJ (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
42% good days
25 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Newark
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data 19% of workers take public transit, so living without a car is realistic.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 7.2 years of median household income.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 13% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Commutes are long: 33 minutes each way on average.
- Data Poverty is high: 23.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
- Data Air quality is a concern: 25 days in 2025 were unhealthy at least for sensitive groups (EPA).
Newark report card from locals
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Cities near Newark
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth, NJ | 5 mi | 141,675 | $449,300 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Jersey City, NJ | 6 mi | 302,013 | $566,900 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Clifton, NJ | 9 mi | 91,127 | $461,900 | 112.6 | Compare |
| New York, NY | 11 mi | 8,584,629 | $777,600 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Paterson, NJ | 13 mi | 161,793 | $360,100 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Yonkers, NY | 22 mi | 212,603 | $501,600 | 112.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Newark ranks 248th of 254 in our best suburbs of New York ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Newark with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Newark a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show 6 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes, long commutes. Compare Newark side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Newark?
The Census Bureau estimates Newark had 323,808 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 311,485 in April 2020 (+4%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Newark?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $84,400 in the Newark area. The median household here earns $52,060.
When is the best time to visit Newark?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to June and August to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 87°F and January 40°F for daytime highs.
What county is Newark in?
Newark is in Essex County, New Jersey. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Newark in?
Newark is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Newark?
About 30 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does New Jersey have a state income tax?
Yes. New Jersey has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 10.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Newark. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Newark Intl. Airport, NJ station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.