Living in Paterson, NJ
Paterson is the 165th-largest city in the US, home to about 162,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (112.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 161,793+1.3% since 2020
- Median home value
- $360,1006.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,548/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $55,997median, per year
- Price level
- 112.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 40° / 85°lows 28° / 70°
- Average commute
- 23 min5% work from home
- State income tax
- 10.75%top rate, graduated
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County: Passaic County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 85 ft
Metro area: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Cost of living in Paterson
The median home in Paterson is worth $360,100 and the median household earns $55,997 a year, so a typical home costs about 6.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,548 a month, about 33% 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 Paterson?
Paterson weather
Average highs run from 40°F in January to 85°F in July, and January nights average 28°F. It gets 50 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 30 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 67 times a year. The most comfortable months are May and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Paterson
People and work
The median resident is 33.3 years old, and 12% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 27% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 23 minutes; 5% of workers work from home and 7% take public transit.
- Median age
- 33.395th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 12%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 27%of households
- People per sq mile
- 19,2318.4 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 7%6% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 10.7%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 21.2%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1954median year
Who moves to Paterson, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Miami (Miami-Dade County), Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) and Orlando (Orange County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Fort Lauderdale (Broward County), Orlando (Orange County) and Tampa (Hillsborough 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 Passaic County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, strong wind, lightning, inland flooding.
Home prices
+5.7% in a year
Up 45% over five years. FHFA house price index for the New York-Jersey City-White Plains, NY-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.
Parks and sights near Paterson
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Yankee Stadium 14 miles
- Citi Field 20 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Paterson
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Newark Liberty International Airport EWR | 16 mi | 24,544,320 |
| LaGuardia Airport LGA | 18 mi | 16,715,567 |
| Westchester County Airport HPN | 26 mi | 1,182,384 |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK | 28 mi | 31,466,102 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Paterson
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | 16 mi | 28,663 | $35,737 | 88% |
| CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | 16 mi | 18,623 | $2,955 | 24% |
| Montclair State University | 4 mi | 18,376 | $15,193 | 66% |
| CUNY Hunter College | 15 mi | 16,289 | $1,051 | 59% |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | 16 mi | 16,154 | $657 | 70% |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | 18 mi | 13,580 | $2,818 | 19% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Paterson
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 30, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 8 and the first frost comes around November 20.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for New York Central Park Tower, NY, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Paterson.
Wildfire smoke in Paterson
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Paterson on about 110 days a year, including about 25 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Paterson
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 49,865 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Paterson
Downtown Paterson is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson City School District | Pre-K to 12 | 24,291 | 43 | 14.0 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Newark City School District (44,199 students), Passaic City School District (12,012 students), Clifton City School District (11,010 students), East Orange City School District (9,412 students), Wayne Township School District (7,653 students), West Orange Town School District (7,119 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Paterson's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Paterson's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Charlottesville, VA61% matchCompare
- Chicago, IL57% matchCompare
- Fishers, IN53% matchCompare
- Noblesville, IN53% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Paterson
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Paterson
- Campgaw Mountain Reservation 9 miles
- Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center 23 miles
- National Winter Activity Center 24 miles
- Mountain Creek 25 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Paterson
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
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Paterson?
Cons
- 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 Air quality is a concern: 25 days in 2025 were unhealthy at least for sensitive groups (EPA).
Paterson report card from locals
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Paterson through locals' eyes
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Cities near Paterson
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifton, NJ | 4 mi | 91,127 | $461,900 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Newark, NJ | 13 mi | 323,808 | $373,700 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Jersey City, NJ | 14 mi | 302,013 | $566,900 | 112.6 | Compare |
| New York, NY | 15 mi | 8,584,629 | $777,600 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Yonkers, NY | 16 mi | 212,603 | $501,600 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Elizabeth, NJ | 17 mi | 141,675 | $449,300 | 112.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Paterson ranks 226th 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 Paterson with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Paterson a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show short commutes; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Paterson side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Paterson?
The Census Bureau estimates Paterson had 161,793 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 159,761 in April 2020 (+1.3%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Paterson?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $84,400 in the Paterson area. The median household here earns $55,997.
When is the best time to visit Paterson?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 85°F and January 40°F for daytime highs.
What county is Paterson in?
Paterson is in Passaic County, New Jersey. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Paterson in?
Paterson is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Paterson?
About 85 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 Paterson. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, New York Central Park Tower, NY station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.