Paramus borough, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Paramus borough, New Jersey has a total population of 26,500, the 38th largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $139,707, which is 38% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey.
- Unemployment rate of 8.0% is notably above the national average.
Paramus borough Quick Facts
How Paramus borough Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Paramus borough Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Bergen County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackensack city | 45,768 | $82,212 | 11.3% | $370,300 |
| Fort Lee borough | 39,818 | $105,535 | 8.4% | $422,200 |
| Fair Lawn borough | 35,153 | $147,952 | 6.1% | $532,700 |
| Garfield city | 32,502 | $75,701 | 14.2% | $454,300 |
| Englewood city | 29,342 | $101,398 | 9.8% | $497,500 |
| Bergenfield borough | 28,269 | $124,083 | 6.1% | $469,200 |
| Ridgewood village | 26,076 | $217,250 | 3.7% | $882,700 |
| Lodi borough | 25,946 | $84,570 | 16.0% | $449,200 |
| Cliffside Park borough | 25,580 | $94,960 | 11.3% | $577,200 |
| Elmwood Park borough | 21,287 | $100,852 | 10.0% | $456,000 |
Cities Similar to Paramus borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergenfield borough | 28,269 | $124,083 | $469,200 | 47.7% | 6.1% |
| South Plainfield borough | 24,231 | $126,063 | $443,900 | 42.0% | 3.5% |
| Hillsborough CDP | 22,302 | $142,275 | $411,400 | 58.3% | 3.0% |
| Old Bridge CDP | 28,015 | $106,934 | $457,800 | 36.3% | 6.9% |
| Somerset CDP | 23,851 | $113,603 | $408,600 | 58.6% | 6.1% |
Population Overview
Paramus borough is a mid-sized community located in New Jersey, within Bergen County. The total population is 26,500. It ranks as the 38th most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Paramus borough is 49.1 years. This is 22% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 13.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Paramus borough is $139,707. This is 38% higher than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 78% higher. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%. This is 43% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. The unemployment rate is 8.0%. This is 30% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $736,000. Housing costs are 72% higher than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x. 81.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% higher than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Paramus borough is White (non-Hispanic), making up 56.1% of the population. Asian residents account for 23.5%. The Black or African American population (3.9%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (23.5% vs 9.8%).
Education
50.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.1%. Notably, 18.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Paramus borough, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Paramus borough, New Jersey?
Paramus borough, New Jersey has a population of 26,500 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Paramus borough, NJ?
The median household income in Paramus borough is $139,707, which is 78% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Paramus borough, NJ?
The poverty rate in Paramus borough is 5.5%. This means approximately 1,384 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Paramus borough, New Jersey?
Paramus borough's population is 56.1% White, 3.9% Black, 13.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 23.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Paramus borough, NJ?
The median home value in Paramus borough is $736,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x.
How educated is Paramus borough, New Jersey?
50.2% of adults (25+) in Paramus borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.