Paterson city, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Paterson city, New Jersey has a total population of 157,660, the 3rd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $53,766, which is 47% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Paterson city is the 3rd largest city in New Jersey with a population of 157,660.
- Household income is 47% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 10.2% is notably above the national average.
Paterson city Quick Facts
How Paterson city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Paterson city Rankings in New Jersey
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Other Cities in Passaic County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifton city | 89,247 | $99,003 | 7.4% | $444,300 |
| Passaic city | 69,651 | $56,780 | 23.1% | $406,500 |
| Hawthorne borough | 19,472 | $118,093 | 5.1% | $499,200 |
| Woodland Park borough | 13,284 | $85,638 | 6.1% | $475,400 |
| Ringwood borough | 11,600 | $142,529 | 2.4% | $434,800 |
| Wanaque borough | 11,162 | $112,326 | 5.9% | $366,400 |
| Pompton Lakes borough | 11,010 | $119,038 | 9.7% | $411,100 |
| Totowa borough | 10,919 | $114,177 | 3.8% | $507,700 |
| Haledon borough | 8,936 | $94,178 | 9.3% | $347,700 |
| North Haledon borough | 8,757 | $131,810 | 1.9% | $517,200 |
Cities Similar to Paterson city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth city | 135,887 | $63,874 | $393,500 | 14.2% | 15.3% |
| Trenton city | 89,966 | $47,102 | $122,500 | 16.7% | 24.7% |
| Newark city | 307,188 | $48,416 | $337,800 | 17.4% | 24.7% |
| Toms River CDP | 93,915 | $95,759 | $377,800 | 35.2% | 6.3% |
| Passaic city | 69,651 | $56,780 | $406,500 | 16.9% | 23.1% |
Population Overview
Paterson city is a major urban center located in New Jersey, within Passaic County. The total population is 157,660. It ranks as the 3rd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Paterson city is 33.3 years. This is 17% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Paterson city is $53,766. This is 47% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.6%. This is 141% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 10.2%. This is 66% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $335,400. Housing costs are 22% lower than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 26.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 59% lower than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Paterson city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 62.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 23.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (7.8%) is well below the state average of 51.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (23.3% vs 12.3%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (62.8% vs 21.9%). The Asian population (4.8%) is well below the state average of 9.8%.
Education
12.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 71% lower 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 76.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Paterson city, 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 Paterson city, New Jersey?
Paterson city, New Jersey has a population of 157,660 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Paterson city, NJ?
The median household income in Paterson city is $53,766, which is 32% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Paterson city, NJ?
The poverty rate in Paterson city is 23.6%. This means approximately 36,881 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Paterson city, New Jersey?
Paterson city's population is 7.8% White, 23.3% Black, 62.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Paterson city, NJ?
The median home value in Paterson city is $335,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x.
How educated is Paterson city, New Jersey?
12.5% of adults (25+) in Paterson city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.