Elizabeth, NJ
Population 135,887 · New Jersey
About Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth is a major city located in New Jersey with a population of 135,887 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,874 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elizabeth features a median home value of $393,500, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. This places Elizabeth in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,463, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 48,940 total housing units, 25% are owner-occupied (11,664 units) and 75% are renter-occupied (34,268 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elizabeth shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elizabeth have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.2% of Elizabeth residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Black or African American, and 51.4% Asian residents, with 50.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elizabeth Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Elizabeth, NJ
Compared to national averages, Elizabeth has a median household income of $63,874 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $393,500, which is 61% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,463 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Elizabeth's income is 45% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 16% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Elizabeth, NJ?
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,874) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $393,500. However, as a major city, Elizabeth provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Elizabeth has a population of 135,887 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Elizabeth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Elizabeth
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson | 157,660 | $53,766 | $335,400 | Compare |
| Toms River | 93,915 | $95,759 | $377,800 | Compare |
| Trenton | 89,966 | $47,102 | $122,500 | Compare |
| Clifton | 89,247 | $99,003 | $444,300 | Compare |
| Camden | 71,471 | $40,450 | $100,400 | Compare |
| Bayonne | 70,468 | $81,285 | $446,100 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 69,884 | $57,576 | $618,400 | Compare |
| Passaic | 69,651 | $56,780 | $406,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elizabeth With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth
What is the population of Elizabeth, NJ?
The population of Elizabeth, NJ is 135,887 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Elizabeth?
The median household income in Elizabeth, NJ is $63,874 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elizabeth?
The median home value in Elizabeth, NJ is $393,500, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Elizabeth?
The median monthly rent in Elizabeth, NJ is $1,463, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elizabeth?
The unemployment rate in Elizabeth, NJ is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elizabeth, NJ a good place to live?
Elizabeth offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 135,887 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elizabeth, NJ?
14.2% of residents in Elizabeth aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elizabeth, NJ: median home value is $393,500 (61% above national), median rent is $1,463/month, and median household income is $63,874. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Elizabeth?
The poverty rate in Elizabeth, NJ is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Elizabeth, NJ?
Elizabeth's population is 3.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Black or African American, 51.4% Asian, and 15.2% two or more races. 50.6% of residents are foreign-born.