Passaic, NJ
Population 69,651 · New Jersey
About Passaic, NJ
Passaic is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 69,651 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,780 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.9 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 Passaic features a median home value of $406,500, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. This places Passaic in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,392, 20% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,019 total housing units, 23% are owner-occupied (4,798 units) and 77% are renter-occupied (15,636 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 Passaic shows an unemployment rate of 11.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Passaic have an average one-way commute time of 25.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.9% of Passaic 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 31.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Black or African American, and 33.2% Asian residents, with 42.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Passaic Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Passaic, NJ
Compared to national averages, Passaic has a median household income of $56,780 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $406,500, which is 66% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,392 is 20% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Passaic's income is 51% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 13% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Passaic, NJ?
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,780) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $406,500. However, as a mid-sized city, Passaic provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Passaic has a population of 69,651 with a median age of 30.9 years. Compare Passaic with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Passaic
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood | 69,884 | $57,576 | $618,400 | Compare |
| East Orange | 69,183 | $59,872 | $315,500 | Compare |
| Bayonne | 70,468 | $81,285 | $446,100 | Compare |
| Camden | 71,471 | $40,450 | $100,400 | Compare |
| Union City | 66,375 | $65,369 | $446,800 | Compare |
| Vineland | 60,692 | $65,854 | $218,200 | Compare |
| Hoboken | 58,340 | $176,943 | $872,100 | Compare |
| New Brunswick | 55,744 | $60,248 | $316,800 | 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 Passaic With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Passaic
What is the population of Passaic, NJ?
The population of Passaic, NJ is 69,651 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Passaic?
The median household income in Passaic, NJ is $56,780 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Passaic?
The median home value in Passaic, NJ is $406,500, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Passaic?
The median monthly rent in Passaic, NJ is $1,392, which is 20% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Passaic?
The unemployment rate in Passaic, NJ is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Passaic, NJ a good place to live?
Passaic offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 69,651 and a median age of 30.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Passaic, NJ?
16.9% of residents in Passaic 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 Passaic?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Passaic, NJ: median home value is $406,500 (66% above national), median rent is $1,392/month, and median household income is $56,780. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Passaic?
The poverty rate in Passaic, NJ is 23.0%, 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 Passaic, NJ?
Passaic's population is 31.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Black or African American, 33.2% Asian, and 6.3% two or more races. 42.1% of residents are foreign-born.