Perth Amboy, NJ
Population 55,278 · New Jersey
About Perth Amboy, NJ
Perth Amboy is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 55,278 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,490 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Perth Amboy features a median home value of $339,200, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Perth Amboy in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,629, 40% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,684 total housing units, 33% are owner-occupied (6,348 units) and 67% are renter-occupied (12,671 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 Perth Amboy shows an unemployment rate of 12.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Perth Amboy have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.2% of Perth Amboy 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 7.0% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Black or African American, and 56.5% Asian residents, with 48.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Perth Amboy Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Perth Amboy, NJ
Compared to national averages, Perth Amboy has a median household income of $58,490 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $339,200, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,629 is 40% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Perth Amboy's income is 49% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 28% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Perth Amboy, NJ?
Perth Amboy offers short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,490) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Perth Amboy provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Perth Amboy has a population of 55,278 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Perth Amboy with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Perth Amboy
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | 55,744 | $60,248 | $316,800 | Compare |
| Plainfield | 54,515 | $80,334 | $383,300 | Compare |
| Hoboken | 58,340 | $176,943 | $872,100 | Compare |
| West New York | 51,683 | $67,139 | $410,200 | Compare |
| Vineland | 60,692 | $65,854 | $218,200 | Compare |
| Hackensack | 45,768 | $82,212 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Sayreville | 45,237 | $98,629 | $407,600 | Compare |
| Sicklerville | 44,500 | $102,881 | $256,600 | 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 Perth Amboy With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Perth Amboy
What is the population of Perth Amboy, NJ?
The population of Perth Amboy, NJ is 55,278 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 Perth Amboy?
The median household income in Perth Amboy, NJ is $58,490 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Perth Amboy?
The median home value in Perth Amboy, NJ is $339,200, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Perth Amboy?
The median monthly rent in Perth Amboy, NJ is $1,629, which is 40% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Perth Amboy?
The unemployment rate in Perth Amboy, NJ is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Perth Amboy, NJ a good place to live?
Perth Amboy offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 55,278 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Perth Amboy, NJ?
15.2% of residents in Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Perth Amboy, NJ: median home value is $339,200 (39% above national), median rent is $1,629/month, and median household income is $58,490. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Perth Amboy?
The poverty rate in Perth Amboy, NJ is 20.0%, 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 Perth Amboy, NJ?
Perth Amboy's population is 7.0% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Black or African American, 56.5% Asian, and 5.5% two or more races. 48.0% of residents are foreign-born.