Paterson, NJ Census Data
The 3rd largest city in New Jersey by population · 19 cities ranked
Paterson is the 3rd largest city in New Jersey by population and ranks 16th of 19 for median household income. With 157,660 residents, its poverty rate of 23.6% ranks among the higher rates in New Jersey. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
157,660
49.3% male · 50.7% female
Median Age
33.3
5.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$53,766
$24,772 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
12.5%
22.5% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 76.1%
Poverty Rate
23.6%
11.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 19.1%
Broadband Access
92.0%
2.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$335,400
Median rent: $1,457 · 26% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
10.2%
Labor force participation: 56.7%
Per Capita Income
$33,566
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
1.4%
Disability rate: 8.6%
How Paterson Compares to Other New Jersey Cities
Rankings among all 19 New Jersey cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 3rd of 19 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 16th of 19 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 14th of 19 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 18th of 19 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 14th of 19 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Paterson, NJ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Paterson, NJ?
The population of Paterson, NJ is 157,660 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 33.3 years.
What is the median household income in Paterson?
The median household income in Paterson, NJ is $53,766, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $33,566.
What is the poverty rate in Paterson?
The poverty rate in Paterson, NJ is 23.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 19.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Paterson residents have a college degree?
12.5% of adults (25+) in Paterson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 76.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Paterson?
The median home value in Paterson, NJ is $335,400. Median rent is $1,457 per month, with 26% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Paterson?
Paterson's population is 15.5% White, 24.1% Black, 62.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.9% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Paterson rank among New Jersey cities?
Paterson is the 3rd largest city in New Jersey by population, the 16th highest for median household income, the 14th lowest for poverty rate, the 18th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 19 ranked New Jersey cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Paterson?
The unemployment rate in Paterson, NJ is 10.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.7%. Per capita income is $33,566.
Cities Similar to Paterson
Other New Jersey cities with comparable population and income levels.