Perth Amboy, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
55,855
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,977/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
19,615
-0.3% year-over-year change

Perth Amboy population

How many people live in Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy is home to 55,855 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Perth Amboy locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
55,855
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
27,503
Female
50.8%
28,352
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,503 49.2% 2.4%
Female 28,352 50.8% -0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Perth Amboy is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 26.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
26.7%
Over 65
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,278 18.4% -6.9%
15 to 24 8,349 15% 6.1%
25 to 44 15,003 26.9% -3.3%
45 to 64 14,911 26.7% 6.1%
Over 65 7,314 13.1% 7.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Perth Amboy, 42% of the population are US-born citizens, while 31.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 26.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20.1% of locals are Caucasian, 7.9% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 19.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
42%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
31.8%
Non-citizens
26.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,472 42% -3.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17,770 31.8% -0.8%
Non-citizens 14,613 26.2% 11.4%
Racial breakdown
White
20.1%
Black or African American
7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.2%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
19.2%
Other
48%
Value Percent
White 11,238 20.1%
Black or African American 4,399 7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,766 3.2%
Asian 861 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0%
Two or more races 10,731 19.2%
Other 26,839 48%

Households in Perth Amboy

A peek inside Perth Amboy households

Perth Amboy has 19,045 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.6% are families, while the remaining 29.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,045
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,590
Family households
13,455
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,590 29.4% 2.1%
Family households 13,455 70.6% -0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Perth Amboy

The housing landscape of Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy's housing consists of 19,615 units, with 29.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
19,615
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,732 29.2%
1 unit, attached 1,404 7.2%
2 units 4,378 22.3%
3 or 4 units 2,551 13%
5 to 9 units 1,393 7.1%
10 to 19 units 1,456 7.4%
20 to 49 units 861 4.4%
50 or more units 1,752 8.9%
Mobile home 88 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
275
15.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Perth Amboy

In Perth Amboy, the median construction year is 1959. About 31% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,081 31% -3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,801 9.2% -8.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,072 10.6% -8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,982 10.1% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,871 9.5% -3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,138 5.8% 7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,387 7.1% -10.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,927 9.8% 28.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,081 5.5% 14.9%
Built in 2020 or later 275 1.4% 15.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Perth Amboy occupancy rates

Out of the 19,045 occupied housing units in Perth Amboy, 35.4% are owner-occupied, while 64.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,045
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,296
Owner occupied
6,749
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,296 64.6% -3.0%
Owner occupied 6,749 35.4% 6.3%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Perth Amboy housing costs

Housing costs in Perth Amboy come to a median of $1,720 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,688.

Median housing costs per month
$1,720/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Perth Amboy
$1,688/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy education at a glance

About 44.1% of the population in Perth Amboy went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 10.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,492 17.3% 8.5%
High school diploma 19,077 44.1% -1.1%
College diploma 7,784 18% 6.9%
Associate degree 2,662 6.2% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 4,523 10.5% 9.9%
Graduate degree 1,688 3.9% 1.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Perth Amboy

How much people earn in Perth Amboy

The average annual household income in Perth Amboy was $79,133 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,977, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Perth Amboy
$79,133/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Perth Amboy
$61,977/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Perth Amboy income by age

In Perth Amboy, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,214. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,948 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,786, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,023 in earnings. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,786 1.4%
25 - 44 $73,214 8.7%
45 - 64 $58,948 4.8%
Over 65 $42,023 2.2%
Above poverty level
43,715
Below poverty level
11,058
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 43,715 79.8% 1.2%
Below poverty level 11,058 20.2% 2.6%

Average renter income in Perth Amboy

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Perth Amboy, their median household income was $45,131 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,131
Rent-to-income ratio
44.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Perth Amboy

Workforce and job types in Perth Amboy

The job market in Perth Amboy is powered by 26,142 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 55.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 44.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 12% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,142
1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
14,570
Blue collar
11,572
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 14,570 55.7% 1.4%
Blue collar 11,572 44.3% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
12%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,041 7.8% 12.1%
Private companies 19,554 74.8% -1.3%
Governmental workers 3,148 12% 11.8%
Not for profit companies 1,399 5.4% 4.8%
Unemployment rate
14.2%
15.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Perth Amboy stands at 14.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Perth Amboy

How people get around in Perth Amboy

In Perth Amboy, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 72.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-5.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 18,025 72.9% 1.1%
Taxicab 1,179 4.8% 19.9%
Bus or trolleybus 281 1.1% -36.0%
Subway or elevated 344 1.4% N/A
Railroad 70 0.3% -44.9%
Walk 1,572 6.4% -11.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Perth Amboy by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08861 59,351 20,596 $64,491 $82,468

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FAQs about Perth Amboy demographics 

What is the total population of Perth Amboy?

Perth Amboy has a total population of 55,855 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Perth Amboy?

The gender ratio in Perth Amboy is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (27,503 residents)
  • 50.8% females (28,352 residents)

What is the median age in Perth Amboy?

The median age in Perth Amboy is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Perth Amboy?

The age distribution in Perth Amboy is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (10,278 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (8,349 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (15,003 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.7% (14,911 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.1% (7,314 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Perth Amboy?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Perth Amboy is as follows:
  • White: 20.1% (11,238 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.9% (4,399 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.2% (1,766 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (861 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.2% (10,731 residents)
  • Other: 48% (26,839 residents)

What percentage of the population in Perth Amboy are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 42% of the population in Perth Amboy.

How many housing units are there in Perth Amboy?

There are 19,615 housing units in Perth Amboy, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Perth Amboy and what is the average household size?

Perth Amboy has a total of 19,045 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Perth Amboy?

Perth Amboy has a median household income of $61,977, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Perth Amboy?

The employment rate is 85.8% in Perth Amboy, with a workforce of 26,142 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 55.7% (14,570 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 44.3% (11,572 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (2,041 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (19,554 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12% (3,148 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (1,399 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025