Paterson, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
158,735
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,997/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
52,519
-0.0% year-over-year change

Paterson population

How many people live in Paterson

Paterson is home to 158,735 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Paterson locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
158,735
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
78,143
Female
50.8%
80,592
Value Percent YoY change
Male 78,143 49.2% 0.6%
Female 80,592 50.8% 0.8%
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 Paterson is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.2% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.5% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.2%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
27.5%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 36,747 23.2% 0.2%
15 to 24 22,888 14.4% 2.5%
25 to 44 43,581 27.5% -0.5%
45 to 64 36,232 22.8% 1.4%
Over 65 19,287 12.2% 0.8%
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 Paterson, 50.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 25% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 24.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 10.9% of locals are Caucasian, 22.6% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 24.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
50.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
25%
Non-citizens
24.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 79,921 50.4% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 39,768 25% -1.4%
Non-citizens 39,046 24.6% 5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
10.9%
Black or African American
22.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
24.1%
Other
37.6%
Value Percent
White 17,315 10.9%
Black or African American 35,947 22.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 812 0.5%
Asian 6,599 4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 36 0%
Two or more races 38,261 24.1%
Other 59,765 37.6%

Households in Paterson

A peek inside Paterson households

Paterson has 49,865 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.2% are families, while the remaining 26.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
49,865
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
13,375
Family households
36,490
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,375 26.8% 0.5%
Family households 36,490 73.2% 0.3%
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 Paterson

The housing landscape of Paterson

Paterson's housing consists of 52,519 units, with 15.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
52,519
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,328 15.9%
1 unit, attached 2,216 4.2%
2 units 17,769 33.8%
3 or 4 units 10,922 20.8%
5 to 9 units 3,539 6.7%
10 to 19 units 2,555 4.9%
20 to 49 units 2,135 4.1%
50 or more units 5,011 9.5%
Mobile home 44 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
363
26.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Paterson

In Paterson, the median construction year is 1954. About 32.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17,158 32.7% -1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,463 12.3% -7.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,452 14.2% 2.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,460 10.4% 3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,770 7.2% -19.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,540 6.7% 32.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,562 4.9% -18.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,591 4.9% 4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,160 6% 37.1%
Built in 2020 or later 363 0.7% 26.5%
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.

Paterson occupancy rates

Out of the 49,865 occupied housing units in Paterson, 26.9% are owner-occupied, while 73.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
49,865
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
36,441
Owner occupied
13,424
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 36,441 73.1% -0.6%
Owner occupied 13,424 26.9% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
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.

Paterson housing costs

Housing costs in Paterson come to a median of $1,621 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,548.

Median housing costs per month
$1,621/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 Paterson
$1,548/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 Paterson

Paterson education at a glance

About 51.5% of the population in Paterson went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15,016 13.1% 4.4%
High school diploma 59,124 51.5% -2.0%
College diploma 22,545 19.6% 6.9%
Associate degree 5,525 4.8% 8.9%
Bachelor's degree 9,575 8.3% -7.5%
Graduate degree 3,052 2.7% 1.7%
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 Paterson

How much people earn in Paterson

The average annual household income in Paterson was $76,043 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,997, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Paterson
$76,043/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Paterson
$55,997/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Paterson income by age

In Paterson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,842. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,404 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,848, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $31,163 in earnings. Overall, 78.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,848 3.2%
25 - 44 $56,842 7.4%
45 - 64 $71,404 5.9%
Over 65 $31,163 3.0%
Above poverty level
122,971
Below poverty level
32,849
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 122,971 78.9% 4.0%
Below poverty level 32,849 21.1% -9.3%

Average renter income in Paterson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Paterson, their median household income was $42,039 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,039
Rent-to-income ratio
44.2%
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 Paterson

Workforce and job types in Paterson

The job market in Paterson is powered by 67,993 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 78% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
67,993
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
44,433
Blue collar
23,560
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 44,433 65.4% 2.9%
Blue collar 23,560 34.6% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
78%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,264 7.7% 2.9%
Private companies 53,070 78% 0.0%
Governmental workers 6,540 9.6% 9.7%
Not for profit companies 3,119 4.6% 0.1%
Unemployment rate
10.7%
6.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Paterson stands at 10.7%, 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 Paterson

How people get around in Paterson

In Paterson, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 52,356 79.2% 0.5%
Taxicab 840 1.3% 5.5%
Bus or trolleybus 4,719 7.1% -3.3%
Subway or elevated 14 0% N/A
Railroad 112 0.2% -27.3%
Bicycle 84 0.1% 71.4%
Walk 3,950 6% 4.8%
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 Paterson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
07501 35,481 12,253 $44,300 $65,414
07502 17,158 4,698 $76,790 $91,368
07503 19,170 6,066 $60,443 $85,762
07504 13,123 3,695 $76,659 $101,885
07505 4,691 1,649 $36,326 $48,168
07513 11,576 3,401 $68,630 $80,075
07514 20,647 6,476 $70,205 $84,386
07522 23,040 7,158 $48,058 $67,064
07524 13,808 4,428 $49,103 $63,852

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FAQs about Paterson demographics 

What is the total population of Paterson?

Paterson has a total population of 158,735 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Paterson?

The gender ratio in Paterson is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (78,143 residents)
  • 50.8% females (80,592 residents)

What is the median age in Paterson?

The median age in Paterson is 33.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Paterson?

The age distribution in Paterson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.2% (36,747 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (22,888 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.5% (43,581 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (36,232 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (19,287 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Paterson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Paterson is as follows:
  • White: 10.9% (17,315 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.6% (35,947 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (812 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (6,599 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (36 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 24.1% (38,261 residents)
  • Other: 37.6% (59,765 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 50.4% of the population in Paterson.

How many housing units are there in Paterson?

There are 52,519 housing units in Paterson, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Paterson has a total of 49,865 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Paterson?

Paterson has a median household income of $55,997, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Paterson?

The employment rate is 89.3% in Paterson, with a workforce of 67,993 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.4% (44,433 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.6% (23,560 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (5,264 residents)
  • Private companies: 78% (53,070 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (6,540 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (3,119 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