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CITY · 1990 CENSUS

Paterson

New Jersey · 140,891 residents · 8.413 sq mi
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The short version

Paterson has lower-than-average household income, with a median household income of $26,960. Population has declined 6% since 2000. 9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national rate of 20%. Median home value is $136,300. Households here earn about 34% less than the New Jersey median. Despite a median home value of $136,300, the poverty rate sits 40% above the US average — a pattern often seen in resort and college towns.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $30,130
Younger
median age 29.8
US median: 33.0
Less educated
9% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 20%
Stable housing
home values roughly flat, inflation adjusted
US median home: $93,722
Section 01

Population & growth

140,891
−6%vs 2000
vs 149,222 in 2000
1990 – 2025
16,747 / sq mi
−6%vs 2000
vs 17,737 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 221
29.8
−2%vs 2000
vs 30.5 in 2000
US average: 33.0
Population, 19902024
139K145K150K156K162K1990201020202024Paterson
2024159K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

$26,960
+8%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $32,778 in 2000
US average: $30,130
1990 – 2024
$10,518
−21%vs 2000
vs $13,257 in 2000
US average: $14,340
18.5%
−3.7 ptsvs 2000
vs 22.2% in 2000
US average: 13.2%
Section 03

Housing

$136,300
+21%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $148,500 in 2000
US average: $93,722
1990 – 2024
$524
−1%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $696 in 2000
US average: $450
33.6%
+2.1 ptsvs 2000
vs 31.5% in 2000
66.4% rent
5.1
+12%vs 2000
vs 4.5 in 2000
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Paterson on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic13.2%(19,765)
Black31.4%(46,882)
Hispanic / Latino50.1%(74,774)
Asian1.8%(2,728)
Other0%
Diversity Score75.7%(113,033)
1990
White, non-Hispanic41.2%(58,052)
Black36.1%(50,799)
Hispanic / Latino40.5%(57,050)
Asian1.4%(1,913)
Other21.4%(30,127)
Diversity Score92.7%(130,641)
93
+22%vs 2000
vs 76 in 2000
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

8.7%
+0.5 ptsvs 2000
vs 8.2% in 2000
US average: 20.3%
High school or higher
54.9%
−3.6 ptsvs 2000
vs 58.5% in 2000
US average: 75.2%
2.8%
Unchangedvs 2000
vs 2.8% in 2000
US average: 7.1%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

18.4 min
+15%vs 2000
vs 15.9 min in 2000
US average: 21.9
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

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Frequently asked

How many people live in Paterson, New Jersey?

Paterson, New Jersey has about 140,891 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Paterson, New Jersey?

The typical household in Paterson, New Jersey earns about $26,960 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Paterson, New Jersey expensive?

In Paterson, New Jersey, the median home is worth about $136,300, and the typical rent is about $524 a month.

How educated are people in Paterson, New Jersey?

About 8.7% of adults age 25 and over in Paterson, New Jersey hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Paterson, New Jersey?

About 18.5% of people in Paterson, New Jersey live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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