Elizabeth NJ

In Elizabeth, the rent-to-income burden runs around 27% — acceptable by national standards. Median income sits at $66,555 and median rent is $1,523/month. 52% of renters are cost-burdened (30%+ of income on housing). Landlords are winning; everyone else is treading water. Median home value: $449,300 — that's 6.8× the median income. Only 26% of households own their home — this is overwhelmingly a renter city, which helps explain the landlord leverage problem. Only 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. The economy runs on trades, logistics, and service work — and the wages reflect that. Employment picture: 7.71% unemployment — a average employment landscape. Poverty rate: 15.8%. Average commute: 27 minutes — acceptable. Elizabeth was founded in 1665 — that's 361 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 13.5 sq miles at 10,201 people/sq mile — densely packed. Elevation: 16 ft — essentially flat — floods are a real conversation. RoastMyCity overall score: 51/100 — Needs Work.