Paterson NJ

In Paterson, the rent-to-income burden runs around 33% — a stretch by national standards. Median income sits at $55,997 and median rent is $1,548/month. A staggering 56% of renters here are housing-cost-burdened — spending 30% or more of their income just to keep a roof overhead. Median home value: $360,100 — that's 6.4× the median income. Only 27% of households own their home — this is overwhelmingly a renter city, which helps explain the landlord leverage problem. Only 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. The economy runs on trades, logistics, and service work — and the wages reflect that. Employment picture: 10.74% unemployment — a softer job market. Poverty rate: 21.3% — well above the national average. The headline economic numbers hide a bifurcated city. Average commute: 23 minutes — acceptable. Paterson was founded in 1792 — that's 234 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 8.7 sq miles at 18,245 people/sq mile — one of the densest in the US. Elevation: 105 ft — essentially flat — floods are a real conversation. RoastMyCity overall score: 46/100 — Needs Work.