Paterson, New Jersey Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Paterson, New Jersey is 157,660 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in New Jersey. The median household income is $53,766, the median home value is $335,400, and the median age is 33.3.
The population has grown 9.6% since 2010 (146,391 → 160,463).
157,660
Population
18740
People / sq mi
$53,766
Median Income
$335,400
Median Home Value
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Paterson covers 8.4 sq mi of land at 18740 people per square mile.
About Paterson, NJ
Paterson stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US cities, at roughly 18,740 people per square mile. Paterson is a city in New Jersey with a population of 157,660. It is the #3-largest of all cities in New Jersey nationally.
The typical household earns $53,766, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 20.9%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $335,400, with typical rent around $1,457.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 12.5%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 4.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Paterson: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Paterson city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Paterson city had a population of 146,391 in 2010 and 160,463 in 2024, a 9.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 160,463 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.69%.
160,463
Population (2024)
146,391
Population (2010)
160,463
Peak (2024)
0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 146,391 |
| 2011 | 145,593 |
| 2012 | 146,111 |
| 2013 | 146,049 |
| 2014 | 145,911 |
| 2015 | 145,928 |
| 2016 | 145,773 |
| 2017 | 146,015 |
| 2018 | 145,594 |
| 2019 | 145,233 |
| 2020 | 159,328 |
| 2021 | 158,102 |
| 2022 | 157,278 |
| 2023 | 158,537 |
| 2024 | 160,463 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 15.5% |
| Black or African American | 24.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$53,766
Median Household Income
$23,528
Per Capita Income
20.9%
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$335,400
Median Home Value
$1,457
Median Rent
26.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
76.1%
High School+
12.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
8.0%
Drive Alone
62.4%
Public Transit
4.8%
Work From Home
23.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
8.1%
Foreign Born
34.0%
Non-English at Home
1.4%
Veterans
8.6%
With Disability
80.9%
Health Insurance
92.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.7% |
| Manufacturing | 14.7% |
| Retail Trade | 11.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.9% |
| Construction | 6.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Information | 3.3% |
| Public Administration | 2.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
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City rankings
Common questions about Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Paterson, New Jersey has a population of 157,660 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in New Jersey.
The median household income in Paterson, New Jersey is $53,766, with 20.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Paterson, New Jersey is $335,400, with median monthly rent at $1,457 and a homeownership rate of 26.2%.
The median age in Paterson, New Jersey is 33.3 years. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The population has grown 9.6% since 2010 (146,391 → 160,463).
Where to stay in Paterson
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.