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
Paterson covers 8.4 sq mi of land at 18740 people per square mile.
About Paterson, NJ
Paterson is a city in New Jersey with a population of 157,660. It ranks #3 among cities in New Jersey by population. The median age is 33.3, younger than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Paterson is $53,766, below the US median of $74,580. 20.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $335,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,457. The homeownership rate of 26.2% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Paterson reflects 12.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.1 minutes each way.
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% |
Largest cities in New Jersey
Largest counties in New Jersey
Part of New Jersey
Metro areas in New Jersey
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).
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Full rankings of New Jersey cities by population
Statewide data for New Jersey
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New Jersey
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.