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).
Paterson city, NJ Climate
Paterson city, NJ has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 1237 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.9°C
Avg Temp
1237
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 97 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 76 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 104 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 107 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 116 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 101 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 118 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 108 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 111 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 97 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 107 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 95 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Paterson city, NJ
The most comfortable months to visit Paterson city, NJ are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Paterson
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.