countyscore
28.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.2Schools 60.3Weather & Climate 57.8

County Report Card

About Passaic County, New Jersey

Significant Livability Gaps Nationally

Passaic County’s composite score of 28.9 is well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the compounded challenges of high costs and lower safety metrics in this urban-industrial region.

Trailing the New Jersey Standard

Passaic falls well below the state average score of 41.4. It struggles to translate its relatively high household incomes into a high overall livability score due to significant cost and safety headwinds.

Competitive Incomes and Decent Schools

The county’s strongest asset is its income score of 90.2, with a median household income of $87,137. It also maintains a fair school score of 60.3 and a water quality score of 52.8.

Safety and Cost-of-Living Pressures

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 18.4, while the tax score of 1.6 reflects a high 2.276% effective rate. Housing costs also remain a burden, with a cost score of only 3.2.

Suited for Resilient Urban Commuters

Passaic is best for those who work in the New York metropolitan area and need to maintain high earnings while living in a more affordable NJ pocket. It appeals to residents who prioritize economic opportunity over safety and tax scores.

204060801001.63.218.448.660.390.24.252.857.8Tax1.6Cost3.2Safety18.4Health48.6Schools60.3Income90.2Risk4.2Water52.8Weather57.828.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Passaic County DNA

Foverall

How Passaic County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Passaic County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (1.6/100), though Income (90.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.6-50.4
Cost
3.2-44.8
Safety
18.4-36.6
Health
48.6
Schools
60.3
Income
90.2+39.2
Risk
4.2-42.8
Water
52.8
Weather
57.8
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Think property taxes are too high in Passaic County?

Many homeowners in Passaic County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$439,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,553/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$439,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$62,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $87,137/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Bergen County
New Jersey
48
Rockland County
New York
42.6
Essex County
New Jersey
33.3
Morris County
New Jersey
52
Hudson County
New Jersey
33.6
New York County
New York
56.5
Bronx County
New York
42.6
Union County
New Jersey
35.3

Deep Dives

Passaic County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Passaic County

via TaxByCounty

Passaic taxes exceed national average

Passaic County's 2.276% effective tax rate sits above the national median of 2.11%, placing it in the top third nationally. The median property tax of $10,001 reflects both an elevated rate and New Jersey home values, with the typical Passaic property worth $439,400.

Passaic ranks above state average

Passaic County's 2.276% effective tax rate exceeds New Jersey's state average of 2.211%, ranking it 6th highest among the 21 counties. Only Mercer County significantly outpaces Passaic in the tax burden hierarchy.

Passaic taxes higher than most peers

Passaic's 2.276% rate surpasses Hudson (1.851%), Monmouth (1.765%), Morris (1.796%), Ocean (1.773%), and Hunterdon (2.005%), matching only Middlesex (2.204%) and falling short of Mercer's 2.508%. Passaic ranks as the second-highest taxed county in this regional cluster.

A $439K home costs $10,001 yearly

The median Passaic County home is valued at $439,400, resulting in approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes. This bill remains stable whether a mortgage is present or not.

Passaic homeowners should challenge assessments

With Passaic's above-average tax rate, assessment accuracy is critical—roughly 15-20% of Jersey properties are overvalued on tax rolls. Homeowners can file a formal appeal with the county assessor if they believe their property's assessment exceeds its fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Passaic County

via CostByCounty

Passaic rents stretch median income thin

Passaic County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Jersey's 19.1% average, with a median household income of $87,137 supporting a median rent of $1,553. While rents remain below state average, Passaic's lower incomes make the housing burden comparatively heavier.

Passaic struggles with affordability

At 21.4%, Passaic's rent-to-income ratio ranks among New Jersey's worst, well above the state average of 19.1% and higher than most neighboring counties. The combination of below-state-average income and above-average affordability pressure creates real housing stress for Passaic renters.

Lower rents than Hudson, lower income

Passaic's $1,553 median rent is $258 below Hudson's $1,811, but Passaic households earn $87,137 versus Hudson's $90,032—leaving Passaic renters with less breathing room. Compared to Mercer's $1,515 rent and $96,333 income, Passaic ranks less favorable on both metrics.

Owners face steep costs too

Renters pay $1,553 monthly while homeowners face $2,385—among the state's highest owner costs relative to income. The median household income of $87,137 must stretch across both paths, making Passaic's housing market challenging whether renting or buying.

Consider location and income carefully

Passaic County suits households earning $90,000+ seeking urban access and affordability, but renters should budget carefully with 21.4% of income going to housing. If you're relocating with higher income, nearby Mercer County's 18.9% ratio may provide better value for similar rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Passaic County

via IncomeByCounty

Passaic County earns 16% above national median

Passaic County's median household income of $87,137 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $12,382, placing residents modestly above the national average. This performance reflects a diverse economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and small business activity supporting middle-income households.

Below-average income in New Jersey

At $87,137, Passaic County ranks among the lower-income counties in New Jersey, trailing the state median of $100,891 by $13,754. The county's income profile reflects its mixed urban and suburban character, with significant immigrant communities and working-class employment sectors.

Passaic trails most neighboring counties

Passaic County's $87,137 median income ranks second-lowest in this cluster, exceeding only Ocean County ($86,411) while significantly trailing Morris County ($134,929), Hunterdon County ($139,453), and Mercer County ($96,333). The income gap reflects Passaic's position as an economically developing county relative to New Jersey's prosperous northern tier.

Housing costs exceed affordability targets

Passaic residents spend 21.4% of household income on rent, above the 20% affordability threshold and creating budget pressure for many households. With a median home value of $439,400, renters face greater affordability challenges than homeowners, constraining savings capacity.

Build wealth through persistent discipline

Passaic County's median household income of $87,137 requires intentional financial planning to overcome higher housing cost burdens and build long-term wealth. Focus on employer retirement plans first, automate small monthly savings transfers, and leverage lower property costs outside core urban areas to build home equity over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Passaic County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Despite Urban Activity

Passaic County’s total crime rate of 2,166.2 per 100,000 remains below the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a safety score of 96.6, indicating a generally secure environment.

Challenges in the Garden State

The crime rate is higher than the New Jersey average of 1,525.9. Passaic also scores below the state safety average of 97.6, reflecting challenges common in densely populated areas.

Comparing North Jersey Counties

Passaic sees more crime than its neighbors Hudson (1,880.1) and Morris (694.6). Twenty reporting agencies work to manage safety across varied urban and suburban landscapes.

Breakdown of Local Crime

Violent crime stands at 428.1 per 100,000, while property crime is 1,738.1. While these numbers are higher than nearby counties, the majority of incidents do not involve physical violence.

Staying Safe in Passaic

Increasing home security and joining neighborhood watch programs can significantly impact local safety. Staying vigilant and connected with local law enforcement helps mitigate risks in the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Passaic County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across Diverse Districts

Passaic County operates 152 public schools across 29 districts, serving a total of 82,223 students. The county has a high concentration of primary education facilities, including 95 elementary schools.

Investing to Close the Gap

Passaic's 85.0% graduation rate is currently below the New Jersey average of 91.4% and the national average of 87.0%. The county maintains a per-pupil expenditure of $12,921, very close to the national spending average of $13,000.

Paterson and Passaic City Schools

Paterson Public School District is the largest in the county, managing 43 schools and 22,875 students. Charter schools are a prominent option here, with 8 schools accounting for about 5% of the total educational landscape.

Large Schools in Suburban Settings

While 143 schools are classified as suburban, the county features massive institutions like the Passaic County Technical Institute with 3,359 students. The average school size is 559 students, reflecting a mix of large vocational schools and smaller local elementary buildings.

Discover Opportunities in Passaic

Passaic County offers a range of educational paths, from large technical institutes to suburban neighborhood schools. Researching the specific outcomes of districts like Clifton or Wayne can help you find a home that fits your educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Passaic County

via RiskByCounty

Passaic County carries above-average disaster risk

Passaic County scores 95.83 out of 100 for composite risk, placing it in the relatively high category and substantially above national and state averages. This score reflects significant exposure to floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other hazards.

Sixth-highest risk in New Jersey

Passaic County ranks sixth statewide in disaster risk with a composite score of 95.83, trailing only Middlesex, Hudson, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Its score exceeds the state average of 90.81 by nearly 5 points.

Riskier than nearby Morris County

Passaic County (95.83) carries higher risk than Morris County (92.88) to the east and similar risk to Hudson County (97.23) to the northeast. Its position in northern New Jersey exposes it to multiple hazard types.

Floods and tornadoes dominate exposure

Passaic County faces flood risk at 97.84, among the state's highest, driven by river systems and precipitation patterns affecting the region. Tornado risk scores 88.80 and earthquake risk 88.64, while wildfire risk (16.06) is among the state's lowest.

Make flood insurance your top priority

Passaic County residents must obtain flood insurance as the single most critical protection, given the county's 97.84 flood risk score. Add earthquake and tornado coverage to your homeowner policy, and ensure your home has a clear emergency evacuation plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Passaic County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Performance in Passaic County

Passaic holds a 'C' grade, with 57 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 12.6 per 100K remains below the New Jersey average of 20.0.

Watershed Assessment Data Currently N/A

Passaic County water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal §303(d) reporting cycle. This means comprehensive impairment data is not currently available in the federal ATTAINS database.

Specialized Monitoring for Organics and PFAS

A network of 75 sites has contributed 25,554 measurements to federal records. Most measurements focus on organics, PCBs, physical traits, and PFAS chemicals.

Passaic River Flow Critically Low

The Passaic River at Dundee Dam is discharging 235 cfs, which is only 18% of its long-term mean. This extreme low flow indicates significant hydrological stress in the regional watershed.

Vigilance During Low Flow Periods

With streamflow at just 18% of normal and significant monitoring for PFAS, residents should prioritize effective water filtration. It is also important to follow any local water use restrictions during these dry conditions.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Passaic County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler highland climate in the north

Passaic County records an annual average of 51.6°F, which is notably lower than the national median. This cooler profile is typical of the northern New Jersey Appalachian foothills.

One of the state’s coldest spots

Passaic sits two full degrees below the New Jersey state average of 53.6°F. It represents the colder end of the state's climate spectrum.

Low heat extremes compared to neighbors

Passaic only experiences 15 extreme heat days, fewer than the 16 in Morris and 31 in Hudson. It maintains a high precipitation level of 50.3 inches annually.

Cold winters with limited heat waves

January temperatures average 28.8°F, the lowest in this group. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the cold winter baseline suggests frequent freezing conditions.

Prepare for cold and damp seasons

With the lowest number of extreme heat days, residents can focus less on cooling and more on winter readiness. Sub-30-degree January averages require robust home heating and cold-weather gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Passaic County

via SoilByCounty

Intensely Acidic Northern Highlands

Passaic County features a very low average pH of 3.24, making it one of the most acidic regions in the state. This is far below the national median of 6.5 and even the New Jersey average of 4.24. Such low pH levels often require significant adjustment for standard garden vegetables.

A Light Mineral Framework

The mineral composition consists of 36.1% sand, 29.6% silt, and 9.4% clay. This low-clay mix prevents the soil from becoming heavy or compacted, even in the county's more rugged terrain. It provides an airy environment that is generally easy for plant roots to navigate.

The State's Richest Organic Soil

Passaic County boasts a massive 23.21% organic matter content, the highest among its neighbors and far above the 2.0% national average. This is paired with a superior available water capacity of 0.186 in/in. These soils are exceptional at storing water and nutrients, despite their high acidity.

High-Capacity Water Storage

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high organic matter and 0.186 water capacity suggest a sponge-like quality to the land. This soil can absorb significant rainfall, which helps mitigate runoff in the county's hilly areas. Managing this moisture is key to successful local land use.

Abundant Potential in Zone 7a

With a 7a hardiness zone, Passaic County supports a versatile range of mid-Atlantic crops. The incredible organic matter levels provide a natural boost for any garden once the pH is balanced with lime. It is an ideal place to grow moisture-loving plants that thrive in rich, deep soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Passaic County

via LawnByCounty

Passaic's Uphill Battle

Passaic County is one of the most difficult places in the state for lawn care, with a score of 42.9. This puts it far below the national median of 50.0 and the New Jersey average of 48.0. Growers in this zone 7a area must overcome significant soil and climate hurdles to maintain turf.

Cool Nights and Wet Soil

The county receives a heavy 50.3 inches of rain annually, which is just above the ideal range for most grasses. With only 15 extreme heat days, heat stress is less of a concern than in other parts of the state. However, the low 3096 growing degree days mean your grass may grow more slowly than in southern Jersey.

Overcoming Intense Acidity

Soil health is the biggest barrier here, with a very low pH of 3.24 that can be toxic to many grass species. The soil has a low clay content of 9.4% and is 36.1% sand, which can lead to poor nutrient retention. Massive lime applications are essential to raise the pH toward the 6.0-7.0 range required for growth.

Combating Severe Water Shortages

Passaic has struggled with drought, spending 40 weeks in dry conditions with 80.9% of the county currently in severe drought. During these critical times, it is vital to avoid fertilizing, as the salts can further dehydrate stressed grass. Focus on keeping the soil covered and reducing foot traffic until the drought subsides.

Strategic Planting for Passaic

Focus on acid-tolerant grass blends and ensure you seed during the spring window starting after April 19th. Fall planting is also effective, but you must finish by late September to beat the October 23rd frost. Persistence and soil testing are your best tools for success in these tough conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Passaic County's county score?
Passaic County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 28.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Passaic County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Passaic County ranks #20 among all counties in New Jersey on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Passaic County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Passaic County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 2.28%. This earns Passaic County a tax score of 1.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Passaic County?
The median household income in Passaic County, New Jersey is $87,137 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Passaic County earns an income score of 90.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Passaic County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Passaic County scores 28.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Passaic County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Passaic County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.