City Profile
Passaic, New Jersey
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Passaic is a historic industrial city situated along the Passaic River in Passaic County, New Jersey. Founded originally as a Dutch settlement in the late 17th century and later incorporated as a township and city, it grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution as a major hub for textile and metal manufacturing. Today, Passaic is celebrated for its dense urban environment, vibrant multicultural identity, and robust commercial corridors that attract new residents seeking close proximity to New York City.
New Jersey, known as the "Garden State," offers a diverse character ranging from dense urban areas to charming suburban towns and rural landscapes. Its robust economy, with a GDP of over $815 billion, is driven by major industries such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences, financial services, technology, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and logistics. Living in New Jersey is generally more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a primary factor. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate across most of its area, characterized by warm, humid summers and moderately cold, occasionally snowy winters, with distinct seasonal changes. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia with access to beaches, mountains, and various recreational opportunities.
How this 48/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 30% | 19.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 108.0 | 33.8 | 25% | 8.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $55,371 Income needed to live here: $62,000 Unemployment rate: 5.7% | 32.7 | 20% | 6.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.35% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 41.9 | 15% | 6.3 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 47.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=64, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Passaic reflects its position within the high-priced New York metropolitan area, though it generally remains more affordable than neighboring municipalities or Manhattan. Housing and rental expenses are the primary drivers of everyday costs, heavily influenced by regional demand and limited geographic space within the city's borders. Groceries, utilities, and transportation expenses align closely with regional averages, providing a slightly more budget-friendly alternative for families compared to other parts of northern New Jersey.
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Passaic features a diverse local economy anchored heavily by retail trade, health services, manufacturing, and educational services. While a substantial portion of the resident workforce commutes into New York City or surrounding commercial hubs like Clifton and Newark, local employers in healthcare and light manufacturing provide steady employment opportunities. The city's entrepreneurial climate is bolstered by active commercial districts, vibrant small businesses, and ongoing efforts to revitalize historic industrial zones.
The average salary in Passaic is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $62,000 to live comfortably.
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Passaic functions as an exceptionally walkable urban center with comprehensive public transit connections via NJ Transit buses and the Passaic train station on the Main Line. Commuters benefit from direct rail and bus lines providing efficient access to Secaucus Junction, Hoboken, and New York Penn Station. While car ownership is common, the city's dense grid layout and high population density mean that public transit and walking play a vital role in daily mobility.
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