Passaic County Demographics

As of 2020, Passaic County, NJ has a population of approximately 524,118. The median age is around 38 years. Gender is evenly split with 50.6% female and 49.4% male. Racial and ethnic composition is diverse: 40% Hispanic or Latino, 39% White (non-Hispanic), 14% Black or African American, 6% Asian, and about 1% identifying with other races or multiracial backgrounds.

Passaic County Elections

Passaic County, NJ, has approximately 340,000 residents, with about 238,000 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 presidential election, Passaic County voted 59% for Democrat Joe Biden and 40% for Republican Donald Trump. There are over 180 polling locations across 16 municipalities, managed by the Passaic County Board of Elections. Key local issues include education and property taxes. Democratic and Republican parties are active, with Democrats holding a 2:1 registration advantage over Republicans. Mail-in and early voting options are available.

Passaic County Housing

Passaic County, NJ, has a homeownership rate of around 56%, with a median home value near $400,000 in 2024. Median monthly rent stands at roughly $1,700. The county features diverse housing types, from single-family homes in Wayne and Totowa to multi-family units in Paterson and Clifton. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. Neighborhoods vary, with Upper Montclair and Little Falls popular for amenities. Property tax rates average 2.8%, with annual taxes often exceeding $8,000. The market remains competitive, reflecting proximity to New York City and continued demand for suburban housing.

Employment in Passaic County

As of 2023, Passaic County, NJ, had an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (12%), and manufacturing (11%). Leading occupations are in office and administrative support (14%), sales (9%), and education (8%). About 74% of employed residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 29 minutes. Employment centers include Paterson, Clifton, and Wayne, while many also work in neighboring Bergen and Essex counties or New York City.

Education in Passaic County

Passaic County, NJ, hosts over 180 public schools, including 16 high schools. Approximately 85% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 28% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county’s average public school rating is 5/10 (GreatSchools). School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Adult education opportunities abound, such as Passaic County Community College and various vocational centers. Educational programs range from STEM and arts to AP and special education services, catering to diverse student needs.

Passaic County Crime & Safety

Passaic County, NJ, reported a crime rate of approximately 18.9 per 1,000 residents in 2022, with violent crime at 2.5 and property crime at 16.4 per 1,000. Major cities like Paterson account for a substantial portion of incidents, including over 2,100 violent crimes annually. The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office promotes community policing and encourages residents to report suspicious activity, resulting in increased arrests and improved clearance rates. Overall, Passaic's safety measures and vigilance have contributed to a steady decline in total crime by around 9% over the past five years.