Is Glassboro Safe, Pros and cons of living in Glassboro

Glassboro, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and vibrant community life, largely influenced by the presence of Rowan University. This South Jersey borough is known for its accessible amenities and a growing population, making it an attractive location for various demographics. The town provides a balanced lifestyle, combining the convenience of urban proximity with the charm of a smaller community.

The area boasts a rich history and a forward-looking approach to development, evident in its community initiatives and educational focus. Residents benefit from a well-connected transportation network and a range of local services that cater to diverse needs. Glassboro’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a comfortable and engaging environment for families, students, and professionals alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Glassboro?

Glassboro generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Glassboro is approximately 42% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Glassboro are notably lower, standing at 57.3% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes also show a favorable trend, being 38.8% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

While the overall statistics are reassuring, crime can vary by neighborhood within Glassboro. Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Glassboro can range from 1 in 48 in the southeast neighborhoods to 1 in 95 in the southwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The Glassboro Police Department actively serves the community, recording a significant number of violent and property crimes over recent years, with violent crime rates being substantially below national figures (as reported by Crime Explorer).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

Median Home Prices

The housing market in Glassboro presents a range of values, with median listing prices offering a starting point for potential buyers. The median listing home price in Glassboro is approximately $357,523 (as reported by Realtor.com®). Other sources indicate a median home value around $365,942, showing a 3.2% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Historically, the median home value was noted at $314,400 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA) and as low as $196,000 in some analyses (as reported by HouseCashin).

Rental Market

For renters, Glassboro offers a variety of options with competitive pricing compared to national averages. The average rent in Glassboro is around $1,484 per month, which is 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). However, other sources cite a higher average rent of $2,800, which is 40% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). Median gross rent, a more comprehensive figure including utilities, is reported at $1,687 per month (as reported by Point2Homes).

Homeownership and Market Activity

The homeownership rate in Glassboro is slightly lower than the national average. The homeownership rate in Glassboro is 59.8% (as reported by Data USA), compared to the national average of 65.2%. Glassboro is currently considered a seller’s market, indicating more demand than available homes (as reported by Realtor.com®). Homes for sale in Glassboro typically spend an average of 31 days on the market (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Cost of Living and Affordability

Glassboro’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, with housing being a significant factor. The overall cost of living in Glassboro is approximately 11% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This figure is influenced by various components, including housing, transportation, food, utilities, and healthcare.

When compared to the state average, Glassboro is more affordable. Living costs in Glassboro are 9% lower than New Jersey’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). Food costs in Glassboro are less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This suggests that while overall expenses might be higher than the national average, the proximity to other areas in New Jersey offers some savings.

Job Market and Economy

Employment and Unemployment

The employment landscape in Glassboro is dynamic, with an employment rate of 89.92% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The unemployment rate in Glassboro is reported at 7.4% (as reported by Point2Homes), though other sources suggest a lower rate of 4.6% (as reported by Niche). This indicates a generally stable job market, with a majority of the working-age population employed.

Major Employers and Industries

The economy in Glassboro is significantly bolstered by its educational institutions, particularly Rowan University, which is a major employer and educational hub (as reported by Data USA). Other key employment sectors for residents include Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). The job market is powered by a substantial number of working residents, with a high percentage employed in professional or administrative positions.

Salaries and Wages

The average salary in Glassboro provides a reasonable income for its residents. The average annual salary in Glassboro is approximately $65,000 per year, or $31.25 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources report a different average annual salary of $47,097 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Glassboro was reported at $87,278 (as reported by World Population Review and Glassboro Demographics).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Temperature and Seasons

Glassboro experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies between 25°F and 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 12°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Glassboro Climate). Summers are warm and humid, with average daily high temperatures above 77°F from late May to mid-September (as reported by Glassboro Climate).

Rainfall and Precipitation

The borough receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. The month with the most rain is typically August, with an average of 3.6 inches, while February sees the least, with about 2.2 inches (as reported by Glassboro Climate). Annual precipitation averages around 49 inches, with an average of 18 inches of snowfall (as reported by Glassboro Weather).

Education and School Ratings

Public School Performance

The public school system in Glassboro faces challenges, with an average testing ranking of 2/10, placing it in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools (as reported by Glassboro Demographics). Average math proficiency scores are around 28%, and reading proficiency scores are about 35%, both below the New Jersey state averages (as reported by Glassboro Demographics).

District Overview and Rankings

The Glassboro School District serves approximately 1,953 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Glassboro School District). The district is ranked as C+ overall by Niche. While some schools like Aura Elementary School show strong performance, others face challenges with lower proficiency rates (as reported by Glassboro School District). The district’s graduation rate is 87% (as reported by Glassboro School District).

Demographics and Community Profile

Population and Diversity

Glassboro is home to a population of approximately 23,717 residents (as reported by Glassboro, NJ Demographics). The population has been growing, with an annual growth rate of about 1.16% (as reported by World Population Review). The racial makeup of Glassboro is predominantly White, accounting for about 63.1% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 15.6%, and Hispanic at 11.6% (as reported by Glassboro Demographics).

Age and Household Composition

The median age in Glassboro is around 27.9 years (as reported by World Population Review). The population is relatively young, with a significant portion in the 18 to 24 age group, largely due to the university presence (as reported by Glassboro, NJ Demographics). The average household size is about 2.66 people (as reported by Glassboro, New Jersey – Wikipedia).