Is Phillipsburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Phillipsburg

Phillipsburg, New Jersey, nestled along the Delaware River, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. This community provides a distinct atmosphere for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life. Its location makes it an attractive option for commuters and families alike.

The town’s character is shaped by its historical architecture, local businesses, and a strong sense of community. With a variety of parks and recreational opportunities, Phillipsburg invites residents to enjoy the outdoors. The proximity to the Pocono Mountains and major cities like New York City and Philadelphia further enhances its appeal.

Is it Safe to Live in Phillipsburg?

Phillipsburg’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, with a rate of 19.61 per 1,000 residents (AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the northern part of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime varying significantly by neighborhood (AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 641, while the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 56 (NeighborhoodScout).

The Phillipsburg Police Department reported 1,637 violent crimes and 1,265 property crimes between 2019 and 2024 (Crime Explorer). The average violent crime rate is 175.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 65.4% above the national average (Crime Explorer). Conversely, property crime averages 91.1 per 100,000, which is 44.3% below the national average (Crime Explorer).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

Phillipsburg presents an affordable housing market compared to many other New Jersey towns. The median home sale price is $259,000 (Home.com), with a median price per square foot of $208 (Home.com). Homes typically spend about 48 days on the market (Home.com), indicating a steady but not overly rapid sales pace.

For renters, the median rent is approximately $1.7K per month (Home.com). Rental rates for a two-bedroom apartment can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month (Things to know before moving to Phillipsburg, NJ). Property taxes are also a consideration, averaging about 2.2% of assessed value (Things to know before moving to Phillipsburg, NJ).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

The average annual household income in Phillipsburg was $87,622 in 2024 (Point2Homes). The median income stood at $68,324 (Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Phillipsburg is 7.3% (Point2Homes), which is higher than the typical desirable range of 4% to 5% (Point2Homes).

Key employment sectors for Phillipsburg residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (Data USA). Major employers in the area include St. Luke’s Hospital and the Phillipsburg School District (Things to know before moving to Phillipsburg, NJ).

Demographics and Community Profile

Phillipsburg has a population of approximately 15,299 residents (Point2Homes, World Population Review). The racial makeup is primarily White (65.8%), with significant Black or African American (16%) and Hispanic (11.82%) populations (Point2Homes, Wikipedia, World Population Review). The median age in Phillipsburg is 39.6 years (World Population Review).

The town is home to a diverse range of households, with 30.7% having children under 18 (Wikipedia). Many families and retirees find Phillipsburg appealing due to its close-knit atmosphere and community events (Things to know before moving to Phillipsburg, NJ).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Phillipsburg experiences a climate with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures typically range from 20°F to 86°F throughout the year (myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is about 51 inches, including approximately 33 inches of snowfall (myPerfectWeather).

July is generally the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 85°F and lows of 63°F (myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest, with average highs of 38°F and lows of 21°F (myPerfectWeather). The humidity remains comfortable during the summer months (myPerfectWeather).

Education and School System

Phillipsburg School District serves the community with a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools. Phillipsburg High School is the highest-performing school in the district, with a graduation rate of 91.3% (SchoolDigger.com). However, the district as a whole faces academic challenges, with many schools performing below the state average on standardized tests (SchoolDigger.com).

Phillipsburg High School has a Niche grade of B+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 5 out of 10 (Homes.com). The average GPA is 3.31, and the graduation rate is 89% (Homes.com). The district serves a diverse student body, with a significant percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating economic challenges within the population (SchoolDigger.com).

Cost of Living Considerations

The overall cost of living in Phillipsburg is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant factor, with a median home price that is 18.4% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). However, average monthly rent prices are slightly higher than the national average by 1.2% (AreaVibes).

Everyday expenses such as groceries, goods, services, healthcare, and utilities are priced comparably to national averages (AreaVibes). Monthly utilities for a medium-sized apartment are around $180 (Things to know before moving to Phillipsburg, NJ). The cost of living is also 20% lower than the New Jersey state average (AreaVibes).