Is Wallington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wallington
Wallington, a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to New York City. Known for its strong Polish heritage, the community provides a peaceful environment with a sense of close-knit belonging. It is a desirable location for families and individuals seeking a balance between small-town charm and urban accessibility.
The borough is situated along the Passaic and Saddle Rivers, contributing to its scenic appeal. Wallington’s history is rooted in the late 1800s, and it has evolved into a community that embraces its cultural traditions while welcoming new residents. This guide explores various aspects of living in Wallington, from safety and cost of living to education and employment opportunities.
Is it Safe to Live in Wallington?
Wallington is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates reported as lower than both the national and New Jersey state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 1,336 crimes per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than the state average (according to Wallington, NJ – Data USA). Violent crime rates are particularly low, with one report indicating they are 79% lower than the national average (according to Wallington, NJ Crime Rates: Stats & Map – AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Wallington is about 1 in 63, and the area is considered safer than 66% of U.S. cities (according to The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Wallington, NJ: Crime Maps and Statistics). The Wallington Police Department, supported by its officers, works to maintain safety within the community.
Cost of Living in Wallington
The cost of living in Wallington, NJ, is higher than the national average, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. Housing expenses are a significant factor, being approximately 95% higher than the national average (according to Wallington, NJ | PayScale). Overall, Wallington’s cost of living is about 28% higher than the national average (according to Wallington, NJ | PayScale).
For a single person, monthly living costs are estimated at $3,112, and for a family of four, it’s around $6,853 per month (according to Wallington, NJ 2026 Cost of Living | Salary.com). These costs are influenced by housing, transportation, and food prices, which are all above the national average (according to Wallington, NJ 2026 Cost of Living | Salary.com).
Housing Costs
Housing in Wallington presents a mixed picture for buyers and renters. The median home value in Wallington, NJ, was reported at $673,350 as of March 2026, showing an increase of 7.9% over the past year (according to Zillow). Other reports indicate a median listing price of $697,500, with a median price per square foot of $318 (according to Moving to Wallington, NJ).
For renters, the average rent in Wallington is approximately $2,495 per month, which is higher than the national average (according to Wallington, NJ | Zillow). Rental prices can range from $1,700 to $4,300, with an average rent of $2,495 for houses (according to Wallington, NJ | Zillow).
Utilities and Transportation
Utility prices in Wallington are about 4% higher than the national average (according to Wallington, NJ | PayScale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are also around 4% higher than the national average (according to Wallington, NJ | PayScale).
Monthly utility costs can range from $180 to $230 (according to Moving to Wallington, NJ). For commuters, monthly bus or train fares are approximately $220 (according to Moving to Wallington, NJ).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Wallington offers a range of opportunities, with an average annual salary reported around $54,177 as of May 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $26.05 (according to ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Wallington is reported at 5.5% (according to Wallington, NJ Demographics and Statistics – Niche). While specific major employers for Wallington are not detailed in the provided search results, the proximity to New York City offers access to a vast and diverse job market.
Climate and Weather
Wallington experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The summer season typically runs from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 76°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 85°F and lows of 68°F (according to Wallington, NJ Climate and Average Weather – Vertex AI Search).
Winter lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 48°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 26°F and highs of 39°F (according to Wallington, NJ Climate and Average Weather – Vertex AI Search).
Temperature and Precipitation
Over the course of the year, temperatures in Wallington typically range from 25°F to 86°F, rarely falling below 11°F or exceeding 93°F (according to Wallington, NJ Climate and Average Weather – Vertex AI Search). The average annual rainfall is approximately 48 inches (according to Wallington borough, NJ – Livability.com).
Monthly precipitation averages vary, with summer months generally receiving more rainfall. For example, July sees an average of 4.83 inches of precipitation, while winter months like February average around 3.37 inches (according to Wallington, NJ Climate and Average Weather – Vertex AI Search).
Education and Schools
Wallington’s public schools have an average ranking of 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of New Jersey public schools (according to Wallington, NJ Public Schools – Niche). The district serves approximately 1,176 students across three public schools (according to Wallington, NJ Public Schools – Niche).
Student proficiency in math and reading is above the state average, with math proficiency at 42% and reading proficiency at 54% (according to Wallington, NJ Public Schools – Niche). The top-ranked public schools include Frank W. Gavlak Elementary School and Wallington Junior Senior High School (according to Wallington, NJ Public Schools – Niche).
Demographics
As of the most recent data, Wallington has a population of approximately 11,868 residents (according to Wallington, New Jersey – Wikipedia). The median age in the borough is around 40.5 years (according to Wallington, New Jersey – Wikipedia).
The racial composition of Wallington is predominantly White, making up about 70% of the population, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population at 19% (according to Wallington, NJ Demographics and Statistics – Niche). Other racial groups include Asian (4%), African American (3%), and smaller percentages of other races (according to Wallington, NJ Demographics and Statistics – Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Wallington
Pros
Wallington offers a strong sense of community and a generally safe environment with crime rates below the national average (according to The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Wallington, NJ: Crime Maps and Statistics). Its suburban setting provides a peaceful atmosphere, while its proximity to New York City offers convenient access to major job markets and urban amenities.
The borough is known for its well-regarded public schools, which perform above the state average in math and reading proficiency (according to Wallington, NJ Public Schools – Niche). Residents also benefit from a rich cultural heritage, particularly its Polish-American traditions, which contribute to the unique character of the community.
Cons
The cost of living in Wallington is higher than the national average, largely driven by elevated housing expenses (according to Wallington, NJ | PayScale). While renting offers various options, the average rent is also above the national average (according to Wallington, NJ | Zillow).
Additionally, transportation and utility costs are slightly higher than the national average (according to Wallington, NJ | PayScale). While the job market within Wallington has opportunities, its smaller size means many residents may commute to surrounding areas or New York City for employment.