Is Pompton Lakes Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pompton Lakes
Is it Safe to Live in Pompton Lakes?
Pompton Lakes boasts a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average. Overall crime is reported to be 70.3% lower than the national average, with violent crime being 77.6% lower and property crime 69% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). Further data indicates that the overall crime rate is 52% below the national average, with a 66% lower chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 59% lower chance for property crime compared to national averages (according to DoorProfit). These statistics suggest that Pompton Lakes is a very safe place to live.
While overall crime rates are low, it’s worth noting that year-over-year crime has seen an increase. In the most recent comparison, total crime increased by 56.3%, violent crime by 12.5%, and property crime by 65% (as reported by AreaVibes). Despite this recent upward trend, the historical data and consistent reporting from multiple sources indicate a generally safe environment. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program is the source for much of this data, providing a comprehensive view of crime statistics across the nation.
The Cost of Living in Pompton Lakes
Pompton Lakes presents a cost of living that is higher than the national average. The overall cost of living is approximately 28% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This increase is largely driven by housing expenses, which are about 74% higher than the national average.
Other cost categories also contribute to the higher overall expense. Utility prices are 4% higher than the national average, while grocery prices are 7% higher (as reported by PayScale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are also 4% higher than the national average. Healthcare expenses in Pompton Lakes are 11% higher than the national average, according to PayScale’s analysis.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pompton Lakes indicates a strong seller’s market, with a median home price of $560,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This represents a 9.8% increase compared to the previous year. Homes in Pompton Lakes are selling relatively quickly, with an average of 29 days on the market compared to 77 days last year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental costs in Pompton Lakes are also above the national average. The average rent for all bedrooms and property types is $2,633 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is notably higher than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as reported by Zillow). The median rent in Pompton Lakes is $2.7K per month, with a year-over-year rent growth of 6% (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Job Market and Economy
Pompton Lakes has a median household income of $124,454 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The average per capita income is $78,524. Employment in Pompton Lakes has seen growth, with a 1.2% increase from 2023 to 2024, reaching approximately 6.33k employees. The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade.
The unemployment rate in New Jersey was 4.9% in March 2026 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment data for Pompton Lakes is not readily available, the state’s rate provides a general economic context. Major employers in the region likely contribute to the employment landscape, though specific company names for Pompton Lakes were not identified in the provided search results.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Pompton Lakes experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The weather throughout the year is generally partly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark). Temperatures typically range from 21°F to 84°F, with rare occurrences below 7°F or above 92°F.
The warm season lasts for about 3.5 months, from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 75°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F and lows of 64°F. Conversely, the cold season spans approximately 3.2 months, from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 46°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 22°F and highs of 37°F.
Education in Pompton Lakes
The Pompton Lakes School District is highly rated, earning an overall grade of A- (as reported by Niche). It serves students from PK through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, with 40% of students proficient in math and 65% proficient in reading, according to state test scores.
Within the district, Lincoln School and Lenox School both received a rating of 5 out of 5 from Niche users. Pompton Lakes High School also holds a strong reputation, with a B+ overall grade and a rating of 4.24 out of 5 based on 107 reviews (as reported by Niche). The district is recognized for having excellent teachers, ranking among the top in Passaic County and New Jersey for this metric.
Demographics of Pompton Lakes
Pompton Lakes has a population of approximately 11,047 residents, showing a slight decrease from the 2020 Census figure of 11,127. The median age in Pompton Lakes is around 39.7 years (as reported by World Population Review). The population is primarily composed of White residents, making up 73.0% of the total population, followed by Hispanic residents at 17.0%.
Other demographic details include a higher proportion of males to females, with 106.6 males for every 100 females (as reported by World Population Review). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with 96% holding citizenship. The median household income is $124,454, with a poverty rate of 8.45% (as reported by World Population Review).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
While specific major employers within Pompton Lakes were not explicitly detailed in the provided search results, the primary employment sectors offer insight into the local economy. Health Care & Social Assistance employs the largest number of residents, followed by Educational Services and Retail Trade. These sectors suggest a community that values health, education, and consumer services.
The Pompton Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District are active entities that support local businesses and economic development. These organizations likely play a role in attracting and retaining businesses, contributing to the overall economic vitality of the area. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority also provides resources and support for businesses within the state.
Pros and Cons of Living in Pompton Lakes
Pompton Lakes offers a compelling blend of safety and community, though it comes with a higher cost of living. The town’s significantly lower crime rates compared to the national average provide a strong sense of security for residents (as reported by AreaVibes and DoorProfit). The highly-rated school district also presents a significant advantage for families seeking quality education (as reported by Niche).
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is substantially higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This can be a significant factor for individuals and families on a tighter budget. While rental prices are also elevated, the housing market is dynamic, with homes selling relatively quickly, indicating consistent demand.