Is Pompton Plains Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pompton Plains

Pompton Plains, a census-designated place within Pequannock Township in Morris County, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. This community, known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly atmosphere, has garnered attention for its overall quality of life. It provides residents with a peaceful environment while remaining within a reasonable commuting distance to major metropolitan areas, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The area boasts a predominantly suburban character, with a strong sense of community that appeals to families and individuals alike. Its well-maintained neighborhoods, parks, and access to natural resources contribute to its desirability. Pompton Plains is recognized for being a place that balances serene living with the conveniences of modern life, offering a unique appeal to its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Pompton Plains?

Pompton Plains demonstrates a strong safety profile, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 52% lower than the national average, with a crime safety grade of A (as reported by DoorProfit). This indicates a very low risk of crime for residents, positioning Pompton Plains as a safer community compared to many other areas in the United States.

Specifically, violent crime rates are notably low, with residents having approximately a 1 in 239 chance of being a victim annually (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also well below the national average, with an estimated rate of 1,088.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 41% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). These statistics underscore the general safety and security experienced by those living in Pompton Plains.

Violent Crime Statistics

The incidence of violent crime in Pompton Plains is remarkably low. The violent crime rate is estimated at 418.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 10% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). However, when considering the chance of victimization, residents have approximately a 1 in 239 chance of being a victim of violent crime each year (as reported by DoorProfit).

Key violent crime rates include murder at 4.2 per 100K (17% below average) and robbery at 58.3 per 100K (21% below average) (as reported by DoorProfit). While aggravated assault is 22% above the average, the overall picture for violent crime remains favorable when compared to national trends.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in Pompton Plains also remains at a low level, contributing to the community’s overall safety. The estimated property crime rate is 1,088.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 41% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This means residents have roughly a 1 in 92 chance of being a property crime victim per year.

Specific property crime rates show burglary at 92.1 per 100K (66% below average) and larceny/theft at 717.9 per 100K (49% below average) (as reported by DoorProfit). Vehicle theft also occurs at a rate of 278.9 per 100K, which is 13% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Cost of Living in Pompton Plains

Pompton Plains presents a cost of living that is higher than the national average, with certain expenses notably exceeding the U.S. average. The overall cost of living is approximately 33% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). This elevation is largely driven by housing and transportation costs.

The median household income in Pompton Plains is reported to be $117,959 (as reported by Data Commons) or $136,932 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org), which is significantly higher than the national median. This higher income level helps to offset some of the increased living expenses for residents.

Housing Costs

Housing expenses in Pompton Plains are a significant factor in its overall cost of living, being higher than both the national and state averages. The median home value is approximately $495,000 (as reported by realtor.com®) or $460,777 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org), which is higher than the New Jersey average of $388,929 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The median listing price for homes is around $489.4K (as reported by realtor.com®).

Monthly rent for an apartment in Pompton Plains averages $1,426 (as reported by myPerfectWeather) or $2,400 (as reported by realtor.com® and Trulia). This suggests that while homeownership is a significant investment, rental costs are more aligned with or even lower than the national average of $1,642/month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Average Salary and Income

The income levels in Pompton Plains are quite strong, with a median household income that is substantially above the national average. The median household income is $117,959 (as reported by Data Commons) and $136,932 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org), placing it in the 98th percentile for city household incomes (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

The average per capita income is $81,468 (as reported by Data Commons), and the median individual income was $58,532 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). These figures indicate a financially stable community with a high earning potential for its residents.

Job Market and Major Employers

Pompton Plains benefits from a stable job market, supported by a variety of employers within the community and the surrounding Morris County area. While specific major employers within Pompton Plains itself are not extensively detailed, the broader region offers diverse employment opportunities.

In Morris County, significant employers include entities like Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, Reckitt Benckiser, and Mondelēz International, which employ substantial numbers of people (as reported by New Jersey’s Best). These larger organizations contribute to the economic vitality of the region, providing a range of job prospects.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Pompton Plains and its surrounding areas reflects a generally healthy job market. Morris County, where Pompton Plains is located, had an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of July 2025 (as reported by NJ Patch). This rate is in line with or slightly better than the state’s overall unemployment rate.

The statewide unemployment rate in New Jersey was 4.9% in July 2025, showing a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by NJ Patch). The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that for Pompton Plains CDP, the unemployment rate has fluctuated, with data from 2017-2023 showing trends that align with broader economic conditions (as reported by Census).

Climate in Pompton Plains

Pompton Plains experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, offering comfortable weather for much of the year. Temperatures generally range from cold in the winter to warm in the summer.

The annual precipitation averages around 49 inches, with approximately 28 inches of snowfall during the winter months (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity levels are typically comfortable throughout the summer, contributing to a pleasant environment.

Average Temperatures and Precipitation

Throughout the year, temperatures in Pompton Plains typically range from 19°F to 85°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 85°F and lows of 64°F. January is the coldest month, with average highs of 38°F and lows of 21°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The month with the most precipitation is June, averaging about 5 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The total annual precipitation, including rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, is about 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Pompton Plains

Pompton Plains is served by a well-regarded public school system, with schools consistently receiving high ratings. The Pequannock Township School District, which serves Pompton Plains, is known for its strong academic performance and student outcomes.

The district’s schools have an average statewide school rating of 7/10 (as reported by Niche). Students in the district demonstrate proficiency above the state average in both math and reading.

School Ratings and Performance

Public schools in Pompton Plains achieve an average ranking of 9/10, placing them in the top 20% of New Jersey public schools (as reported by Niche). For example, Pequannock Township High School is ranked within the top 20% of all public schools in New Jersey, with a graduation rate of 95% or higher (as reported by Niche).

Math proficiency scores average 58% and reading proficiency scores average 72% in Pompton Plains schools, significantly exceeding the New Jersey public school averages of 38% for math and 49% for reading (as reported by Niche). Pequannock Valley School, serving grades 6-8, also receives strong reviews, with 58% of students proficient in math and 68% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Pompton Plains

Pompton Plains is a community with a diverse population, though it is predominantly White. The median age in Pompton Plains is 53.6 years (as reported by Data Commons), indicating a population that skews older than the national average.

The racial composition includes a significant White majority, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups. For every 100 females, there are approximately 78.9 males (as reported by Data Commons).

Population and Age Distribution

As of recent estimates, Pompton Plains has a population of approximately 13,250 (as reported by Data Commons). The median age is 53.6 years, with males averaging 45 years and females averaging 58.9 years (as reported by Data Commons). This age distribution suggests a community with a substantial proportion of older adults.

In 2020, the population was recorded at 11,144 (as reported by Wikipedia), with a median age of 51.7 years. The demographic data indicates a growing population, with a notable percentage of residents aged 65 and over, around 34.7% (as reported by Islands).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of Pompton Plains is primarily White, constituting approximately 87.1% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). Other racial groups include Black or African American (2.1%), Asian (1.0%), Native American/Other (0.5%), and Multiracial (2.4%) (as reported by Census Dots).

The Hispanic or Latino population represents about 6.9% of the residents (as reported by Census Dots). While Pompton Plains is considered racially diverse, it is notably less diverse than New Jersey overall (as reported by Census Dots).

Pros and Cons of Living in Pompton Plains

Pompton Plains offers a compelling living experience, characterized by its safety, good schools, and a peaceful environment. The community’s low crime rates and highly-rated educational institutions are significant draws for residents seeking a secure and enriching place to live.

However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is considerably higher than the national average, which can be a deterrent for some. The higher expenses are balanced by strong median incomes, suggesting a trade-off between affordability and earning potential.

Advantages of Pompton Plains

The safety of Pompton Plains is a major advantage, with crime rates well below national averages (as reported by DoorProfit). This creates a secure environment for families and individuals. The quality of local schools is another significant pro, with institutions consistently ranking among the top in New Jersey (as reported by Niche).

Additionally, the town offers a serene, suburban atmosphere with access to natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a desirable place for those who appreciate a quieter lifestyle combined with urban accessibility. The close-knit community feel also contributes to its appeal.

Disadvantages of Pompton Plains

The primary disadvantage of living in Pompton Plains is the high cost of living, especially concerning housing. Median home prices are significantly above the state and national averages (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org), making homeownership a substantial financial commitment.

While salaries are also high, the expense of living can still present challenges for some residents. The population also skews older, which may influence the types of amenities and activities available or preferred within the community.