Is Atco Safe, Pros and cons of living in Atco

Atco, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban centers, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled within Camden County, this community provides a gateway to both the natural beauty of Wharton State Forest and the bustling opportunities of Philadelphia, located just a short commute away.

The town’s character is largely defined by its residential nature, complemented by essential local amenities and accessible transportation options, including the Atco AMTRAK Station. This combination allows residents to enjoy a quieter pace of life while remaining well-connected to a wider range of services and employment centers.

Is it Safe to Live in Atco?

Atco presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are favorable when compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is reported at 8 per 1,000 residents, which is considered near the average for U.S. cities of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). This indicates that your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Atco is approximately 1 in 133.

Further analysis of crime statistics reveals that Atco’s violent crime rate is significantly below the national average. Crimes such as assault, rape, murder, and armed robbery occur less frequently than in most of America, with a violent crime rate of 0 per 1,000 inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, including burglary and larceny, is reported at a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents, which is comparable to the national average for cities of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Crime by Neighborhood

Within Atco, crime levels can vary by neighborhood, with residents often considering the southeast part of the community to be the safest. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 60 in central neighborhoods to as low as 1 in 127 in the southeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). When examining total crime counts rather than per capita rates, the southwest areas experience the most incidents annually, while the southeast has the fewest.

Robbery rates in Atco are also quite low, with a rate of 0.3299 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of robbery varies by neighborhood, from 1 in 2,462 in central areas to 1 in 3,667 in the southwest. The cost of crime per resident in Atco is approximately $168 per year, which is notably less than both the national and New Jersey state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Atco

The cost of living in Atco is higher than both the U.S. national average and the state average for New Jersey. In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of living is $2,835 for singles and $6,242 for a family of four (according to Salary.com). This represents a 1% increase from the previous year, with housing costs being a primary driver.

Housing expenses in Atco are approximately 26.0% higher than the national average. A single person can expect to pay around $1,512 per month for housing, while a family of four might pay $2,772 monthly (according to Salary.com). Despite higher housing costs, food expenses are slightly below the national average, with monthly costs of $377 for an individual and $1,225 for a family.

Housing Costs: Prices and Rent

The real estate market in Atco shows a median home value of approximately $360,473 as of March 2026, reflecting a 4.5% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). In April 2026, the median sales price for homes in Atco was $344,950 (according to Movoto). This indicates a seller’s market, where demand for homes outpaces the available inventory.

Rental prices in Atco are also notable. As of May 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $821, and for a two-bedroom apartment, it is $1,232 (according to Apartments.com). However, other sources indicate a higher median rent for Atco, NJ, at $2,000, which is above the national median rent of $1,469 (according to HotPads). Houses for rent in Atco average around $2,575 per month (according to Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

Atco’s job market is influenced by its proximity to Philadelphia, making it a hub for commuters. While specific local employer data is not readily available, the median household income in Atco is reported to be around $97,355 (according to Apartments.com). Another source indicates a median household income of $93,925 (according to Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate in Atco is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results. However, the median age of residents is 43 years (according to Apartments.com), with a significant portion of the population falling within the 45 to 64 age bracket (approximately 29.8%) and over 65 (around 19.3%) (according to Point2Homes). This demographic suggests a mature, established community.

Major Employers and Salary Insights

Specific major employers within Atco are not listed in the provided data. However, salary information for the broader ATCO company (which operates in Canada and other regions) indicates a wide range of pay scales. Average salaries at ATCO in Canada range from approximately $71,984 for a Staff Accountant to $139,517 for a Manager (according to Indeed). For ATCO Group in the United States, the average annual salary is reported at $68,027, with a typical range of $59,756 to $77,407 (according to ATCO Group).

It’s important to note that these ATCO salaries are for a large, diversified corporation and may not directly reflect the average salaries for individuals employed by local businesses within Atco, NJ. The cost of living in Atco is 15% higher than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com), which should be considered when evaluating salary needs.

Climate in Atco

Atco experiences a climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic region, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, while winters can be cold, with occasional snow. The area sees a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year.

Average temperatures in Atco can vary significantly by season. For instance, in April, the high temperature averages 64°F, with a low of 45°F and a mean temperature of 55°F (according to Time and Date). November in Atco is described as moderately chilly and slightly windy, with a relative humidity of 76% (according to Wanderlog).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

The amount of precipitation Atco receives can vary monthly. In November, there is a 26% chance of rain on an average day, with about 0.51 inches of precipitation (according to Wanderlog). May is the wettest month, with a 36% chance of precipitation and approximately 0.16 inches of rain on average. September is the driest month, with a 25% chance of precipitation and about 0.14 inches of rain.

The climate risk for Atco is rated as “Relatively High” (according to Point2Homes). However, specific details regarding the nature of this risk, such as susceptibility to extreme weather events, are not elaborated upon in the provided data. The town’s overall climate is characterized by moderate humidity and varying levels of sunshine throughout the year.

Education in Atco

Atco is served by the Waterford Township School District and the Winslow Township School District, offering public education options for its residents. The quality of education, particularly at the elementary level, presents some challenges.

Atco Elementary School serves students in grades 1-2 and has an enrollment of 202 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 (according to Atco Elementary School). While this ratio is lower than the New Jersey state average, the school’s academic performance is a concern. Math proficiency is reported in the bottom 50% of New Jersey schools, and reading proficiency is also in the bottom 50% (according to Atco Elementary School).

School Performance and Ratings

Winslow Township High School, serving grades 9-12, has a significant enrollment of 1,299 students and a 4-year graduation rate of 91.3% (according to SchoolDigger.com). However, its test scores are considerably below state averages, with only 31.2% proficiency in ELA and 11.9% in Algebra I. Winslow Township Middle School also shows low test scores, with 27.4% proficiency in ELA and 14.2% in Math.

Overall, schools in Atco face academic performance challenges, with consistently low test scores across the district. High chronic absenteeism rates and a significant percentage of students from low-income families are identified as potential contributing factors to these struggles (according to SchoolDigger.com). Atco Elementary School itself receives a Grade C from Niche, ranking it among the lower-performing elementary schools in the state.

Demographics of Atco

Atco is a census-designated place with a population of approximately 8,164 residents as of the most recent data (according to Point2Homes). The population has seen growth, with an increase of 18.95% since the 2020 census, which recorded a population of 8,316 (according to World Population Review). The median age in Atco is around 44 years, with a slightly higher male population at 50.5% compared to females at 49.5% (according to Point2Homes).

The racial composition of Atco is predominantly White, accounting for about 81.4% of the population (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American at 4.5%, Asian at 1.3%, and 8.4% identifying with two or more races. A significant majority, 96.3%, of Atco’s residents are U.S.-born citizens.

Household and Age Distribution

Atco has approximately 3,012 households, with an average of three members per household (according to Point2Homes). Of these, about 72.7% are families, while the remaining 27.3% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. The age distribution shows that 15.4% of residents are children under 15, with another 12% in the 15 to 24 age group.

Adults aged 25 to 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while the 45 to 64 bracket constitutes a larger share at 29.8%. Those aged 65 and older represent approximately 19.3% of the population (according to Point2Homes). This age breakdown suggests a community with a substantial proportion of middle-aged and older adults.

Pros and Cons of Living in Atco

Atco offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents, largely stemming from its location and community characteristics. The town’s proximity to Philadelphia and natural areas provides a desirable balance for many.

The pros include a relatively safe environment with crime rates below the national average for violent offenses (according to NeighborhoodScout). Its location offers convenient access to urban employment centers and recreational opportunities in Wharton State Forest. The cost of living, while above the national average, is generally lower than in some surrounding urban areas, and housing prices can be more affordable than the New Jersey state average (according to Movoto and BestNeighborhood.org).

Potential Drawbacks

On the downside, the cost of living in Atco is higher than the U.S. and New Jersey state averages, primarily driven by housing expenses (according to Salary.com). Rental costs can also be higher than the national median (according to HotPads).

Furthermore, the public school system in Atco faces significant challenges, with low test scores and high chronic absenteeism rates reported (according to SchoolDigger.com). While the community offers a quieter lifestyle, its car dependency, indicated by a low Walk Score, means that a vehicle is essential for most daily activities (according to Point2Homes).