Is Carteret Safe, Pros and cons of living in Carteret
Carteret, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an appealing place to live for many. Its strategic location provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas, while its local amenities cater to a diverse population. This guide explores the various facets of life in Carteret, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and educational prospects.
The borough is characterized by its industrial roots and a growing residential community. With a population that has seen consistent growth, Carteret is evolving into a dynamic hub for families and professionals alike. Understanding the nuances of this community is key for anyone considering a move to this part of Middlesex County.
Is it Safe to Live in Carteret?
Carteret’s overall crime rate is reported to be 26% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Carteret are 13% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 28.3% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 64 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Carteret (according to AreaVibes).
While the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, it’s important to note that safety can vary by neighborhood. Some areas, particularly in the northwest, experience more incidents than others, with chances of victimization ranging from 1 in 54 to 1 in 105 in the west (according to AreaVibes). The Carteret Police Department serves the community, and historically, the borough has had a police department with a significant number of arrests involving the use of force (according to Wikipedia).
Housing Costs and Availability
Median Home Prices
As of March 2026, the median home value in Carteret, NJ, is approximately $547,897, showing a 5.1% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). The median listing price in Carteret was $520,000 in March 2026 (according to Movoto). Homes in Carteret have a median value of $405,800 (according to Niche).
Neighborhoods within Carteret show a range of median real estate prices. For example, the Port Carteret Road/Lafayette Street area has a median real estate price of $260,386, while the Roosevelt Ave/Washington Ave neighborhood is among the more expensive, with a median real estate price of $306,510 (according to New Jersey Real Estate Network).
Rental Market Overview
The median rent in Carteret, NJ, is reported to be around $2,116 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This is 29% higher than the national average rent price of $1,642 per month (according to Apartments.com). Other reports indicate a median rent of $2,500 per month (according to Zillow) or $2,600 per month (according to Home.com).
For renters, a studio apartment averages around $1,951 per month, a one-bedroom is about $2,116, a two-bedroom is approximately $2,559, and a three-bedroom rental could cost $3,073 or more (according to Apartments.com). The median gross rent in Carteret is $2,032 per month (according to Point2Homes).
Economic Landscape
Job Market and Major Employers
Carteret’s economy is supported by various industries, with Transportation & Warehousing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing being the most common employment sectors for its residents (according to Data USA). Major employers in the area include companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and The Home Depot, as well as local entities such as Carteret Schools and the Borough of Carteret itself (according to Indeed.com and Zippia). Kinder Morgan and RWJBarnabas Health are also significant employers in the region (according to Zippia).
The job market in Carteret has seen growth, with employment increasing by 4.2% from the previous year (according to Data USA). The most common job groups held by residents include Office & Administrative Support, Transportation Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations (according to Data USA).
Unemployment and Salaries
The employment rate in Carteret, NJ, is currently 93.54%, indicating a low unemployment rate (according to BestNeighborhood.org). As of May 26, the average annual salary in Carteret is $48,023, which equates to about $23.09 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Other sources place the median household income at $96,862 (according to World Population Review) or $73,945 (according to NJMLS.com).
Salaries in Carteret typically range between $35,387 and $58,256 annually for the 25th to 75th percentile (according to ZipRecruiter). The average salary for employees at the Borough of Carteret is reported as $83,827 annually (according to Borough of Carteret Average Salary).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Precipitation
Carteret experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The annual temperature range in Carteret is from 24°F in January to 87°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is approximately 49 inches, with about 27 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather).
The hottest month is typically July, with average high temperatures around 87°F and lows of 70°F. January is the coldest month, with average highs of 42°F and lows of 24°F (according to Country Studies). The month with the most rain is April, with an average of 3.8 inches, while February sees the least, with about 2.4 inches (according to Weather and Climate).
Environmental Features
Carteret is bordered by the Rahway River to the north and the Arthur Kill to the east, offering scenic waterfront views and recreational opportunities. The Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve is also a notable natural area located to the west (according to Apartments.com). The borough offers parks like Carteret Waterfront Park, which features a fishing pier and hiking trails (according to Apartments.com).
The area’s climate is described as partly cloudy year-round, with comfortable weather days estimated at 147 per year (according to myPerfectWeather). Carteret receives a considerable amount of sunshine, with approximately 2540 hours annually (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Public schools in Carteret, NJ, have an average ranking of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools (according to Niche). Math proficiency scores average 21%, and reading proficiency scores are at 35%, both below the state averages (according to Niche). The top-ranked public schools include Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Nathan Hale Elementary School, and Carteret Middle School (according to Niche).
The Carteret Public School District serves approximately 3,926 students across 6 schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 students per classroom (according to SchoolDigger.com). The district faces challenges with student performance generally below state averages, particularly in mathematics, and high rates of chronic absenteeism (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Population and Demographics
As of the latest census data, Carteret is home to approximately 25,326 residents (according to Wikipedia), with a projected population of 26,356 in 2026 (according to World Population Review). The population has been growing, with an increase of 10.9% from 2010 to 2020 (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Carteret is around 38.2 years (according to World Population Review).
Carteret’s racial makeup is diverse, with significant Asian, White, and Black or African American populations. Asian residents comprise about 26.09%, White residents 21.03%, and Black or African American residents 19.54% (according to World Population Review). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 33.42% of the population (according to World Population Review). Approximately 33.6% of residents were born outside the country (according to Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Carteret
Pros
Carteret’s primary advantage is its strategic location, offering convenient access to New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia, making it ideal for commuters (according to Apartments.com). The borough boasts several parks and recreational areas, including Carteret Waterfront Park, providing residents with green spaces and outdoor activities (according to Apartments.com). The community is diverse, offering a rich cultural tapestry (according to World Population Review).
The cost of living in Carteret is reported to be 18% higher than the national average (according to PayScale), with housing expenses being notably higher than the national average (according to PayScale). However, for renters, the rent-to-income ratio is around 34.8% (according to Point2Homes), which is within generally affordable ranges when considering the 30% rule, though it can be higher for those earning below the median income (according to StayRentals).
Cons
The crime rate in Carteret is higher than the national average in some aspects, with a rate of 16 crimes per one thousand residents and a chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime of 1 in 64 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Compared to New Jersey’s overall lower crime rates, Carteret’s rates are higher than 74% of the state’s cities and towns (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Educational outcomes in Carteret’s public schools are below state averages, particularly in mathematics, and the schools have an average ranking of 2/10 (according to Niche). While the cost of living is higher than the national average, it is important to note that housing costs are a significant driver of this expense (according to Salary.com).