Is Garfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Garfield

Garfield, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the greater New York City area, making it an appealing choice for many. This Bergen County city provides a community feel with a population of approximately 32,783 residents (as of 2026). With a median age of 38.8 years, Garfield presents a demographic mix that includes a significant portion of its population in the 30-39 age range. The city’s diversity is notable, with a substantial Hispanic population representing about 47.3% of residents, alongside White (41.8%), Black (5.3%), and Asian (3.7%) communities. This rich cultural tapestry contributes to the unique character of Garfield.

The cost of living in Garfield is higher than the national average, standing at approximately 27% above it. Housing expenses are particularly notable, being about 80% higher than the national average for both homes and rentals. For instance, the median home value is around $430,500, while the median rent for all property types is approximately $2,400 as of May 2026. Despite these higher costs, Garfield offers a median income of about $72,026, which is comparable to the national average. This balance of higher expenses and a relatively strong income level is a key factor for those considering a move to Garfield.

Is it Safe to Live in Garfield?

Garfield generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with an overall crime rate that is 8% lower than the national average. The city has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. This indicates that Garfield is safer than a significant portion of other U.S. cities, ranking in the 68th percentile for safety. Residents typically consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest.

While the overall crime rate is favorable, it is important to note that safety can vary by neighborhood. The chance of being a victim of crime ranges from 1 in 47 in the southeast neighborhoods to 1 in 66 in the northeast. Violent crimes, such as aggravated assault, robbery, and murder, are lower than the national average, with an estimated violent crime rate of 263.6 per 100,000 residents. Property crimes, including burglary and larceny, also tend to be lower than the national average.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Garfield reflects a higher cost of living compared to the national average. Housing expenses are approximately 80% higher than the national average. The median home value in Garfield is reported to be around $430,500. For renters, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is approximately $2,400 as of May 2026.

These housing costs contribute to Garfield’s overall cost of living, which is about 27% higher than the national average. Utility prices are also slightly higher, around 4% above the national average, as are transportation expenses. Grocery prices are about 7% higher, and healthcare costs are approximately 11% higher than the national average. Despite these higher expenses, Garfield’s median income of $72,026 provides a measure of financial stability for its residents.

Job Market and Economy

Garfield’s economy supports approximately 16,933 working residents. The most common employment sectors for Garfield residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. In terms of job types, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Production Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations are the most prevalent.

The unemployment rate in Garfield was reported at 5.50%. The average annual salary in Garfield is approximately $49,525, though other sources indicate a higher average salary of $80,236 per year. The highest paying industries in Garfield include Finance & Insurance and Utilities. Major employers in the area include companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and CVS Health.

Climate and Weather

Garfield experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions year-round. Temperatures typically range from 24°F to 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 11°F or exceeding 93°F. The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 85°F and lows of 68°F.

Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 39°F and lows of 25°F. Garfield receives an average annual rainfall of about 49 inches, with July being the wettest month. The average annual snowfall is around 26 inches. The clearer part of the year typically runs from late June to mid-November, with September being the clearest month.

Education and Schools

Garfield, NJ, is served by the Garfield Public School District, which educates approximately 4,800 students across 11 public schools. The district’s average testing ranking is 3 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public school districts. The average math proficiency score is 28%, and the reading proficiency score is 40%, both lower than the statewide averages.

Despite these district-wide statistics, some individual schools within Garfield are highly regarded. The top-ranked public schools include James Madison School #10, Washington Irving School #4, and Thomas Jefferson School #9. While the district faces challenges, it also boasts a graduation rate of 91%.

Demographics and Diversity

Garfield is a city of considerable diversity, with a population of approximately 32,783 residents as of 2026. The city’s racial composition includes a significant Hispanic population, making up about 47.3% of residents. White residents constitute approximately 41.8% of the population, followed by Black residents at 5.3%, and Asian residents at 3.7%.

The foreign-born population in Garfield is substantial, with about 47.7% of residents born outside the United States. This high percentage of foreign-born residents contributes to the city’s vibrant multicultural environment. The median age in Garfield is 38.8 years, indicating a mix of younger and older populations.

Major Employers

Garfield’s employment landscape features a range of companies, from large retail chains to specialized manufacturing firms. Among the prominent employers are Walmart, McDonald’s, and CVS Health, which provide numerous job opportunities across various sectors. Other notable companies include Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and AutoZone.

The city also hosts companies like Brimar Industries, a manufacturer of safety signs, and Star Dynamics Corporation, involved in the wholesale distribution of transportation equipment. While a significant historical employer, Garden State Paper, closed in 2002, the city continues to attract and retain businesses that contribute to its economic vitality.