Is Paulsboro Safe, Pros and cons of living in Paulsboro

Paulsboro, a borough nestled along the Delaware River in Gloucester County, New Jersey, offers a distinct living experience within the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Its community is characterized by a blend of historical roots and evolving demographics, creating a unique atmosphere for its residents. The borough provides a more accessible cost of living compared to many surrounding areas, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing proximity to urban amenities.

The town’s appeal lies in its community-focused environment and its strategic location, offering a balance between a quieter suburban feel and convenient access to employment centers and recreational opportunities. As you consider a move to Paulsboro, understanding its various facets—from safety and economic conditions to climate and educational resources—will be crucial in making an informed decision about embracing life in this South Jersey borough.

Is it Safe to Live in Paulsboro?

Paulsboro’s overall crime rate is reported to be 3% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This translates to approximately 0.38 daily occurrences, with 0.13 violent crimes and 0.26 property crimes on average. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Paulsboro varies by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 42 in western areas to 1 in 81 in southeastern neighborhoods (according to CrimeGrade.org).

The borough’s violent crime rate is 716 per 100,000 people, which places it within the lowest 10% of U.S. cities reporting crime statistics (according to AreaVibes). In 2023, Paulsboro recorded 28 violent crimes, resulting in a rate of 444.59 per 100,000 residents, according to FBI UCR data. In the same year, there were 115 property crimes reported, equating to a rate of 1,825.98 per 100,000 residents (according to FBI UCR data).

Exploring Paulsboro’s Economic Landscape

Housing Market Trends

The Paulsboro housing market presents a dynamic environment for both buyers and sellers. As of March 2026, the median home value in Paulsboro was approximately $225,000, showing a 10.0% decrease compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). However, other sources indicate a median home value of $233,957 as of March 31, 2026, reflecting a 7.1% increase over the past year (according to Zillow).

The median list price for homes in Paulsboro was $254,500 in March 2026, signaling a balanced market (according to Realtor.com). Homes in Paulsboro are currently selling for a median of $225,000 (according to Redfin). The median home value is reported as $213,307 (according to Livability.com), and another source states the median home value is $202,700 (according to Niche).

Rental Market and Affordability

For renters, Paulsboro offers a more affordable housing option compared to national averages. As of May 2026, the average rent in Paulsboro is $892 per month, which is 46% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (according to Apartments.com). This makes renting in Paulsboro more accessible than in most U.S. cities.

The median gross rent in Paulsboro is $976 per month (according to Point2Homes). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $892 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,477 per month (according to Apartments.com). Other estimates place the average rent for apartments between $1,300 and $1,500 in 2026, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,300 and a two-bedroom averaging $1,500 (according to Rent.).

Income and Employment

The median household income in Paulsboro was $64,239 as of 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), representing a 6.6% decrease from the previous year. The average annual household income was $86,569 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The unemployment rate in Paulsboro stands at 13% (according to Point2Homes), which is significantly higher than the typical rate of 4% to 5%.

The job market is supported by 2,742 working residents, with 73.6% employed in professional or administrative positions and 26.4% in hands-on or service-based jobs (according to Point2Homes). Major employment sectors include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA).

Understanding the Cost of Living

Paulsboro’s cost of living is considered higher than both the U.S. national average and New Jersey’s state average. In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of living is $2,832 for singles and $6,236 for families of four (according to Salary.com). This reflects a 14% increase above the national average and a 20% increase above the state average.

Housing costs in Paulsboro are notably higher, being 26.0% above the national average, with a single person’s housing expenses at $1,512 per month and a family of four’s at $2,772 per month (according to Salary.com). Food expenses are 5.8% below average, while energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are 3.1% higher than the national average (according to Salary.com).

Demographics and Community Profile

Population and Diversity

As of the 2020 U.S. census, Paulsboro had a population of 6,196 (according to Wikipedia). The population is projected to be 6,377 in 2026, with an annual growth rate of 0.49% (according to Paulsboro, NJ Population 2026). The borough is ethnically diverse, with a significant population of both White and Black or African American residents. In 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituted the largest group, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (according to Data USA).

The racial makeup includes approximately 40.4% White, 35.9% African American, and 18% with two or more races (according to Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino individuals represent about 4.35% of the population (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Paulsboro is 36.3 years, with 38.4 years for males and 35.7 years for females (according to Paulsboro, NJ Population 2026).

Household and Family Structure

Paulsboro has approximately 2,417 households, with an average of three members per household (according to Point2Homes). Of these households, 61.6% are families, while 38.4% are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (according to Point2Homes). About 25.7% of households are made up of individuals, and 9.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older (according to Wikipedia).

The median age was 33.7 years, with 28.3% of the population under 18 and 11.4% aged 65 or older (according to Wikipedia). For every 100 females, there were approximately 88.4 males in the borough (according to Wikipedia).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Temperature and Seasons

Paulsboro experiences distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 78°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 86°F and lows of 70°F (according to Time and Date).

The cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 28°F and highs of 41°F (according to Time and Date). The temperature throughout the year generally varies between 27°F and 87°F, rarely dropping below 14°F or exceeding 94°F (according to Time and Date).

Precipitation and Rainfall

The borough receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is approximately 42 inches (according to Livability.com). Monthly average rainfall figures range from about 2.83 inches in February to 4.6 inches in August (according to Plantmaps).

In 2026, the total rainfall was projected to be 7.9 inches, with a daily average of 0.1 inches (according to WillyWeather). The wettest day in January 2026 saw 1.4 inches of rain, and March had 12 wet days out of 31 (according to WillyWeather). Year-to-date rainfall totals in Paulsboro reached 10.70 inches as of May 15, 2026 (according to RainDrop App).

Educational Opportunities in Paulsboro

Paulsboro School District Overview

The Paulsboro School District serves the borough’s students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, with 1,228 students (according to Niche). Overall, the district is ranked within the bottom 50% of all school districts in New Jersey based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year (according to Public School Review).

For the 2026 school year, there are four public schools serving 1,272 students in the district. The district’s average testing ranking is 1 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey (according to Public School Review). Math proficiency scores are 7% and reading proficiency scores are 13%, significantly below the state averages (according to Public School Review).

Paulsboro High School Performance

Paulsboro High School is a public high school for grades 9-12, serving approximately 425 students. It has received a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 1 out of 10 (according to Homes.com). The school’s graduation rate is 87%, and the average SAT score is 1,050 (according to Homes.com).

However, the school consistently ranks among the lowest-performing high schools in New Jersey. Proficiency rates in state assessments are significantly below state averages, with English Language Arts at 9.3%, Algebra I at 8.9%, and Science at 3.8% for the 2024-2025 school year (according to SchoolDigger). The Paulsboro School District itself is ranked 608th out of 609 New Jersey school districts by SchoolDigger (according to SchoolDigger).

Major Employers and Job Market

While specific major employers are not detailed, the Paulsboro job market is diverse, with a significant portion of the workforce employed in professional, administrative, and sales roles. Key employment sectors include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). The borough’s workforce is a mix of blue-collar and white-collar professionals, with notable concentrations in office and administrative support, management, and healthcare support services (according to NeighborhoodScout).

The average annual salary for employees at the Borough of Paulsboro is reported as $76,009 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $64,239 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau) and an average per capita income of $35,398 (according to Paulsboro, NJ Population 2026). Some active job markets in Paulsboro offer salaries higher than the state average, including roles like Amazon Warehouse Worker, Superintendent of Education, and Crossing Guard (according to ZipRecruiter).