Is Perth Amboy Safe, Pros and cons of living in Perth Amboy
Perth Amboy, a city with a rich history situated in Middlesex County, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and coastal charm. Known as the “City by the Bay,” it boasts a strategic location within the New York metropolitan area, providing residents with access to major economic hubs while maintaining its own distinct community identity. The city’s waterfront provides scenic views and recreational opportunities, contributing to its appeal for those seeking a balance between city living and natural beauty.
The population of Perth Amboy is diverse, with a significant Hispanic majority, reflecting a vibrant cultural tapestry. Its strategic location and developing economy have attracted a growing number of residents over the years. The city’s commitment to redevelopment, particularly since the 1990s, has reshaped its landscape and economic opportunities, making it an evolving place to call home.
Is it Safe to Live in Perth Amboy?
Crime Rates
Perth Amboy experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being 1 in 258 (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also presents a concern, with a rate of 14 per one thousand population, leading to a 1 in 74 chance of becoming a victim of property crime (NeighborhoodScout).
However, these statistics should be viewed in context. While Perth Amboy’s crime rate is higher than the national average, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rates (NeighborhoodScout). Relative to New Jersey, Perth Amboy’s crime rate is higher than 78% of the state’s cities and towns (NeighborhoodScout). Some sources indicate that the overall crime rate in Perth Amboy is 16.9% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 9.1% higher than the national average and property crimes being 22.2% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). It’s important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city, with some areas being perceived as safer than others by residents (AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Perth Amboy
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Perth Amboy is notably higher than the national average. Overall, it is estimated to be 18% higher than the national average (Payscale). This figure is influenced by several key expenses, with housing costs being a significant contributor. Housing expenses in Perth Amboy are approximately 48% higher than the national average (Payscale, AreaVibes).
Other daily expenses also contribute to the higher cost of living. Utility prices are about 3% higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are around 5% higher (Payscale). Grocery prices are marginally higher, at 2% above the national average (Payscale). Healthcare services in Perth Amboy are also more expensive, costing about 17% more than the national average (Payscale).
Housing Market
Perth Amboy’s housing market presents a mixed picture for potential buyers and renters. The median listing price for a home in Perth Amboy is approximately $445,000, reflecting a 5.94% year-over-year increase (Realtor.com®). The median home value, as of March 2026, was $495,686, showing a 2.0% increase over the past year (Zillow).
Rental costs in Perth Amboy are also on the higher side. The average rent for an apartment is around $2,353 per month, which has seen a slight decrease of 0.55% compared to the previous year (RentCafe). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $2,500 per month (Realtor.com®), and the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is $2,600 as of April 2026, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year (Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Perth Amboy is supported by a diverse range of industries and major employers. The city’s economy thrives on sectors such as transportation and warehousing, retail trade, and manufacturing (Data USA). Other significant industries include healthcare and administrative services, contributing to the employment landscape.
While specific unemployment rate figures fluctuate, the employment rate in Perth Amboy is currently around 90.57% (BestNeighborhood.org). The average annual salary in Perth Amboy is approximately $52,460, with an hourly rate of about $25.22 (ZipRecruiter). However, other reports suggest a median household income of $61,977 (Data USA) and an average annual household income of $79,133 (Point2Homes).
Major Employers
Perth Amboy is home to a variety of employers, ranging from large corporations to essential service providers. Key industries like transportation and warehousing employ a substantial number of residents (Data USA). Major companies that contribute to the local economy include those in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors (Data USA, Indeed.com).
Notable employers in the broader region, which likely impact Perth Amboy’s job market, include Johnson & Johnson, Prudential Insurance, and St. Peter’s University Hospital (New Jersey Real Estate Network). Raritan Bay Medical Center is a significant healthcare institution within the city itself (New Jersey Real Estate Network).
Climate and Weather
Temperature and Precipitation
Perth Amboy experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The hot season typically lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 77°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 86°F (Time and Date). The cold season extends from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F, and January being the coldest month with lows around 28°F (Time and Date).
The city receives a notable amount of precipitation throughout the year. Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common from April to August, with June having the most wet days (Time and Date). The drier season spans from late August to early April, with October having the fewest wet days (Time and Date).
Education in Perth Amboy
School Ratings and Performance
The educational landscape in Perth Amboy presents a challenge, with the school district as a whole facing significant academic hurdles. Most schools within the Perth Amboy Public School District perform below state averages (SchoolDigger). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with only 14% of students proficient in math and 30% in reading according to state test scores (Niche).
However, there are some exceptions. Perth Amboy Magnet School is noted as an above-average public school, ranking well within the state and earning a 3 out of 5-star rating (SchoolDigger, Niche). The Middlesex County STEM Charter School also demonstrates stronger academic performance than the district averages, particularly in mathematics (SchoolDigger). Perth Amboy High School, conversely, ranks poorly among New Jersey high schools, with a significant portion of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating potential resource inequities (SchoolDigger).
Demographics of Perth Amboy
Population and Diversity
Perth Amboy is a city with a population of approximately 55,855 residents (Point2Homes). The city is characterized by its diverse population, with a significant Hispanic majority, making up about 83.6% of the residents (Data USA). Other racial demographics include White (20.12%), Black or African American (7.88%), and smaller percentages of Asian and Native American populations (Point2Homes, Data USA).
The median age in Perth Amboy is 37.9 years (Point2Homes, Data USA). The population is distributed across various age groups, with adults between 25 and 64 making up a substantial portion of residents. The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with 49.2% males and 50.8% females (Point2Homes).
Income and Housing Costs
The median household income in Perth Amboy was reported as $61,977 in the most recent data (Point2Homes). Other sources indicate an average annual household income of $79,133 (Point2Homes) and a median individual income of $29,909 (Data Commons). A significant portion of residents, approximately 20.2%, live below the poverty line (Data USA).
Housing costs are a considerable factor in Perth Amboy. The median home price is around $370,600 (Data USA), with a median listing price of $445,000 (Realtor.com®). The homeownership rate is 35.4%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA). For renters, the median gross rent is $1,688 per month (Point2Homes), while other sources list the average rent at $2,300 (Zillow) to $2,600 (Zumper).