Is Secaucus Safe, Pros and cons of living in Secaucus
Secaucus, New Jersey, nestled within Hudson County, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Its strategic location provides residents with convenient access to the vibrant cultural and economic hubs of New York City and Northern New Jersey. The town is known for its diverse population, robust retail sector, and significant transportation infrastructure, making it an appealing place for many to call home.
This community provides a balanced lifestyle, combining residential areas with commercial and industrial zones. Its proximity to major roadways and public transportation, including the Secaucus Junction rail station, facilitates easy commuting and access to regional attractions. Secaucus is a town that continuously evolves, adapting to the needs of its growing population while maintaining its distinct character.
Is it Safe to Live in Secaucus?
Secaucus presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with notable variations between violent and property crime rates. The town’s overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, largely driven by property crimes. Specifically, Secaucus experiences a property crime rate that is more than double the national average per 100,000 people (according to FBI crime data). Conversely, the rate of violent crimes in Secaucus is considerably lower than the national average (according to FBI crime data).
While the town has a concerningly high rate of property crime, it has also achieved a murder rate of zero in its latest reported crime year (according to FBI crime data). This indicates a focused effort on certain types of crime prevention. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Secaucus is approximately one in 28, which is high compared to national figures (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is about one in 710, which is around the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living and Housing
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Secaucus is notably higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a primary driver. The median home value in Secaucus stands at $662,670, showing a 4.8% increase over the past year (as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow). This median home value is significantly higher than the national median, reflecting the demand for housing in the area.
Rental prices in Secaucus also reflect the higher cost of living. The average rent for all property types is approximately $2,900 per month, with a month-over-month change of +$57 and a year-over-year change of +$22 (as of April 29, 2026, according to Zillow). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $2,574, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $4,400 (according to Apartments.com). These rental figures are substantially higher than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow).
Overall Cost of Living
Secaucus’s overall cost of living is considerably higher than both the national and state averages. For a single person, monthly expenses are estimated at $2,688, and for a family of four, they are around $5,872 (according to Salary.com). These figures contribute to Secaucus being recognized as one of America’s more expensive cities.
Housing costs in Secaucus are particularly elevated, being 124% higher than the national average. Utility prices are slightly above the national average, at 4% higher, and transportation expenses are also about 4% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). Grocery prices are 7% higher than the national average, and healthcare costs are 11% higher (according to PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Secaucus is home to a variety of major employers, contributing to its diverse economic landscape. Significant companies with a presence in Secaucus include Quest Diagnostics, a leader in diagnostic testing and healthcare information services, and PVH Corp., a global fashion company known for brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger (according to Lensa and Indeed.com). Other notable employers include large retail and logistics companies like Costco, Walmart, and UPS, leveraging Secaucus’s strategic location and transportation networks.
The town also hosts corporate headquarters for various businesses, such as The Children’s Place and Hartz Mountain Industries (according to Wikipedia). The presence of these diverse companies provides a range of employment opportunities across different sectors, from healthcare and retail to logistics and corporate services.
Salaries and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Secaucus varies depending on the source, with some estimates around $63,008 per year, or approximately $30.29 per hour (as of April 26, according to ZipRecruiter). Other data suggests a higher average annual salary of $87,321, or an hourly wage of $42, for employees at the Town of Secaucus (according to Salary.com). The salary range for most jobs in Secaucus is between $43,050 and $81,276 annually (according to ZipRecruiter).
Secaucus’s unemployment rate is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results. However, the town’s economic activity, supported by its major employers and diverse industries, suggests a generally stable job market. The average per capita income in Secaucus is $89,531, with a median household income of $139,821 (according to World Population Review).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Secaucus experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 26°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 93°F (according to Weather and Climate). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 85°F and lows of 70°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 40°F and lows of 27°F (according to Weather and Climate).
The town is partly cloudy year-round. The hot season lasts from June to September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 76°F. The cold season spans from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 48°F. The wind speed remains relatively consistent, averaging around 10 mph in winter and 8 mph in summer (according to Weather and Climate).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Secaucus receives a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 47.5 inches (according to Plantmaps). The wettest month is typically July, with an average rainfall of around 4.36 inches, while February is the driest, with about 2.2 inches (according to Weather and Climate and Plantmaps).
A wet day is defined as one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The chance of wet days is higher from April to August, with July having an average of 10.7 wet days. The drier season lasts from August to April, with January having an average of 7.3 wet days (according to Weather and Climate). Secaucus also experiences snowfall, with February typically receiving the most snow, averaging 9.4 inches, and an annual snowfall of around 29 inches (according to Weather and Climate).
Demographics and Education
Population and Diversity
As of the most recent Census data, Secaucus has a population of 21,778 residents (according to Point2Homes). The town’s population has seen growth, with an increase of 36.4% from the 2010 census count (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Secaucus is 38 years, with a balanced gender distribution (according to Point2Homes).
Secaucus is a diverse community. The racial makeup includes approximately 37.4% Caucasian, 6% African American, and 36.1% Asian residents, with a significant portion identifying with two or more races (according to Point2Homes). It is notably more diverse than New Jersey overall, with a significant Asian (Non-Hispanic) population (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
School Ratings
The Secaucus School District is a highly-rated public school system, earning an overall Niche grade of A- (according to Niche). The district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 43% of students are proficient in math and 53% are proficient in reading (according to Niche).
Secaucus High School also receives strong ratings, with an A- grade from Niche. It serves grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. At the high school level, 35% of students are proficient in math and 62% in reading (according to Niche). Secaucus Middle School holds a B+ rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1, and proficiency rates of 43% in math and 61% in reading (according to Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Secaucus
Pros
Secaucus offers excellent connectivity, with its proximity to New York City and major transportation hubs like Secaucus Junction providing significant commuting advantages. The town boasts a diverse population, creating a rich cultural environment for its residents. Its retail sector is robust, offering ample shopping and entertainment options, and the town is generally considered walkable with nearby restaurants and parks (according to Niche).
The school district is well-regarded, with Secaucus High School and Middle School receiving positive ratings from Niche, indicating a commitment to quality education. Furthermore, the town provides a range of housing options, though they come at a higher price point, reflecting the desirability of the area. The climate, while having distinct seasons, offers a generally moderate experience for much of the year.
Cons
A significant drawback of living in Secaucus is its high cost of living, particularly concerning housing expenses, which are substantially above the national average (according to Salary.com and PayScale). The crime rate, especially for property crimes, is also considerably higher than the national average, which may be a concern for some residents (according to FBI crime data and NeighborhoodScout).
While Secaucus offers many amenities, the town’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average. Some sources indicate that Secaucus has one of the highest crime rates in America when compared to communities of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). This, combined with the elevated cost of living, presents challenges for potential and current residents.