Is Totowa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Totowa

Totowa, a borough nestled in Passaic County, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban centers. With a population that has seen steady growth, Totowa provides a community atmosphere with a range of amenities for its residents. The borough’s strategic location and established infrastructure contribute to its appeal for those seeking a place to call home in northern New Jersey.

The community is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and a commitment to maintaining a balanced quality of life. Totowa’s history is rooted in its development as a township and later as a borough, reflecting the typical growth patterns of many New Jersey municipalities. Its governance structure, featuring a mayor and borough council, ensures local representation and management of community affairs.

Is it Safe to Live in Totowa?

Totowa’s safety profile indicates a need for awareness, as crime rates are reported to be higher than both the national and state averages. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is approximately 1 in 49 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This suggests that while many residents may feel safe, the overall crime rate warrants attention.

Specifically, Totowa’s violent crime rate is reported as about average for communities across America, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime around one in 790 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, the rate for property crime is higher, with an approximate chance of becoming a victim of property crime being one in 53 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means that property-related offenses are a more significant concern for the community.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Totowa presents a notable cost of living, with expenses significantly higher than the national average. The average home value in Totowa was approximately $659,952 as of March 2026, showing a 5.3% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Housing expenses in Totowa are about 113% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Rental costs in Totowa are also substantial. The average rent for all property types was reported as $2,800 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types was $2,600 as of April 2026, which is 34% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures highlight that securing housing, whether through purchase or rent, requires a significant financial commitment.

Overall, Totowa’s cost of living is approximately 36% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This is driven by elevated costs across various categories, including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. For instance, utility prices are about 4% higher than the national average, while grocery prices are 7% higher (as reported by PayScale).

Job Market and Economy

The employment landscape in Totowa reflects a dynamic economy with a variety of job opportunities. As of May 2026, the average salary in Totowa was reported as $23.76 per hour or $49,426 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Totowa was $113,563 as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Totowa is a key indicator of economic health. While specific recent figures for Totowa were not readily available in the provided search results, New Jersey’s statewide unemployment rate averaged 4.4% in 2023 (as reported by Garden State Initiative). This provides a general economic context for the region.

Major employers in the area contribute to the local job market. While a comprehensive list of Totowa’s largest employers was not detailed, national companies with offices or operations in or near Totowa include Amazon, Kroger, Oracle, and Target (as indicated by Indeed). These companies offer diverse employment opportunities across various sectors.

Climate and Environment

Totowa experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 23°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 9°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warmest months are generally from late May to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 84°F.

Winters in Totowa are cold and snowy, with the cold season lasting from early December to mid-March. January is typically the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 24°F and highs near 38°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Snowfall is common during these months, contributing to the winter landscape.

Precipitation occurs throughout the year in Totowa. September typically sees the most rainfall, averaging around 3.7 inches, while February experiences the least, with an average of 1.9 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The climate offers a full range of seasonal weather patterns for residents to experience.

Education and Schools

The Totowa Public School District serves the educational needs of the borough’s younger residents, offering programs for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The district received an overall Niche Grade of C, with specific grades varying across different aspects of its performance (as reported by Niche). This indicates a mixed performance in academic and operational areas.

Student proficiency in math and reading are key metrics for school performance. According to state test scores, 35% of students in the Totowa Public School District are proficient in math, and 53% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). These figures suggest areas for potential improvement within the district’s academic offerings.

The student-teacher ratio in the district is 17 to 1, with approximately 902 students across its schools (as reported by Niche). While the district has received mixed reviews, it remains the primary educational provider for elementary and middle school students within Totowa.

Demographics and Community

Totowa is a borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, with a population of 11,065 as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Totowa is 42 years, with a slight majority of females (as reported by World Population Review). The population has shown consistent growth over recent decades.

The racial and ethnic composition of Totowa is diverse. As of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest group, followed by Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) and Other (Hispanic) residents (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 26% of the population identifies as Hispanic (as reported by Census Reporter).

A significant portion of Totowa’s population are U.S. citizens, with 93.3% of residents holding citizenship as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The community is primarily urban, with 100% of residents living in urban areas (as reported by Wikipedia).