2023 Passaic County, New Jersey Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Passaic County, New Jersey, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Passaic County, New Jersey Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
518,289
Median Age
38.1 years
Median Household Income
$87,137
Bachelor's Degree+
30.31%
Uninsured Rate
12.1%
Total Households
177,964
Total Workers
251,131
Citizenship Rate
85.4%
Total Veterans
10,892
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Families in Poverty
14,202
SNAP Recipients
18.16%
Households w/ SNAP
32,314

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Passaic County, New Jersey by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Passaic County, New Jersey is 518,289. The median age of the population in Passaic County, New Jersey is 38.1 years. The median age for males is 36.9 years, and for females it is 39.2 years.

The age distribution of the population in Passaic County, New Jersey by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 6.38%
5–17 years (children) 17.32%
18–24 years (young adults) 9.30%
25–34 years 13.26%
35–54 years 25.36%
55–64 years 12.87%
65 years and over (seniors) 15.51%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Passaic County, New Jersey

The total dependency ratio in Passaic County, New Jersey is 64.51. The youth dependency ratio is 39.00, and the old-age dependency ratio is 25.52. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Passaic County, New Jersey, including Passaic (07055) (69,651), Wayne (07470) (54,131), and Clifton (07011) (38,817).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Passaic County, New Jersey?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Passaic County, New Jersey
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Passaic County, New Jersey is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Passaic County, New Jersey is calculated at 64.69, suggesting a high level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Passaic County, New Jersey by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 43.44%
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 38.88%
Black/African American Alone 9.96%
Asian Alone 5.39%
Two or More Races 1.76%
Some Other Race Alone 0.48%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.06%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.02%

Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Passaic County, New Jersey over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $87,137. This figure is based on a total of 177,964 households.

The distribution of household income in Passaic County, New Jersey across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 11.86%
$20,000 to $34,999 9.22%
$35,000 to $49,999 9.82%
$50,000 to $74,999 13.35%
$75,000 to $149,999 29.31%
$150,000 or more 26.44%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Passaic County, New Jersey, explore the data for: Montclair (07043) ($250,001), Cedar Grove (07009) ($153,654), and Wayne (07470) ($151,561).


Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Passaic County, New Jersey is based on a total of 94,011 properties.

The property value distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 1.41%
$25,000 to $49,999 1.06%
$50,000 to $99,999 0.90%
$100,000 to $199,999 3.64%
$200,000 to $499,999 57.83%
$500,000 to $999,999 34.62%
$1,000,000 or more 0.54%

Educational Attainment in Passaic County, New Jersey (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Passaic County, New Jersey, totaling 347,256 individuals.

85.11% of Passaic County, New Jersey population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 30.31%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 14.89%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 33.68%
Some college or associate's degree 21.12%
Bachelor's Degree 20.19%
Graduate or professional degree 10.13%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Passaic County, New Jersey?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Passaic County, New Jersey shows that 12.1% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 62,361 individuals out of a total population of 515,404 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 23.5% for males and 14.6% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 19.1% of males and 14.0% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Passaic County, New Jersey, uninsured rates for children are 5.9% for males and 5.3% for females, while seniors have rates of 2.4% for males and 1.8% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 5.9% 5.3%
18-34 years 23.5% 14.6%
35-64 years 19.1% 14.0%
65+ years 2.4% 1.8%

Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Passaic County, New Jersey based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Passaic County, New Jersey shows that 85.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 442,464 individuals out of a total population of 518,289 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 63.6% were born in the United States, 2.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 1.4% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 18.2% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (94,231 individuals), while 14.6% are non-citizens (75,825 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 63.6%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 2.2%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 1.4%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 18.2%
Not a U.S. citizen 14.6%
Total U.S. Citizens 85.4%

Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Passaic County, New Jersey show that 77.3% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 189,345 workers out of a total workforce of 245,005 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 7.0% (17,196 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (3.9%) and bicycling (0.1%).

10.3% of workers in Passaic County, New Jersey report working from home. An additional 1.3% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 77.3% 189,345
Public transportation 7.0% 17,196
Bicycle 0.1% 311
Walked 3.9% 9,672
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.3% 3,262
Worked from home 10.3% 25,219
Total Workers - 245,005

Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Passaic County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Passaic County, New Jersey totals 251,131 workers. Of these, 132,286 (52.7%) are male and 118,845 (47.3%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Passaic County, New Jersey is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 104,586 (41.6%) 87,582 (34.9%)
Private Non-Profit 5,602 (2.2%) 9,330 (3.7%)
Government (All Levels) 13,616 (5.4%) 16,613 (6.6%)
  • Local Government 8,169 11,121
  • State Government 3,534 4,474
  • Federal Government 1,913 1,018
Self-Employed 8,210 (3.3%) 5,116 (2.0%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Passaic County, New Jersey.


Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Passaic County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 10,892 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Passaic County, New Jersey.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 4,135 veterans (38.0% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Post-9/11 Only, with 1,865 veterans (17.1%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Passaic County, New Jersey is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 4,135 38.0%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 1,865 17.1%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 1,369 12.6%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 1,180 10.8%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 976 9.0%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 710 6.5%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 370 3.4%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 193 1.8%
Between Korean War and World War II 40 0.4%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 27 0.2%
Korean War and World War II 18 0.2%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 9 0.1%
Total Veterans 10,892 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Passaic County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 127,548 families in Passaic County, New Jersey.

Of these families, 14,202 (11.1%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 36,779 families (28.8%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 76,567 families (60.0%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Passaic County, New Jersey is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 5,665 4.4%
50-74% of Poverty 3,494 2.7%
75-99% of Poverty 5,043 4.0%
100-124% of Poverty 4,543 3.6%
125-149% of Poverty 5,465 4.3%
150-174% of Poverty 4,615 3.6%
175-184% of Poverty 1,757 1.4%
185-199% of Poverty 2,675 2.1%
200-299% of Poverty 17,724 13.9%
300-399% of Poverty 15,585 12.2%
400-499% of Poverty 12,738 10.0%
500%+ of Poverty 48,244 37.8%
Total Families 127,548 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Passaic County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Passaic County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 177,964 total households in Passaic County, New Jersey. Of these, 32,314 households (18.16%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 17,734 (54.88%) have children under 18 years, while 14,580 (45.12%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Passaic County, New Jersey, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 5,963 (18.45%) 2,587 (8.01%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 1,216 (3.76%) 831 (2.57%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 10,522 (32.56%) 3,214 (9.95%)
Nonfamily Households 33 (0.10%) 7,948 (24.60%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Passaic County, New Jersey. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Passaic County, New Jersey is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years6.38%
5–17 years (children)17.32%
18–24 years (young adults)9.30%
25–34 years13.26%
35–54 years25.36%
55–64 years12.87%
65 years and over (seniors)15.51%

The racial and ethnic composition of Passaic County, New Jersey is dominated by: Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 43.44%, White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 38.88%, Black/African American Alone: 9.96%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Passaic County, New Jersey is $87,137. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Passaic County, New Jersey is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 11.86%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 9.22%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 9.82%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 13.35%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 29.31%, High Income ($150,000+): 26.44%.

Approximately 44.09% of households in Passaic County, New Jersey earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Passaic County, New Jersey is: Less than $25,000: 1.41%, $25,000-$49,999: 1.06%, $50,000-$99,999: 0.90%, $100,000-$199,999: 3.64%, $200,000-$499,999: 57.83%, $500,000-$999,999: 34.62%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.54%.

There are 94,011 owner-occupied housing units in Passaic County, New Jersey. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 35.16% of owner-occupied housing units in Passaic County, New Jersey are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 30.31% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Passaic County, New Jersey (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 14.89%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 33.68%, Some college or associate's degree: 21.12%, Bachelor's degree: 20.19%, Graduate or professional degree: 10.13%.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 85.11% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 12.1% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 62,361 individuals out of a total population of 515,404 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Passaic County, New Jersey. For young adults (18-34 years), 23.5% of males and 14.6% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 19.1% of males and 14.0% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Passaic County, New Jersey have uninsured rates of 5.9% for males and 5.3% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 2.4% for males and 1.8% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 85.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 518,289 people, 442,464 are U.S. citizens.

Passaic County, New Jersey has 94,231 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 18.2% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Passaic County, New Jersey is: 63.6% were born in the United States, 2.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 1.4% were born abroad of American parent(s), 18.2% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 14.6% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 77.3% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 245,005 total workers, 189,345 use personal vehicles for their commute.

17,196 workers in Passaic County, New Jersey use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 7.0% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Passaic County, New Jersey include: 10.3% work from home, 3.9% walk to work, 0.1% bicycle, and 1.3% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Passaic County, New Jersey. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Passaic County, New Jersey has 251,131 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 41.6% of male workers and 34.9% of female workers in this category.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, there are 13,616 male government workers and 16,613 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 5.4% of male workers and 6.6% of female workers.

Self-employment in Passaic County, New Jersey includes 8,210 males (3.3%) and 5,116 females (2.0%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 32,314 households (18.16% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 177,964 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Passaic County, New Jersey, 17,734 (54.88%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Passaic County, New Jersey include diverse household types. Among households with children, 10,522 (32.56%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 5,963 (18.45%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Passaic County, New Jersey, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 10,892 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Passaic County, New Jersey. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Passaic County, New Jersey is Vietnam Era Only, with 4,135 veterans (38.0% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 1,865 veterans (17.1%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Passaic County, New Jersey provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 39.9% of all veterans in Passaic County, New Jersey. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 4,350 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 14,202 families (11.1% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 127,548 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Passaic County, New Jersey, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Passaic County, New Jersey has 36,779 families (28.8%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 14,623 families (11.5%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, 5,665 families (4.4%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 76,567 families (60.0%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.