Elizabeth: The Data Profile (2026)

Elizabeth, New Jersey, presents a complex statistical profile for the 2026 post-remote workforce. With a population of 135,836, it operates as a dense, urban hub rather than a sprawling suburb. The primary economic friction point is the income-to-cost ratio: the median household income sits at $71,715, which is 3.8% below the national median of $74,580. Compounding this, educational attainment is significantly lower than the national average, with only 17.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher (compared to the US average of 33.1%).

The statistical target demographic for Elizabeth is the "Logistics Commuter." This profile fits professionals working in the greater New York City metro area or the booming Port Newark-Elizabeth logistics corridor who require urban proximity but seek lower housing costs than Manhattan or Brooklyn. The data suggests a trade-off: accept a lower local salary potential in exchange for access to high-paying regional jobs and relatively affordable (though above-average) housing.

Cost of Living Analysis

Disposable Income Analysis

The cost of living in Elizabeth is a 108.0 index relative to the US average, driven almost entirely by housing. While groceries and transportation hover near parity, the effective tax burden and utility costs create a squeeze. For a single earner making the median $71,715, the monthly take-home pay is approximately $4,450. Comparing this to the $4,529 monthly estimated cost, the statistical median earner has a disposable income deficit of roughly $79 per month. This indicates that living in Elizabeth at the median income requires strict budgeting or dual-income households.

Housing Market Deep Dive

Buying vs. Renting Analysis

The data presents a clear divergence between the rental and ownership markets. While the Housing Index is 118.0, indicating high costs, the rental market for 1BR units is actually 10% cheaper than the national average. However, the purchase market is aggressive: a median home costs $475,000, requiring a significant income to service a mortgage.

Verdict: For the 2026 relocator, renting is the financially superior short-to-medium term strategy. The price-to-rent ratio (Median Home $475,000 vs Annual Rent $16,200 for a 1BR) exceeds 29x, well above the traditional "buy" threshold of 15-20x. Buying in Elizabeth is an equity play for those with capital, while renting offers significant savings relative to the cost of ownership.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote work landscape (RTO) has heavily influenced Elizabeth's 2026 economy. With unemployment at 5.4% (significantly higher than the US average of 4.0%), the local job market is tight for unskilled labor but robust for logistics and transport.

• Commute Times: Average commute is 32 minutes. Proximity to Newark Penn Station (approx. 10 minutes by car) allows access to NYC via NJ Transit in under 45 minutes.
• Industry Stability: The city is a hub for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. While local retail suffers from the 5.4% unemployment rate, warehousing and supply chain roles remain stable.
• RTO Impact: As NYC offices mandate 3-4 days in-office, Elizabeth has become a "bedroom community" for finance and tech workers who cannot afford Brooklyn/Hoboken rents, driving up demand for 2BR rentals.

Quality of Life Audit

Safety & Environment

Elizabeth defies typical urban statistics regarding safety. Despite economic challenges, violent crime is 195/100k (US avg: 380/100k), and property crime is 1457/100k (US avg: 2,000/100k). Both metrics are statistically LOW, making it a safer option than many comparable cities.

Air Quality is surprisingly robust for an industrial logistics hub, with an AQI of 42 (Good) and PM2.5 levels at 6.5 µg/m³. This is likely due to coastal winds and ongoing emissions regulations.

Health Risks: The "Health Score" of 77.5 is deceptive. While the aggregate score is "Good," risk factors are severe. Obesity (34.8%) and Diabetes (13.7%) rates are significantly above national averages, suggesting that while safety is high, lifestyle and dietary health outcomes are poor.

Schools & Weather:

• Schools: Performance varies drastically by neighborhood. Test scores generally trail state averages.
• Weather: Currently 48.0°F with highs of 44°F. Expect humid summers (avg 85°F) and cold, snowy winters (avg 32°F).

The Verdict

Pros

• Safety: Violent crime (195/100k) is nearly 50% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 42 beats the US average, a rarity for the region.
• Rental Value: 1BR rents ($1,350) are 10% below the national curve.
• Proximity: Unbeatable access to NYC and Newark hubs for under $2,000/mo.

Cons

• Income Gap: Median income ($71,715) trails the US average by $2,865 annually.
• Buying Barrier: Home prices ($475,000) and electricity costs (19.34 c/kWh) are punishingly high.
• Health Profile: High rates of obesity (34.8%) and diabetes (13.7%) indicate a challenging environment for wellness.
• Unemployment: Local rate (5.4%) is significantly higher than the national baseline.

Recommendation

Elizabeth is a "Transit Hub Play," not a "Forever Home" play.
The data supports relocating to Elizabeth if you are a renter with a job in the NYC/Northern NJ metro area. The combination of below-average 1BR rents and low crime makes it a financially efficient base for commuters. However, families looking to buy a home or individuals prioritizing health/wellness should look elsewhere, as the housing market is overvalued relative to local income, and health risks are elevated.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Elizabeth in 2026?
Based on the cost of living tables, a single adult needs a gross income of at least $75,000 to maintain a healthy debt-to-income ratio, while a family of four requires approximately $115,000 to cover the estimated $7,589 monthly expenses.

2. How does the value proposition compare to nearby Newark?
Elizabeth offers 15% better safety statistics (Violent Crime 195/100k vs Newark's 700/100k) but commands a **10%** premium in rent. You are paying for the safety gap.

3. Are the crime statistics reliable?
Yes. The data indicates Elizabeth is a statistical anomaly with "Low" crime relative to its density. However, property crime (1457/100k) is still a risk; secure parking and home security are recommended.

4. Is the electricity cost really 19.34 cents/kWh?
Yes. This is 21% higher than the US average. Budget an extra $30-$50 monthly for utilities compared to the national standard. This is a result of regional grid costs and state taxes.