Families in Paterson earn a median $60,703 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $387,400. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $850,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
Paterson by the numbers
- Median household income
- $60,703Lower than the New Jersey median of $104,294
- Typical home value
- $387,400Lower than the New Jersey median of $496,000
- Homes owned
- 32%n/a of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 43%48,639 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 14%Median age 33.5
- Veterans
- 1,8041.6% of adults
Living in Paterson
Paterson is the 3rd largest city in New Jersey, with 160,446 residents and a median age of 33.5. That is younger than the state as a whole, so more families here are in the years when term life matters most.
The median household here earns $60,703, below the US median of $81,604. The typical home costs about 6.4 times that income, a heavy load for one paycheck to carry alone.
Compared with nearby Newark (13 miles away), homes in Paterson are worth about the same ($387,400 vs $396,600), and more households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is driving and moving goods, at 18.2% of workers. Drivers who switch carriers often lose their work coverage, so a policy they own matters.
Who works in Paterson
The biggest groups of hands on and front line jobs here, as a share of all workers. Some of these jobs can change your price, and some companies treat them better than others.
What fits families in Paterson
43% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
14% of people in Paterson are 65 or older, lower than the New Jersey rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
About 1,804 veterans live in Paterson. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in Paterson
About 21,700 people in Paterson are 65 or older. A small final expense policy, also called burial insurance, pays for the funeral so the family does not have to.
| Age | Women, $10,000 | Men, $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
National sample rates, Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a quote. Funeral costs and help in New Jersey
New Jersey rules that protect you
- Free look: 10 days to return a new policy for a refund
- Grace period: 30 days if you miss a payment
- Guaranty protection: up to $500,000 in death benefits
- Help line: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, 1-800-446-7467
Common questions in Paterson
How much life insurance do I need in Paterson?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With Paterson's median household income of $60,703 and a typical home value of $387,400, that lands near $850,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in Paterson without a medical exam?
Often, yes. Many companies approve healthy people with health questions and records instead of an exam. Older buyers can also look at simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense plans.
Do I need an agent licensed in New Jersey?
Yes. An agent must hold a New Jersey license to sell you a policy. You can check a license with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance at 1-800-446-7467.
What does a funeral cost near Paterson?
Local prices vary by funeral home. Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 with cremation (NFDA). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any funeral home in Paterson must give you an itemized price list.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
What happens if my insurance company fails in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects New Jersey policyholders up to $500,000 in death benefits, per insured person.
Source: New Jersey Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association · NOLHGA: how you are protected
Near Paterson
Newark (13 mi), Jersey City (15 mi), Elizabeth (17 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for Paterson, NJ. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
