In the last decade, Jersey City has experienced a significant amount of economic growth most evident by the amount of commercial and residential development throughout the City. With this growth, the cost of housing has significantly increased throughout the city, while the incomes of many Jersey City residents have not kept pace. As a result, many residents pay an unhealthy percentage of their income for housing. Many longtime residents are moving out of Jersey City because the supply of housing is cost prohibitive.
• Over half of renters and owners pay more than they can for housing ( 2006 US Census Update)
• 82% of Jersey City residents cannot offer to buy a single family home or condo at a price of $300,000 or above.
• Over 40% of all Jersey City household earn less than 80% of the AMI and would benefit from affordable housing.
List of full-time workers who earn less than $46,000 annually and cannot afford to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Jersey City:
| Occupation |
Average Salary |
| Cashiers |
$19,064 |
| Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers |
$20,401 |
| Waiters/Waitress |
$21,090 |
| Child Care Workers |
$21,260 |
| Hotel Clerk |
$21,266 |
| Home Health Aides |
$21,286 |
| Tellers |
$23,219 |
| Concierge |
$23,439 |
| Janitors |
$23,833 |
| Retail Salesperson |
$25,166 |
| Receptionists |
$25,686 |
| Security Guards |
$25,713 |
| Landscaper/Grounds keeping |
$26,596 |
| Taxi Driver |
$27,286 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylist, Cosmetologists |
$28,309 |
| EMT and Paramedics |
$30,873 |
| Library Technicians |
$30,955 |
| Dental Assistants |
$31,328 |
| Truck Driver |
$31,437 |
| Bus Drivers |
$32,381 |
| Cooks |
$33,266 |
| Medical Assistants |
$34,572 |
| Bill and Account Collectors |
$37,504 |
| Law Clerks |
$37,701 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks |
$38,262 |
| Butchers |
$39,152 |
| Auto Body Repairs |
$40,431 |
| Auto Mechanics |
$40,547 |
| Payroll Clerks |
$40,555 |
| Construction Laborers |
$42,856 |
| Vocational Education Teachers |
$43,033 |
| Postal Service Mail Carriers |
$43,914 |
| Retail Manager |
$45,971 |
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