Passaic Co. Rent Went Up 10 Percent Last Year, Surpassing Most Of U.S.

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Rent throughout Passaic County surged nearly 10 percent in the past year, surpassing inflation and doubling the average increase around the United States.

Nationwide, rent increased 4.8 percent from December 2021 to last December, with a median monthly cost of $1,978, according to rent.com's latest monthly report. New Jersey's median rent shot up 11.7 percent during that span, totaling $2,725 as of December.

Passaic County's rent increased less than the state's as a whole last year, but it added up to a substantial expense. The county's average rent went from $1,997.96 to $2,194.36 for a 9.8 percent jump, according to new data from Zillow.

• Related article: NJ Rent Surged 12 Percent Last Year, Surpassing Most Of Nation

Overall, Passaic County's average rent increase surpassed inflation. As of December, prices on all consumer goods rose 6.5 percent from the year prior, while the cost of shelter increased 7.5 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index — a key metric for evaluating inflation.

Costly rent has been an issue throughout New Jersey, and Passaic County hasn't been immune. Based on local income data, affording a two-bedroom apartment in the county required the average renter to work 72 hours per week during Fiscal Year 2022, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. A minimum-wage earner would need to work 100 hours per week to keep up with costs.