This comprehensive comparison between Washington, DC and Jersey City, NJ taps into key areas to aid both potential residents and tourists alike. The comparison spans across crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, taxes, culture and food, sports, geographic conditions and healthcare. Let's dive in deeper now.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Jersey City, NJ : 200.2 miles
Washington's population is larger by 136%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Jersey City has grown by 43,872 people (18.3%) during that time.
In terms of crime and safety, both Washington, DC and Jersey City, NJ have areas that are generally safe, and others that are less so. However, Washington, DC historically has a higher crime rate than Jersey City, particularly for violent crimes. Both cities have active police departments and community safety initiatives working to reduce crime rates. Neighborhood watch programs are common in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,072 registered sex offenders living in Washington and 248 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 635 to 1; the ratio in Jersey City is 1,065 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Washington than in Jersey City.
Cost of Living
Living in Washington, DC is generally more expensive than Jersey City, due to the high housing and living costs. However, Jersey City is not far behind, as it is part of the New York metropolitan area. Housing, groceries, health care, utilities, and transportation are higher in Washington, DC than in Jersey City.
Income Tax
Both Washington, DC and Jersey City residents are subject to income tax. DC has a progressive income tax system, whereas New Jersey has a flat tax rate that applies to all Jersey City residents.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Washington, DC and Jersey City differ significantly. Jersey City has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, while DC property taxes tend to be lower.
Sales Tax
Washington, DC has a higher sales tax at 6% as compared to Jersey City which has a sales tax rate of 3.5%.
Income
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$81,958
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$51,119
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
123.5
If you make $50,000 in Jersey City, you will have to make $50,283 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Washington, DC is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., on the Potomac River's northern bank. Jersey City is on the eastern seaboard, adjacent to the Hudson River and upper New York Bay.
Both cities support a multiplicity of public and private educational institutions. Washington, DC's primary and secondary school systems are managed by the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). Similarly, Jersey City's public schools are managed by Jersey City Public Schools. Both cities are home to renowned universities and colleges, including Georgetown University in Washington, DC and Saint Peter's University in Jersey City.
Both cities have diverse economies. Washington, DC's economy is primarily driven by the federal government, but also has growing sectors in education, finance, public policy, and scientific research. Jersey City is a prominent financial and business center, known colloquially as 'Wall Street West', housing major corporations and offering competitive job opportunities.
Biggest Employers
In Washington, DC, the federal government is by far the largest employer, followed by MedStar Health, George Washington University, and several others. Jersey City's biggest employers include JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Verisk Analytics.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 245 building permits issued in Jersey City in 2012 (245 more than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Jersey City (Hudson County), 77.7% voted for Democrats and 21.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
2020
92.6%
72.8%
5.4%
26.4%
2.0%
0.8%
2016
90.9%
74.6%
4.1%
22.3%
5.0%
3.1%
2012
90.9%
77.7%
7.3%
21.5%
1.8%
0.9%
2008
92.5%
73.3%
6.5%
26.3%
1.0%
0.4%
2004
89.6%
67.4%
9.4%
32.1%
1.0%
0.5%
2000
85.2%
71.0%
9.0%
26.3%
5.9%
2.7%
1996
85.2%
69.9%
9.3%
23.1%
5.5%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
44.3%
7.4%
13.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.8%
10.3%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
0.4%
10.3%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
0.3%
5.3%
3.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.5%
1.8%
3.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
3.3%
1.1%
3.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.4%
2.1%
5.8%
Weather
Washington, DC experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, hot humid summers and cool winters. Jersey City also has a humid subtropic climate, however, it can experience slightly colder winters due to its northern location. Both cities receive moderate snowfall in winter.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
54.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
67.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
29.7%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
76.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
47.2%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
47.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
58.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
16.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
60.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
44%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Jersey City, New Jersey
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
Washington
Jersey City
2018
88
93
0.32
0.33
11.6
19.2
23.2
23.9
N/A
N/A
16.4
N/A
8.8
9.2
0.8
0.6
2017
84
95
0.32
0.33
12.3
20.1
24.9
23.6
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
9.8
10.6
1.0
0.5
2016
98
93
0.43
0.37
14.7
20.5
24.6
24.1
0.002
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.5
9.6
1.0
0.7
2015
91
100
0.34
0.58
14.8
17.8
26.2
24.0
0.002
N/A
17.0
N/A
10.4
7.5
1.3
0.5
2014
85
95
0.33
0.56
11.6
18.5
25.9
23.3
0.002
N/A
17.1
N/A
10.0
7.1
1.0
0.7
2013
88
96
0.34
0.63
11.7
18.8
25.6
23.7
0.002
N/A
17.3
N/A
11.6
8.0
1.0
0.6
2012
103
98
0.58
0.69
15.2
18.2
27.6
23.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
9.3
1.6
1.0
2011
105
107
0.67
0.59
15.4
20.4
27.7
22.6
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.1
3.1
2.3
2010
114
112
0.88
0.52
15.9
19.0
29.3
24.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.4
3.4
1.8
2009
90
104
0.86
0.53
16.2
20.8
24.4
20.4
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
12.4
4.6
2.4
2008
103
108
1.23
0.57
16.2
21.9
25.3
21.2
0.003
0.013
N/A
N/A
8.5
17.3
5.6
3.5
2007
113
120
1.17
0.65
16.8
22.8
27.1
21.6
0.004
0.016
N/A
N/A
10.4
14.0
5.1
4.1
2006
114
116
1.11
0.86
17.2
23.8
25.5
20.9
0.004
0.018
N/A
N/A
10.9
12.7
4.5
6.0
2005
105
107
0.86
1.04
20.5
25.2
22.7
19.9
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
4.5
7.8
2004
113
106
0.62
1.06
21.3
24.8
20.6
18.8
0.004
0.030
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
6.5
8.3
2003
108
107
0.90
1.07
23.6
26.5
20.8
18.2
N/A
0.019
N/A
26.8
12.2
N/A
8.3
8.6
2002
125
122
1.16
1.02
23.7
27.4
25.0
19.7
N/A
0.008
N/A
26.3
N/A
N/A
6.7
7.0
2001
113
121
1.07
1.02
23.9
28.9
22.0
23.8
0.017
0.020
N/A
28.2
N/A
N/A
6.7
9.0
2000
115
115
1.17
1.13
20.2
29.3
19.1
22.2
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
8.2
7.8
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
60.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
31.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
21%
Transportation
Both cities offer robust public transportation networks. Washington, DC is served by the Washington Metro and DC Circulator. Jersey City is served by the PATH rail system and numerous NJ Transit bus routes. Both cities are also bike-friendly.
Transport
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
456
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Bicycle
2%
1%
Bus
6.3%
8.5%
Carpooled
7.8%
10.9%
Car alone
62.5%
56.2%
Ferryboat
0%
0.5%
Railroad
0.3%
2.2%
Streetcar
10.6%
6.8%
Subway
1.3%
1.8%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.4%
Walked
5.7%
10.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Average
39.2 min
37.9 min
Other means
26 min
29.3 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
43.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
86.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
11.4%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
With respect to real estate, Washington, DC tends to be more expensive than Jersey City. DC offers a mix of historic townhouses, condos, and apartments while Jersey City offers a wide spread from luxury high-rises to more affordable housing options.
Neighborhoods
There are several attractive neighborhoods in both Washington, DC and Jersey City. In DC, neighborhoods like Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle are popular. In Jersey City, Journal Square, Downtown, and The Waterfront offer an appealing mix of residences and amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Houses
357,482
131,609
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.5
Median year apartment built
1965
1973
Median year house/condo built
1941
1958
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
14.7 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
119,158 (90.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
34,358 (28.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
84,800 (71.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$3,976
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$1,802
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$189,931
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$487,400
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
4.9
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$528,884
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$575,313
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$573,856
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$607,790
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$605,198
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$579,559
Median house age
65
51
Renting percentage
58%
70.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
8,823.3
House value disparities
26.7%
26.6%
Household income disparities
45.7%
47.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$134,110
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$76,768
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
238 (1.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
1,275 (5.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
21,710 (98.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
1,438 (6.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Jersey City
One, detached
11.2%
7.6%
One, attached
22.2%
6.0%
Two
2.7%
20.0%
3 or 4
6.8%
10.7%
5 to 9
7.3%
10.0%
10 to 19
8.5%
5.8%
20 to 49
7.6%
10.4%
50 or more
33.6%
29.4%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
6,079
State government workers
6,699
4,015
Unpaid family workers
580
400
Industries and Occupations
As the national capital, Washington, DC's major industries are federal government, professional services, education, and healthcare. Jersey City's economy is focused on finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, and retail trade.
Both cities have excellent healthcare facilities. Washington, DC hosts numerous nationally ranked hospitals, including MedStar and George Washington University Hospital. Jersey City has top-rated hospitals like Jersey City Medical Center and Christ Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Jersey City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Washington, DC and Jersey City have well-developed infrastructures. With DC having more iconic structures such as the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and the White House. Jersey City, on the other hand, has a mix of modern high-rises and historic districts.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Jersey City
Hospitals
114
6
TV stations
27
30
Bank branches located here
247
58
Bank institutions located here
34
18
Main business address for public companies
30
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Jersey City
1999
1,328
427
2000
1,438
603
2001
935
514
2002
886
580
2003
1,319
756
2004
2,281
1,127
2005
2,920
1,625
2006
3,362
1,929
2007
2,548
1,618
2008
1,095
932
2009
514
348
Culture and Food
Both cities are culturally diverse. Washington, DC is known for its museums and historic sites. Jersey City is known for its diverse population and food scene, with a multitude of cuisines represented.
Sports Teams
Washington, DC is home to several professional sports teams including the Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and Washington Nationals (MLB). Jersey City doesn’t host any major sports teams, but it's close proximity to New York gives access to numerous teams.
Washington, DC
Jersey City, NJ
Washington, DC and 
Jersey City, NJ : 200.2 miles
