Paterson, NJ Population: 149,112 (2020 Census)

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Paterson, New Jersey has a population of 149,112, making it the state's third-largest city (after Newark and Jersey City) and the largest in Passaic County.

Demographic Context

• Density: ~17,500/sq mi (one of NJ's densest)
• Race/Ethnicity (2020): Hispanic/Latino 60.6%, Black 24.1%, White 9.3%, Asian 2.1%, Multiracial/Other 3.9%
• Foreign-born: ~33% (Dominican, Peruvian, Mexican, Bangladeshi, Arab communities prominent)
• Median age: 32.1 (younger than state average 40.2)
• Languages: Spanish, English, Arabic, Bengali, Polish commonly heard

Historical Trajectory

Peak: 149,222 (1950). Decline through 1980 (137,970). Modest growth since 1990. 2020 count reversed a 2010 dip (146,199). Paterson remains a "majority-minority" immigrant gateway city—Alexander Hamilton's planned industrial city (S.U.M., 1792) evolved into a diverse urban center.

Comparison

Newark: 311,549. Jersey City: 292,449. Elizabeth: 137,298. Paterson edges Elizabeth for #3.