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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Elizabeth

Affordable Housing in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth has 45 income-based rental properties offering 2,426 units -- a substantial inventory for renters seeking affordable housing in Union County. With a median market rent of $1,523 per month (Census ACS 5-Year) and 74 percent of residents renting, income-based options here can make a real difference. Browse the listings below to find properties that fit your needs.

45
Properties
2,426
Total units
76/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,523/mo

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median gross rent in Elizabeth is $1,523 per month and the median household income is $66,555 per year. With 74% of residents renting their homes, demand for affordable housing options in the city is significant.

Lease Lantern tracks 11 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in Elizabeth, offering a combined 1,201 units across the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
412 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Elizabeth Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 97 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Elizabeth

The area around Elizabeth's assisted properties scores very high for walkability and offers solid transit and biking options, according to Walk Score. Scores reflect the area around the assisted properties in this city.

  • Walk Score: 97 - Walker's Paradise. Nearly all errands can be accomplished on foot.
  • Transit Score: 62 - Good Transit. Many trips are practical by public transportation.
  • Bike Score: 52. Biking is a viable option for some trips.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
38 schools · 2 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, Elizabeth is served by 38 public schools across 2 districts, including 27 elementary, 2 middle, and 9 high schools. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a decision.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$66,555 median income

Cost of Living in Elizabeth, NJ

The median household income in Elizabeth is $66,555 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With a median market rent of $1,523 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-restricted housing can offer meaningful savings for eligible renters.

About 74% of residents rent their homes (Census ACS 5-Year), reflecting a city where renting is the norm and demand for affordable units is high.

  • Median household income: $66,555/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,523/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 74% of residents (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Affordable units tracked on Lease Lantern: 1,201 across 11 HUD-assisted properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 11 HUD-assisted properties in Elizabeth have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone. The remaining 10 properties carry a low or minimal flood designation based on available flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 76/100(11 of 45 scored)
90+ (4)70–89 (3)<60 (4)No score (34)

45 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 45 affordable apartments in Elizabeth→

Other cities in NJ

› Affordable housing in Atlantic City› Bridgewater income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Camden› Cherry Hill affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Clifton› Affordable housing in East Orange› Egg Harbor City income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Freehold› Hoboken affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Jersey City› Affordable housing in Montclair› Newark income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in NJ› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth is a heavily renter-majority city -- 74 percent of households rent, according to Census ACS 5-Year data -- making access to affordable housing a meaningful priority for a large share of residents. Lease Lantern tracks 11 HUD-assisted and income-based properties across the city, totaling 1,201 units.

Of the 11 scored properties, 4 rate excellent and 3 rate good, while 4 rate poor, so condition varies significantly depending on which building you consider. Reviewing individual property scores before applying is especially worthwhile here.

The median asking rent in Elizabeth is $1,523 per month, against a median household income of $66,555 (Census ACS 5-Year). That gap underscores why income-restricted units in this city are in high demand.

Elizabeth earns a Walk Score of 97 ("Walker's Paradise") and a transit score of 62 ("Good Transit"), according to Walk Score, meaning most residents can manage daily errands and commutes without a car -- a practical advantage for renters on tight budgets.

One of the 11 tracked properties falls in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone. If flood risk matters to your decision, check the individual property pages for details.

The city is served by 38 public schools across 2 districts, including 27 elementary, 2 middle, and 9 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

New Jersey income limits (2026)New Jersey public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in New Jersey

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →