Paterson, NJ town hall & government
Paterson spent $287.2 million in the year to June 30, 2023, about $1,820 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Paterson's government.
Who runs Paterson
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Paterson's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 52%
- From the federal government 19%
- Fees & charges 11%
- From the state 10%
- Interest, fines & other 6%
- Other taxes & licenses 1%
- From other local governments <1%
- Sales taxes <1%
Who works for Paterson
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate. Paterson didn't report its staffing to the Census Bureau, so these are the Bureau's estimates.
Paterson City School District
Paterson's K–12 school district. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from New Jersey districts overall: 48% local, 46% state, 6% federal
- Local 10%
- State 78%
- Federal 13%
Of the $26,924 per pupil, $15,353 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Which schools Paterson kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Paterson pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Paterson's government
Who represents Paterson
Paterson is represented in Congress by Senators Cory A. Booker and Andy Kim and Representative Nellie Pou. Mikie Sherrill is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.