ZIP Codes might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to Jersey City, but they’re surprisingly useful for getting to know the place.
With 12 different ZIP Codes covering everything from brownstone-lined streets to waterfront high-rises, they help organize a city home to 293,912 people.
Here’s how it’s set up: 7 standard ZIP Codes cover most homes and businesses, 2 are used for PO Boxes, and 3 unique ones are reserved for places like government offices or major companies.
Together, these ZIP Codes span 14.75 square miles of land and 6.29 square miles of water.
You could be figuring out where to live, sending mail, or simply trying to understand how Jersey City is laid out; either way, these numbers can tell you a lot.
Stick with me, and I’ll break down what these ZIP Codes mean and how they fit into life in this vibrant city.
Breaking Down the Jersey City ZIP Codes
Jersey City’s 12 ZIP Codes map out everything from its busiest downtown areas to its quiet residential neighborhoods.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what each ZIP Code covers and who it serves.
07097 – NJ International and BMC
This ZIP Code is assigned to the NJ International and Bulk Mail Center.
Although it doesn’t serve residents, it plays a vital role in handling high volumes of regional mail.
Think of it as the engine behind Jersey City’s mail system.
07302 – Downtown
07302 covers the Downtown area, home to around 57,033 residents, or about 19.5% of the city’s population.
This ZIP Code includes Paulus Hook, Exchange Place, and parts of the waterfront.
- Notable Locations: Liberty State Park, Grove Street PATH Station, and Hudson River Walkway.
- Housing: A mix of historic brownstones and luxury high-rises
07303 – PO Boxes Only
07303 is exclusively for PO Boxes and doesn’t have residential addresses. It’s often used by businesses or residents who need a secure way to receive mail.
07304 – Bergen-Lafayette
With 48,681 residents, 07304 spans Bergen-Lafayette and nearby areas known for their historic homes and community feel.
- Landmark: Lincoln Park, a 273-acre park offering athletic fields, walking paths, and a lake.
- Housing: A mix of older row homes and new developments.
07305 – Greenville and Ellis Island
The most populous ZIP Code, 07305, has 67,947 residents, accounting for 23.2% of the city’s population.
It includes the Greenville neighborhood and Ellis Island.
- Community Features: Small businesses, schools, and growing residential areas.
- Landmarks: Ellis Island Immigration Museum and Bethune Life Center, a hub for local events and resources.
07306 – Journal Square
Once Jersey City’s commercial center, Journal Square is now a hub of transit and redevelopment.
With around 55,342 residents, 07306 is where you’ll find older residential buildings alongside newer developments.
- Highlights: Loew’s Jersey Theatre and Journal Square PATH Station.
- Cultural Presence: A thriving South Asian and Filipino business district, along with diverse food and retail options.
07307 – The Heights
Located in the northern part of Jersey City, 07307 is home to about 44,247 residents, primarily known for its stunning views of Manhattan and family-friendly streets.
- Landmarks: Riverview-Fisk Park, a favorite spot for locals to relax or catch incredible skyline views.
- Housing: A mix of pre-war homes and increasing new construction projects.
07308 – PO Boxes in Five Corners
Another ZIP Code exclusively for PO Boxes, 07308, serves the Five Corners area. It’s designed for secure mail handling rather than residential use.
07310 – Newport
With over 17,000 residents, 07310 is a modern waterfront community featuring high-rise apartments, shopping centers, and transit hubs.
- Highlights: Newport Centre Mall and the Hudson River Walkway.
- Lifestyle: Known for convenience, this area attracts professionals seeking easy access to Manhattan.
07311 – Waterfront District
The smallest residential ZIP Code, 07311, serves just 1,604 people along Jersey City’s waterfront, home to luxury apartments and corporate offices.
- Transit Access: Close to PATH and ferry routes.
- Focus: Primarily residential with a small number of high-end businesses.
07395 – USPS Operations
Assigned to the United States Postal Service, 07395 handles large volumes of mail for the city.
It’s entirely functional and doesn’t include any residential or business addresses.
07399 – Pershing
This ZIP Code is used by Pershing, a financial services firm headquartered in Jersey City.
Like 07395, it’s reserved for handling high-volume mail.
A Closer Look at Demographics
Jersey City is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country.
Across its neighborhoods, you’ll see a nearly even split among racial groups: 24.32% Asian, 21.61% Hispanic, 17.26% Black, and 23.73% White.
What’s interesting, though, is how these demographics shift depending on the zip code of Jersey City, NJ.
For instance, the Heights and Journal Square are home to many multi-generational households.
Jersey City’s average family size is 3.48, but in areas like 07306, homes often have extended families living together.
You’ll see this reflected in the schools and local businesses, where grocery stores, barbershops, and cafes cater to family life.
Contrast this with Newport (07310), where the smaller apartments mean smaller households, closer to the city’s average of 2.42 people per home.
Income differences are another story Jersey City tells.
The city’s median household income sits at $105,913, but that number doesn’t mean much without context.
In Downtown’s luxury developments (07302), incomes often skew much higher, reflecting its proximity to high-paying Manhattan jobs.
On the other hand, Greenville (07305) has remained an affordable option, especially for families, where housing is more accessible and local businesses form the backbone of the community.
Navigating the City with a Jersey City ZIP Code Map
A Jersey City ZIP Code map gives you a clearer picture of how the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks fit together.
With 12 ZIP Codes covering 14.75 square miles of land and 6.29 square miles of water, it’s a simple way to understand what’s where—especially if you’re new to the area or planning a move.
Making Sense of Boundaries
Take 07305, for example. On a map, you’ll notice it stretches across Greenville, a largely residential neighborhood, and even includes part of Ellis Island.
As these boundaries don’t always match expectations, seeing them on a map helps you understand how areas are divided.
Using the Map for Neighborhoods
A ZIP Code map also helps determine which neighborhoods might suit your needs.
Want to be near the PATH or ferries? Look at 07310 (Newport) or 07311 (the Waterfront District).
Are you more interested in green spaces and quieter streets? Check out 07307 (The Heights) or 07304 (Bergen-Lafayette). Seeing everything laid out visually makes it easier to compare options.
Why ZIP Codes Matter in Daily Life
ZIP Codes are a behind-the-scenes system that keeps Jersey City running.
They organize services, help first responders reach the right places, and even influence school zoning and housing decisions.
That kind of organization is essential for a city with a population density of 19,492.67 people per square mile.
How ZIP Codes Keep Services Moving
Your ZIP Code has a lot to do with how services like garbage collection and recycling are managed.
For example, neighborhoods like The Heights (07307) need routes tailored to narrow streets and high traffic, while Bergen-Lafayette (07304) operates on a completely different schedule.
Knowing your ZIP Code helps ensure services are delivered efficiently and reliably.
ZIP Codes also determine which schools you have access to.
Families in 07305 (Greenville) are zoned for different schools than those in Newport (07310), which can make a big difference when choosing where to live.
Emergency Services Depend on ZIP Codes
When emergencies happen, ZIP Codes help police, ambulances, and fire departments get where they’re needed—fast.
In densely packed areas like 07302 (Downtown), response teams need precise routing to avoid traffic bottlenecks, while areas like Greenville rely on covering more ground quickly.
Wrapping Up Jersey City’s ZIP Codes
You might not think about ZIP Codes often, but they’re a big part of how Jersey City stays organized.
With 5,208 businesses employing more than 104,190 people, the numbers help organize neighborhoods, manage services, and connect residents to resources.
Plus, understanding how each zip code for Jersey City fits into the bigger picture makes navigating the city’s neighborhoods, schools, and services a whole lot easier.
So, why not take a moment to look up your ZIP Code and see how it connects you to the city around you?
