Atlantic City, NJ
Population 38,486 · New Jersey
About Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 38,486 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,220 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Atlantic City features a median home value of $189,600, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Atlantic City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,084, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,075 total housing units, 30% are owner-occupied (4,971 units) and 70% are renter-occupied (11,556 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atlantic City shows an unemployment rate of 12.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Atlantic City have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of Atlantic City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.4% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Black or African American, and 13.6% Asian residents, with 29.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Atlantic City Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Atlantic City, NJ
Compared to national averages, Atlantic City has a median household income of $36,220 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $189,600, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,084 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Atlantic City's income is 69% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 60% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Atlantic City, NJ?
Atlantic City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $189,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,084/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,220) that falls below the national average. However, Atlantic City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atlantic City has a population of 38,486 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Atlantic City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Atlantic City
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lee | 39,818 | $105,535 | $422,200 | Compare |
| Kearny | 40,570 | $83,212 | $431,700 | Compare |
| Fair Lawn | 35,153 | $147,952 | $532,700 | Compare |
| Linden | 43,614 | $91,036 | $387,200 | Compare |
| Garfield | 32,502 | $75,701 | $454,300 | Compare |
| Sicklerville | 44,500 | $102,881 | $256,600 | Compare |
| Long Branch | 32,184 | $73,381 | $519,000 | Compare |
| Sayreville | 45,237 | $98,629 | $407,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Atlantic City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlantic City
What is the population of Atlantic City, NJ?
The population of Atlantic City, NJ is 38,486 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Atlantic City?
The median household income in Atlantic City, NJ is $36,220 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atlantic City?
The median home value in Atlantic City, NJ is $189,600, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Atlantic City?
The median monthly rent in Atlantic City, NJ is $1,084, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atlantic City?
The unemployment rate in Atlantic City, NJ is 12.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Atlantic City, NJ a good place to live?
Atlantic City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 38,486 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Atlantic City, NJ?
20.5% of residents in Atlantic City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Atlantic City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atlantic City, NJ: median home value is $189,600 (23% below national), median rent is $1,084/month, and median household income is $36,220. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Atlantic City?
The poverty rate in Atlantic City, NJ is 33.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Atlantic City, NJ?
Atlantic City's population is 10.4% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Black or African American, 13.6% Asian, and 31.3% two or more races. 29.6% of residents are foreign-born.