Brainards, NJ
Population 172 · New Jersey
About Brainards, NJ
Brainards is a small community located in New Jersey with a population of 172 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $170,302 per year, which is 127% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brainards features a median home value of $121,600, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brainards one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 65 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (50 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (15 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brainards shows an unemployment rate of 14.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brainards have an average one-way commute time of 46.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
37.5% of Brainards residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brainards Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Brainards, NJ
Compared to national averages, Brainards has a median household income of $170,302 (127% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,600, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Brainards's income is 47% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 74% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Brainards, NJ?
Brainards offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $170,302, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $121,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 37.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average.
Brainards has a population of 172 with a median age of 58.2 years. Compare Brainards with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Brainards
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadstown | 172 | $143,333 | $200,000 | Compare |
| Lakeside-Beebe Run | 163 | $36,029 | $160,300 | Compare |
| Greenwich CDP (Cumberland County), New Jersey | 161 | $127,813 | $246,900 | Compare |
| Marksboro | 156 | $119,063 | $330,800 | Compare |
| Buttzville | 155 | $0 | $363,300 | Compare |
| Cape May Point | 155 | $88,333 | $987,200 | Compare |
| Columbia | 152 | $84,531 | $322,000 | Compare |
| Cumberland-Hesstown | 152 | $0 | $217,100 | 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 Brainards With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brainards
What is the population of Brainards, NJ?
The population of Brainards, NJ is 172 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Brainards?
The median household income in Brainards, NJ is $170,302 per year, which is 127% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brainards?
The median home value in Brainards, NJ is $121,600, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brainards?
The median monthly rent in Brainards, NJ is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brainards?
The unemployment rate in Brainards, NJ is 14.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brainards, NJ a good place to live?
Brainards offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 172 and a median age of 58.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Brainards, NJ?
37.5% of residents in Brainards aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Brainards?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brainards, NJ: median home value is $121,600 (50% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $170,302. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brainards?
The poverty rate in Brainards, NJ is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brainards, NJ?
Brainards's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.