Carteret, NJ
Population 25,187 · New Jersey
About Carteret, NJ
Carteret is a mid-sized city in New Jersey with a population of 25,187 residents. The median household income is $87,553 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Carteret is 39.3 years.
Housing in Carteret has a median home value of $370,200 and median monthly rent of $2,012. Of the 8,702 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,592 owner-occupied and 3,725 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Carteret is 8.8% and the poverty rate is 10.0%. 27.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 32.2 minutes.
How Carteret Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Carteret, NJ
Compared to national averages, Carteret has a median household income of $87,553 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $370,200, which is 51% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,012 is 73% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Carteret's income is 24% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 21% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Carteret, NJ?
Carteret offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,553, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $370,200. However, Carteret’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carteret has a population of 25,187 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Carteret with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Carteret
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cliffside Park | 25,580 | $94,960 | $577,200 | Compare |
| Lodi | 25,946 | $84,570 | $449,200 | Compare |
| Ridgewood | 26,076 | $217,250 | $882,700 | Compare |
| South Plainfield | 24,231 | $126,063 | $443,900 | Compare |
| Paramus | 26,500 | $139,707 | $736,000 | Compare |
| Somerset | 23,851 | $113,603 | $408,600 | Compare |
| Bridgeton | 26,836 | $46,124 | $134,400 | Compare |
| Glassboro | 23,375 | $80,388 | $276,900 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Carteret
What is the population of Carteret, NJ?
The population of Carteret, NJ is 25,187 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Carteret?
The median household income in Carteret, NJ is $87,553 per year.
What is the median home value in Carteret?
The median home value in Carteret, NJ is $370,200.
What is the average rent in Carteret?
The median monthly rent in Carteret, NJ is $2,012.
What is the unemployment rate in Carteret?
The unemployment rate in Carteret, NJ is 8.8%.