Cranford, NJ
Population 1,783 · New Jersey
About Cranford, NJ
Cranford is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 1,783 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,222 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 Cranford features a median home value of $550,000, which is 125% above the national median of $244,900. This places Cranford in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,312, 99% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 994 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (338 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (630 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 Cranford shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cranford have an average one-way commute time of 39.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
61.2% of Cranford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cranford Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Cranford, NJ
Compared to national averages, Cranford has a median household income of $82,222 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $550,000, which is 125% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,312 is 99% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Cranford's income is 29% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 17% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Cranford, NJ?
Cranford offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,222, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and a well-educated community where 61.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $550,000. However, Cranford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cranford has a population of 1,783 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Cranford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Cranford
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklawn | 1,788 | $55,882 | $148,700 | Compare |
| Liberty Corner | 1,789 | $213,094 | $964,800 | Compare |
| Voorhees | 1,775 | $66,927 | $361,300 | Compare |
| Ocean Gate | 1,768 | $75,278 | $342,100 | Compare |
| Avon-by-the-Sea | 1,801 | $109,113 | $1,349,000 | Compare |
| Seaside Park | 1,804 | $83,333 | $873,700 | Compare |
| Newfield | 1,811 | $105,000 | $238,600 | Compare |
| Annandale | 1,751 | $149,886 | $482,700 | 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 Cranford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranford
What is the population of Cranford, NJ?
The population of Cranford, NJ is 1,783 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Cranford?
The median household income in Cranford, NJ is $82,222 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cranford?
The median home value in Cranford, NJ is $550,000, which is 125% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cranford?
The median monthly rent in Cranford, NJ is $2,312, which is 99% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cranford?
The unemployment rate in Cranford, NJ is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cranford, NJ a good place to live?
Cranford offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,783 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cranford, NJ?
61.2% of residents in Cranford 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 Cranford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cranford, NJ: median home value is $550,000 (125% above national), median rent is $2,312/month, and median household income is $82,222. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Cranford?
The poverty rate in Cranford, NJ is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cranford, NJ?
Cranford's population is 0.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.