East Orange, NJ
Population 69,183 · New Jersey
About East Orange, NJ
East Orange is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 69,183 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,872 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in East Orange features a median home value of $315,500, which is 29% above the national median of $244,900. This positions East Orange in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,372, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 29,949 total housing units, 27% are owner-occupied (7,714 units) and 73% are renter-occupied (20,474 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 East Orange shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East Orange have an average one-way commute time of 35.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of East Orange 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 0.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 29.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How East Orange Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in East Orange, NJ
Compared to national averages, East Orange has a median household income of $59,872 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $315,500, which is 29% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,372 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, East Orange's income is 48% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 33% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in East Orange, NJ?
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,872) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, East Orange provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
East Orange has a population of 69,183 with a median age of 37 years. Compare East Orange with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near East Orange
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passaic | 69,651 | $56,780 | $406,500 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 69,884 | $57,576 | $618,400 | Compare |
| Bayonne | 70,468 | $81,285 | $446,100 | Compare |
| Camden | 71,471 | $40,450 | $100,400 | Compare |
| Union City | 66,375 | $65,369 | $446,800 | Compare |
| Vineland | 60,692 | $65,854 | $218,200 | Compare |
| Hoboken | 58,340 | $176,943 | $872,100 | Compare |
| New Brunswick | 55,744 | $60,248 | $316,800 | 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 East Orange With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Orange
What is the population of East Orange, NJ?
The population of East Orange, NJ is 69,183 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 East Orange?
The median household income in East Orange, NJ is $59,872 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Orange?
The median home value in East Orange, NJ is $315,500, which is 29% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in East Orange?
The median monthly rent in East Orange, NJ is $1,372, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Orange?
The unemployment rate in East Orange, NJ is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East Orange, NJ a good place to live?
East Orange offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 69,183 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is East Orange, NJ?
22.9% of residents in East Orange 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 East Orange?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Orange, NJ: median home value is $315,500 (29% above national), median rent is $1,372/month, and median household income is $59,872. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in East Orange?
The poverty rate in East Orange, NJ is 17.6%, 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 East Orange, NJ?
East Orange's population is 0.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 79.0% two or more races. 29.2% of residents are foreign-born.