Fair Lawn, NJ
Population 35,153 · New Jersey
About Fair Lawn, NJ
Fair Lawn is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 35,153 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $147,952 per year, which is 97% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fair Lawn features a median home value of $532,700, which is 118% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fair Lawn in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,908, 64% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,392 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (9,629 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (2,521 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fair Lawn shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fair Lawn have an average one-way commute time of 31.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.2% of Fair Lawn 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 0.6% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, and 8.5% Asian residents, with 31.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fair Lawn Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Fair Lawn, NJ
Compared to national averages, Fair Lawn has a median household income of $147,952 (97% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $532,700, which is 118% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,908 is 64% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Fair Lawn's income is 28% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 13% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Fair Lawn, NJ?
Fair Lawn offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $147,952, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 64.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $532,700. However, Fair Lawn’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fair Lawn has a population of 35,153 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Fair Lawn with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Fair Lawn
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield | 32,502 | $75,701 | $454,300 | Compare |
| Long Branch | 32,184 | $73,381 | $519,000 | Compare |
| Atlantic City | 38,486 | $36,220 | $189,600 | Compare |
| Westfield | 30,760 | $212,700 | $930,500 | Compare |
| Fort Lee | 39,818 | $105,535 | $422,200 | Compare |
| Princeton, New Jersey | 30,451 | $184,113 | $1,040,400 | Compare |
| Rahway | 29,748 | $90,852 | $362,300 | Compare |
| Kearny | 40,570 | $83,212 | $431,700 | 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 Fair Lawn With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fair Lawn
What is the population of Fair Lawn, NJ?
The population of Fair Lawn, NJ is 35,153 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 Fair Lawn?
The median household income in Fair Lawn, NJ is $147,952 per year, which is 97% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fair Lawn?
The median home value in Fair Lawn, NJ is $532,700, which is 118% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fair Lawn?
The median monthly rent in Fair Lawn, NJ is $1,908, which is 64% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fair Lawn?
The unemployment rate in Fair Lawn, NJ is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fair Lawn, NJ a good place to live?
Fair Lawn offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,153 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fair Lawn, NJ?
64.2% of residents in Fair Lawn 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 Fair Lawn?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fair Lawn, NJ: median home value is $532,700 (118% above national), median rent is $1,908/month, and median household income is $147,952. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fair Lawn?
The poverty rate in Fair Lawn, NJ is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fair Lawn, NJ?
Fair Lawn's population is 0.6% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, 8.5% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 31.7% of residents are foreign-born.