Forked River, NJ
Population 4,988 · New Jersey
About Forked River, NJ
Forked River is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 4,988 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,455 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.1 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 Forked River features a median home value of $404,600, which is 65% above the national median of $244,900. This places Forked River in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,071, 78% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,749 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (1,878 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (179 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forked River shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forked River have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.4% of Forked River 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 3.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 6.2% Asian residents, with 8.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forked River, NJ
Compared to national averages, Forked River has a median household income of $87,455 (16% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $404,600, which is 65% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,071 is 78% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Forked River's income is 24% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 14% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Forked River, NJ?
Forked River offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,455, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $404,600. However, Forked River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forked River has a population of 4,988 with a median age of 48.1 years. Compare Forked River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Forked River
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mendham | 4,977 | $223,750 | $764,000 | Compare |
| Ampere North | 4,968 | $71,192 | $358,000 | Compare |
| Brielle | 4,960 | $167,754 | $815,100 | Compare |
| Ellisburg | 5,021 | $91,272 | $294,300 | Compare |
| Florence | 5,027 | $99,020 | $270,100 | Compare |
| Franklin | 4,938 | $90,152 | $253,100 | Compare |
| Demarest | 4,916 | $175,078 | $965,400 | Compare |
| Beckett | 5,072 | $119,063 | $279,300 | 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 Forked River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forked River
What is the population of Forked River, NJ?
The population of Forked River, NJ is 4,988 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 Forked River?
The median household income in Forked River, NJ is $87,455 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forked River?
The median home value in Forked River, NJ is $404,600, which is 65% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forked River?
The median monthly rent in Forked River, NJ is $2,071, which is 78% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forked River?
The unemployment rate in Forked River, NJ is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forked River, NJ a good place to live?
Forked River offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,988 and a median age of 48.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Forked River, NJ?
24.4% of residents in Forked River 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 Forked River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forked River, NJ: median home value is $404,600 (65% above national), median rent is $2,071/month, and median household income is $87,455. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Forked River?
The poverty rate in Forked River, NJ is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Forked River, NJ?
Forked River's population is 3.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 6.2% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 8.4% of residents are foreign-born.