Fort Lee, NJ
Population 39,818 · New Jersey
About Fort Lee, NJ
Fort Lee is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 39,818 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,535 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Fort Lee features a median home value of $422,200, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fort Lee in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,255, 94% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,764 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (10,647 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (7,884 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Lee shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Lee have an average one-way commute time of 34.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.8% of Fort Lee 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 0.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 8.9% Asian residents, with 50.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Lee Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Fort Lee, NJ
Compared to national averages, Fort Lee has a median household income of $105,535 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $422,200, which is 72% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,255 is 94% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Fort Lee's income is 9% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 10% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Fort Lee, NJ?
Fort Lee offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,535, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 64.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $422,200. However, Fort Lee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Lee has a population of 39,818 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Fort Lee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Fort Lee
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kearny | 40,570 | $83,212 | $431,700 | Compare |
| Atlantic City | 38,486 | $36,220 | $189,600 | Compare |
| Linden | 43,614 | $91,036 | $387,200 | Compare |
| Fair Lawn | 35,153 | $147,952 | $532,700 | Compare |
| Sicklerville | 44,500 | $102,881 | $256,600 | Compare |
| Sayreville | 45,237 | $98,629 | $407,600 | Compare |
| Hackensack | 45,768 | $82,212 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Garfield | 32,502 | $75,701 | $454,300 | 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 Fort Lee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Lee
What is the population of Fort Lee, NJ?
The population of Fort Lee, NJ is 39,818 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 Fort Lee?
The median household income in Fort Lee, NJ is $105,535 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Lee?
The median home value in Fort Lee, NJ is $422,200, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Lee?
The median monthly rent in Fort Lee, NJ is $2,255, which is 94% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Lee?
The unemployment rate in Fort Lee, NJ is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Lee, NJ a good place to live?
Fort Lee offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 39,818 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fort Lee, NJ?
64.8% of residents in Fort Lee 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 Fort Lee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Lee, NJ: median home value is $422,200 (72% above national), median rent is $2,255/month, and median household income is $105,535. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Lee?
The poverty rate in Fort Lee, NJ is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Lee, NJ?
Fort Lee's population is 0.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 8.9% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 50.4% of residents are foreign-born.