Garfield, NJ
Population 32,502 · New Jersey
About Garfield, NJ
Garfield is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 32,502 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,701 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Garfield features a median home value of $454,300, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. This places Garfield in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,612, 39% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,234 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (5,237 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (6,304 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 Garfield shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Garfield have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.3% of Garfield 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 5.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% Black or African American, and 33.1% Asian residents, with 47.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Garfield Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Garfield, NJ
Compared to national averages, Garfield has a median household income of $75,701 (1% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $454,300, which is 86% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,612 is 39% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Garfield's income is 35% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 3% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Garfield, NJ?
Garfield offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,701, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $454,300. However, Garfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garfield has a population of 32,502 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Garfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Garfield
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Branch | 32,184 | $73,381 | $519,000 | Compare |
| Westfield | 30,760 | $212,700 | $930,500 | Compare |
| Princeton, New Jersey | 30,451 | $184,113 | $1,040,400 | Compare |
| Fair Lawn | 35,153 | $147,952 | $532,700 | Compare |
| Rahway | 29,748 | $90,852 | $362,300 | Compare |
| Englewood | 29,342 | $101,398 | $497,500 | Compare |
| Bergenfield | 28,269 | $124,083 | $469,200 | Compare |
| Old Bridge | 28,015 | $106,934 | $457,800 | 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 Garfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Garfield
What is the population of Garfield, NJ?
The population of Garfield, NJ is 32,502 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 Garfield?
The median household income in Garfield, NJ is $75,701 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garfield?
The median home value in Garfield, NJ is $454,300, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Garfield?
The median monthly rent in Garfield, NJ is $1,612, which is 39% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garfield?
The unemployment rate in Garfield, NJ is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Garfield, NJ a good place to live?
Garfield offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,502 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Garfield, NJ?
24.3% of residents in Garfield 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 Garfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garfield, NJ: median home value is $454,300 (86% above national), median rent is $1,612/month, and median household income is $75,701. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Garfield?
The poverty rate in Garfield, NJ is 14.2%, 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 Garfield, NJ?
Garfield's population is 5.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% Black or African American, 33.1% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 47.3% of residents are foreign-born.