Hawthorne, NJ
Population 19,472 · New Jersey
About Hawthorne, NJ
Hawthorne is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 19,472 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,093 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 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 Hawthorne features a median home value of $499,200, which is 104% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hawthorne in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,828, 57% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,033 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (5,190 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (2,423 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hawthorne shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hawthorne have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.3% of Hawthorne 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 2.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, and 14.9% Asian residents, with 18.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hawthorne, NJ
Compared to national averages, Hawthorne has a median household income of $118,093 (57% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $499,200, which is 104% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,828 is 57% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Hawthorne's income is 2% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 6% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Hawthorne, NJ?
Hawthorne offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,093, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 45.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $499,200. However, Hawthorne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hawthorne has a population of 19,472 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Hawthorne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Hawthorne
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison | 19,599 | $82,290 | $450,800 | Compare |
| Tinton Falls | 19,252 | $113,844 | $458,300 | Compare |
| Point Pleasant | 19,158 | $108,713 | $523,400 | Compare |
| Iselin | 19,151 | $112,615 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Woodbridge | 20,086 | $99,718 | $361,200 | Compare |
| Palisades Park | 20,192 | $101,295 | $704,400 | Compare |
| Rutherford | 18,748 | $136,069 | $580,800 | Compare |
| Ocean Acres | 18,689 | $117,739 | $359,200 | 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 Hawthorne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawthorne
What is the population of Hawthorne, NJ?
The population of Hawthorne, NJ is 19,472 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 Hawthorne?
The median household income in Hawthorne, NJ is $118,093 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hawthorne?
The median home value in Hawthorne, NJ is $499,200, which is 104% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hawthorne?
The median monthly rent in Hawthorne, NJ is $1,828, which is 57% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hawthorne?
The unemployment rate in Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne, NJ a good place to live?
Hawthorne offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,472 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hawthorne, NJ?
45.3% of residents in Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hawthorne, NJ: median home value is $499,200 (104% above national), median rent is $1,828/month, and median household income is $118,093. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hawthorne?
The poverty rate in Hawthorne, NJ is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hawthorne, NJ?
Hawthorne's population is 2.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, 14.9% Asian, and 3.4% two or more races. 18.6% of residents are foreign-born.