Kearny, NJ
Population 40,570 · New Jersey
About Kearny, NJ
Kearny is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 40,570 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,212 per year, which is 11% 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 Kearny features a median home value of $431,700, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kearny in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,649, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,340 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (6,706 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (8,050 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 Kearny shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kearny have an average one-way commute time of 33.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.4% of Kearny 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 2.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Black or African American, and 38.5% Asian residents, with 44.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kearny Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Kearny, NJ
Compared to national averages, Kearny has a median household income of $83,212 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $431,700, which is 76% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,649 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Kearny's income is 28% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 8% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Kearny, NJ?
Kearny offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,212, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $431,700. However, Kearny’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kearny has a population of 40,570 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Kearny with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Kearny
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lee | 39,818 | $105,535 | $422,200 | Compare |
| Atlantic City | 38,486 | $36,220 | $189,600 | Compare |
| Linden | 43,614 | $91,036 | $387,200 | 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 |
| Fair Lawn | 35,153 | $147,952 | $532,700 | 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 Kearny With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kearny
What is the population of Kearny, NJ?
The population of Kearny, NJ is 40,570 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 Kearny?
The median household income in Kearny, NJ is $83,212 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kearny?
The median home value in Kearny, NJ is $431,700, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Kearny?
The median monthly rent in Kearny, NJ is $1,649, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kearny?
The unemployment rate in Kearny, NJ is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kearny, NJ a good place to live?
Kearny offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 40,570 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kearny, NJ?
29.4% of residents in Kearny 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 Kearny?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kearny, NJ: median home value is $431,700 (76% above national), median rent is $1,649/month, and median household income is $83,212. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kearny?
The poverty rate in Kearny, NJ is 12.5%, 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 Kearny, NJ?
Kearny's population is 2.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Black or African American, 38.5% Asian, and 4.7% two or more races. 44.8% of residents are foreign-born.