Lakewood, NJ
Population 69,884 · New Jersey
About Lakewood, NJ
Lakewood is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 69,884 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,576 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 17.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lakewood features a median home value of $618,400, which is 153% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lakewood in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,647, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,534 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (5,173 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (8,795 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 Lakewood shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lakewood have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.3% of Lakewood 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 6.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 6.2% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lakewood Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Lakewood, NJ
Compared to national averages, Lakewood has a median household income of $57,576 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $618,400, which is 153% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,647 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Lakewood's income is 50% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 32% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Lakewood, NJ?
Lakewood offers short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,576) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $618,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Lakewood provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lakewood has a population of 69,884 with a median age of 17.3 years. Compare Lakewood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Lakewood
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passaic | 69,651 | $56,780 | $406,500 | Compare |
| Bayonne | 70,468 | $81,285 | $446,100 | Compare |
| East Orange | 69,183 | $59,872 | $315,500 | Compare |
| Camden | 71,471 | $40,450 | $100,400 | Compare |
| Union City | 66,375 | $65,369 | $446,800 | Compare |
| Vineland | 60,692 | $65,854 | $218,200 | Compare |
| Hoboken | 58,340 | $176,943 | $872,100 | Compare |
| New Brunswick | 55,744 | $60,248 | $316,800 | 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 Lakewood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakewood
What is the population of Lakewood, NJ?
The population of Lakewood, NJ is 69,884 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 Lakewood?
The median household income in Lakewood, NJ is $57,576 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lakewood?
The median home value in Lakewood, NJ is $618,400, which is 153% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lakewood?
The median monthly rent in Lakewood, NJ is $1,647, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lakewood?
The unemployment rate in Lakewood, NJ is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lakewood, NJ a good place to live?
Lakewood offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 69,884 and a median age of 17.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lakewood, NJ?
31.3% of residents in Lakewood 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 Lakewood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lakewood, NJ: median home value is $618,400 (153% above national), median rent is $1,647/month, and median household income is $57,576. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lakewood?
The poverty rate in Lakewood, NJ is 29.3%, 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 Lakewood, NJ?
Lakewood's population is 6.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 6.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.