Mountain Lakes, NJ
Population 4,535 · New Jersey
About Mountain Lakes, NJ
Mountain Lakes is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 4,535 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 Mountain Lakes features a median home value of $915,100, which is 274% above the national median of $244,900. This places Mountain Lakes in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,941, 153% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,451 total housing units, 97% are owner-occupied (1,377 units) and 3% are renter-occupied (41 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mountain Lakes shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mountain Lakes have an average one-way commute time of 34.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
84.4% of Mountain Lakes 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 1.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 12.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mountain Lakes Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Mountain Lakes, NJ
Compared to national averages, Mountain Lakes has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $915,100, which is 274% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,941 is 153% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Mountain Lakes's income is 116% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 95% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Mountain Lakes, NJ?
Mountain Lakes offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and a well-educated community where 84.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $915,100. However, Mountain Lakes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mountain Lakes has a population of 4,535 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Mountain Lakes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Mountain Lakes
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullica Hill | 4,561 | $133,750 | $427,500 | Compare |
| Buena | 4,500 | $78,393 | $249,100 | Compare |
| Landing | 4,499 | $125,407 | $382,300 | Compare |
| Highlands | 4,575 | $90,082 | $394,800 | Compare |
| McGuire AFB | 4,491 | $79,423 | $0 | Compare |
| Beattystown | 4,479 | $105,179 | $367,800 | Compare |
| Neptune City | 4,607 | $82,872 | $383,600 | Compare |
| Barclay | 4,456 | $162,241 | $438,400 | 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 Mountain Lakes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain Lakes
What is the population of Mountain Lakes, NJ?
The population of Mountain Lakes, NJ is 4,535 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Mountain Lakes?
The median household income in Mountain Lakes, NJ is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mountain Lakes?
The median home value in Mountain Lakes, NJ is $915,100, which is 274% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mountain Lakes?
The median monthly rent in Mountain Lakes, NJ is $2,941, which is 153% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mountain Lakes?
The unemployment rate in Mountain Lakes, NJ is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mountain Lakes, NJ a good place to live?
Mountain Lakes offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,535 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mountain Lakes, NJ?
84.4% of residents in Mountain Lakes 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 Mountain Lakes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mountain Lakes, NJ: median home value is $915,100 (274% above national), median rent is $2,941/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mountain Lakes?
The poverty rate in Mountain Lakes, NJ is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mountain Lakes, NJ?
Mountain Lakes's population is 1.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 12.9% of residents are foreign-born.