Penns Grove, NJ
Population 4,860 · New Jersey
About Penns Grove, NJ
Penns Grove is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 4,860 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,889 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.1 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 Penns Grove features a median home value of $170,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Penns Grove in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,031, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,838 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (588 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (952 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 Penns Grove shows an unemployment rate of 16.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 36.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Penns Grove have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of Penns Grove residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Penns Grove Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Penns Grove, NJ
Compared to national averages, Penns Grove has a median household income of $43,889 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $170,100, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,031 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Penns Grove's income is 62% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 64% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Penns Grove, NJ?
Penns Grove offers affordable housing with a median home value of $170,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,031/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,889) that falls below the national average. However, Penns Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Penns Grove has a population of 4,860 with a median age of 26.1 years. Compare Penns Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Penns Grove
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Lake Heights | 4,866 | $102,829 | $648,500 | Compare |
| Harrington Park | 4,883 | $180,515 | $709,200 | Compare |
| Flemington | 4,887 | $74,213 | $372,700 | Compare |
| South Bound Brook | 4,833 | $102,019 | $345,300 | Compare |
| Golden Triangle | 4,893 | $101,411 | $280,800 | Compare |
| Point Pleasant Beach | 4,826 | $131,641 | $813,500 | Compare |
| Demarest | 4,916 | $175,078 | $965,400 | Compare |
| Franklin | 4,938 | $90,152 | $253,100 | 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 Penns Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Penns Grove
What is the population of Penns Grove, NJ?
The population of Penns Grove, NJ is 4,860 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 Penns Grove?
The median household income in Penns Grove, NJ is $43,889 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Penns Grove?
The median home value in Penns Grove, NJ is $170,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Penns Grove?
The median monthly rent in Penns Grove, NJ is $1,031, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Penns Grove?
The unemployment rate in Penns Grove, NJ is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Penns Grove, NJ a good place to live?
Penns Grove offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,860 and a median age of 26.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Penns Grove, NJ?
14.6% of residents in Penns Grove 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 Penns Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Penns Grove, NJ: median home value is $170,100 (31% below national), median rent is $1,031/month, and median household income is $43,889. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Penns Grove?
The poverty rate in Penns Grove, NJ is 36.3%, 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 Penns Grove, NJ?
Penns Grove's population is 5.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 30.3% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.