Rahway, NJ
Population 29,748 · New Jersey
About Rahway, NJ
Rahway is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 29,748 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,852 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rahway features a median home value of $362,300, which is 48% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rahway in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,764, 52% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,811 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (6,493 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (5,662 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rahway shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rahway have an average one-way commute time of 32.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.6% of Rahway 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 2.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, and 15.1% Asian residents, with 22.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rahway Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Rahway, NJ
Compared to national averages, Rahway has a median household income of $90,852 (21% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $362,300, which is 48% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,764 is 52% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Rahway's income is 21% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 23% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Rahway, NJ?
Rahway offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,852, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average.
Rahway has a population of 29,748 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Rahway with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Rahway
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Englewood | 29,342 | $101,398 | $497,500 | Compare |
| Princeton, New Jersey | 30,451 | $184,113 | $1,040,400 | Compare |
| Westfield | 30,760 | $212,700 | $930,500 | Compare |
| Bergenfield | 28,269 | $124,083 | $469,200 | Compare |
| Old Bridge | 28,015 | $106,934 | $457,800 | Compare |
| Millville | 27,432 | $67,190 | $199,300 | Compare |
| Long Branch | 32,184 | $73,381 | $519,000 | 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 Rahway With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rahway
What is the population of Rahway, NJ?
The population of Rahway, NJ is 29,748 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 Rahway?
The median household income in Rahway, NJ is $90,852 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rahway?
The median home value in Rahway, NJ is $362,300, which is 48% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rahway?
The median monthly rent in Rahway, NJ is $1,764, which is 52% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rahway?
The unemployment rate in Rahway, NJ is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rahway, NJ a good place to live?
Rahway offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,748 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rahway, NJ?
35.6% of residents in Rahway 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 Rahway?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rahway, NJ: median home value is $362,300 (48% above national), median rent is $1,764/month, and median household income is $90,852. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rahway?
The poverty rate in Rahway, NJ is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rahway, NJ?
Rahway's population is 2.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, 15.1% Asian, and 30.7% two or more races. 22.5% of residents are foreign-born.