Ridgewood, NJ
Population 26,076 · New Jersey
About Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 26,076 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $217,250 per year, which is 189% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ridgewood features a median home value of $882,700, which is 260% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ridgewood in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,340, 101% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,166 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (7,394 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (1,422 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ridgewood shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ridgewood have an average one-way commute time of 35.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
80.6% of Ridgewood 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 1.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 5.5% Asian residents, with 21.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ridgewood Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Ridgewood, NJ
Compared to national averages, Ridgewood has a median household income of $217,250 (189% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $882,700, which is 260% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,340 is 101% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Ridgewood's income is 88% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 88% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $217,250, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 80.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $882,700. However, Ridgewood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ridgewood has a population of 26,076 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Ridgewood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Ridgewood
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodi | 25,946 | $84,570 | $449,200 | Compare |
| Paramus | 26,500 | $139,707 | $736,000 | Compare |
| Cliffside Park | 25,580 | $94,960 | $577,200 | Compare |
| Bridgeton | 26,836 | $46,124 | $134,400 | Compare |
| Carteret | 25,187 | $87,553 | $370,200 | Compare |
| Millville | 27,432 | $67,190 | $199,300 | Compare |
| South Plainfield | 24,231 | $126,063 | $443,900 | Compare |
| Old Bridge | 28,015 | $106,934 | $457,800 | 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 Ridgewood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ridgewood
What is the population of Ridgewood, NJ?
The population of Ridgewood, NJ is 26,076 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 Ridgewood?
The median household income in Ridgewood, NJ is $217,250 per year, which is 189% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ridgewood?
The median home value in Ridgewood, NJ is $882,700, which is 260% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ridgewood?
The median monthly rent in Ridgewood, NJ is $2,340, which is 101% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ridgewood?
The unemployment rate in Ridgewood, NJ is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ridgewood, NJ a good place to live?
Ridgewood offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 26,076 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ridgewood, NJ?
80.6% of residents in Ridgewood 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 Ridgewood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ridgewood, NJ: median home value is $882,700 (260% above national), median rent is $2,340/month, and median household income is $217,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ridgewood?
The poverty rate in Ridgewood, NJ is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood's population is 1.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 21.4% of residents are foreign-born.