Rio Grande, NJ
Population 3,285 · New Jersey
About Rio Grande, NJ
Rio Grande is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 3,285 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,590 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.6 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 Rio Grande features a median home value of $311,900, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rio Grande in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,486, 28% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,854 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,232 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (391 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio Grande shows an unemployment rate of 13.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rio Grande have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.0% of Rio Grande 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 1.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rio Grande, NJ
Compared to national averages, Rio Grande has a median household income of $97,590 (30% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $311,900, which is 27% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,486 is 28% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Rio Grande's income is 16% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 34% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Rio Grande, NJ?
Rio Grande offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,590, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Rio Grande has a population of 3,285 with a median age of 51.6 years. Compare Rio Grande with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Rio Grande
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Monmouth | 3,285 | $106,677 | $423,600 | Compare |
| Union | 3,284 | $127,411 | $451,500 | Compare |
| Hamburg | 3,293 | $90,655 | $258,200 | Compare |
| Haworth | 3,321 | $227,841 | $815,300 | Compare |
| Leisuretowne | 3,244 | $51,420 | $220,800 | Compare |
| Saddle River | 3,358 | $236,985 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Barnegat | 3,367 | $105,091 | $398,900 | Compare |
| Monmouth Beach | 3,201 | $140,074 | $918,100 | 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 Rio Grande With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Grande
What is the population of Rio Grande, NJ?
The population of Rio Grande, NJ is 3,285 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 Rio Grande?
The median household income in Rio Grande, NJ is $97,590 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio Grande?
The median home value in Rio Grande, NJ is $311,900, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio Grande?
The median monthly rent in Rio Grande, NJ is $1,486, which is 28% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio Grande?
The unemployment rate in Rio Grande, NJ is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio Grande, NJ a good place to live?
Rio Grande offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,285 and a median age of 51.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rio Grande, NJ?
28.0% of residents in Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio Grande, NJ: median home value is $311,900 (27% above national), median rent is $1,486/month, and median household income is $97,590. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Grande?
The poverty rate in Rio Grande, NJ is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rio Grande, NJ?
Rio Grande's population is 1.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 8.0% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.