Rockaway, NJ
Population 6,589 · New Jersey
About Rockaway, NJ
Rockaway is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 6,589 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $100,028 per year, which is 33% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 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 Rockaway features a median home value of $427,800, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rockaway in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,496, 29% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,732 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (1,537 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (1,123 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockaway shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rockaway have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.4% of Rockaway 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 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, and 12.9% Asian residents, with 18.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockaway, NJ
Compared to national averages, Rockaway has a median household income of $100,028 (33% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $427,800, which is 75% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,496 is 29% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Rockaway's income is 14% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 9% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Rockaway, NJ?
Rockaway offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $100,028, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 40.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $427,800. However, Rockaway’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockaway has a population of 6,589 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Rockaway with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Rockaway
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strathmore | 6,593 | $155,048 | $503,600 | Compare |
| North Caldwell | 6,622 | $203,140 | $906,100 | Compare |
| Ramblewood | 6,542 | $110,130 | $376,900 | Compare |
| Green Knoll | 6,664 | $156,630 | $581,600 | Compare |
| Heathcote | 6,689 | $127,391 | $563,500 | Compare |
| Watchung | 6,429 | $166,536 | $833,300 | Compare |
| Ramtown | 6,410 | $138,967 | $452,500 | Compare |
| Belle Mead | 6,772 | $219,215 | $777,600 | 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 Rockaway With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockaway
What is the population of Rockaway, NJ?
The population of Rockaway, NJ is 6,589 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 Rockaway?
The median household income in Rockaway, NJ is $100,028 per year, which is 33% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockaway?
The median home value in Rockaway, NJ is $427,800, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockaway?
The median monthly rent in Rockaway, NJ is $1,496, which is 29% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockaway?
The unemployment rate in Rockaway, NJ is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockaway, NJ a good place to live?
Rockaway offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,589 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rockaway, NJ?
40.4% of residents in Rockaway 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 Rockaway?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockaway, NJ: median home value is $427,800 (75% above national), median rent is $1,496/month, and median household income is $100,028. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rockaway?
The poverty rate in Rockaway, NJ is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rockaway, NJ?
Rockaway's population is 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 12.9% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 18.6% of residents are foreign-born.