Rutherford, NJ
Population 18,748 · New Jersey
About Rutherford, NJ
Rutherford is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 18,748 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $136,069 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rutherford features a median home value of $580,800, which is 137% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rutherford in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,859, 60% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,163 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (4,386 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,569 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rutherford 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 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rutherford have an average one-way commute time of 34.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.8% of Rutherford 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 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Black or African American, and 14.4% Asian residents, with 25.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rutherford, NJ
Compared to national averages, Rutherford has a median household income of $136,069 (81% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $580,800, which is 137% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,859 is 60% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Rutherford's income is 18% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 24% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Rutherford, NJ?
Rutherford offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $136,069, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 58.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $580,800. However, Rutherford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rutherford has a population of 18,748 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Rutherford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Rutherford
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Acres | 18,689 | $117,739 | $359,200 | Compare |
| Preakness | 18,538 | $133,168 | $603,200 | Compare |
| Dover | 18,420 | $70,519 | $347,100 | Compare |
| Iselin | 19,151 | $112,615 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Point Pleasant | 19,158 | $108,713 | $523,400 | Compare |
| Colonia | 18,294 | $134,301 | $473,200 | Compare |
| Tinton Falls | 19,252 | $113,844 | $458,300 | Compare |
| Dumont | 18,072 | $125,585 | $469,900 | 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 Rutherford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutherford
What is the population of Rutherford, NJ?
The population of Rutherford, NJ is 18,748 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 Rutherford?
The median household income in Rutherford, NJ is $136,069 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rutherford?
The median home value in Rutherford, NJ is $580,800, which is 137% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rutherford?
The median monthly rent in Rutherford, NJ is $1,859, which is 60% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rutherford?
The unemployment rate in Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, NJ a good place to live?
Rutherford offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,748 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rutherford, NJ?
58.8% of residents in Rutherford 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 Rutherford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rutherford, NJ: median home value is $580,800 (137% above national), median rent is $1,859/month, and median household income is $136,069. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rutherford?
The poverty rate in Rutherford, NJ is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rutherford, NJ?
Rutherford's population is 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.5% Black or African American, 14.4% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 25.2% of residents are foreign-born.