Somerville, NJ
Population 12,958 · New Jersey
About Somerville, NJ
Somerville is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 12,958 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,869 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Somerville features a median home value of $403,600, which is 65% above the national median of $244,900. This places Somerville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,748, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,726 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (2,496 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (3,108 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Somerville shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Somerville have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.5% of Somerville 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 4.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, and 13.9% Asian residents, with 25.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Somerville, NJ
Compared to national averages, Somerville has a median household income of $103,869 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $403,600, which is 65% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,748 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Somerville's income is 10% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 14% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Somerville, NJ?
Somerville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,869, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 53.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $403,600. However, Somerville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Somerville has a population of 12,958 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Somerville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Somerville
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday City-Berkeley | 12,896 | $47,855 | $237,200 | Compare |
| Fords | 13,052 | $116,250 | $414,100 | Compare |
| Red Bank | 12,864 | $101,738 | $477,000 | Compare |
| Florham Park | 13,134 | $147,714 | $722,700 | Compare |
| Ridgefield Park | 13,167 | $98,184 | $459,400 | Compare |
| Oakland | 12,700 | $162,862 | $567,200 | Compare |
| Woodland Park | 13,284 | $85,638 | $475,400 | Compare |
| Franklin Park | 13,327 | $111,508 | $326,800 | 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 Somerville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Somerville
What is the population of Somerville, NJ?
The population of Somerville, NJ is 12,958 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 Somerville?
The median household income in Somerville, NJ is $103,869 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Somerville?
The median home value in Somerville, NJ is $403,600, which is 65% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Somerville?
The median monthly rent in Somerville, NJ is $1,748, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Somerville?
The unemployment rate in Somerville, NJ is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Somerville, NJ a good place to live?
Somerville offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,958 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Somerville, NJ?
53.5% of residents in Somerville 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 Somerville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Somerville, NJ: median home value is $403,600 (65% above national), median rent is $1,748/month, and median household income is $103,869. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Somerville?
The poverty rate in Somerville, NJ is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Somerville, NJ?
Somerville's population is 4.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, 13.9% Asian, and 10.5% two or more races. 25.6% of residents are foreign-born.