Surf City, NJ
Population 1,225 · New Jersey
About Surf City, NJ
Surf City is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 1,225 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,333 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.8 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 Surf City features a median home value of $967,900, which is 295% above the national median of $244,900. This places Surf City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,750, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,555 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (587 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (51 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Surf City shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Surf City have an average one-way commute time of 38.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
64.6% of Surf City 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Surf City, NJ
Compared to national averages, Surf City has a median household income of $118,333 (57% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $967,900, which is 295% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,750 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Surf City's income is 2% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 106% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Surf City, NJ?
Surf City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,333, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 64.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $967,900. However, Surf City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Surf City has a population of 1,225 with a median age of 63.8 years. Compare Surf City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Surf City
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | 1,240 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Auburn | 1,209 | $201,648 | $440,300 | Compare |
| Bay Head | 1,201 | $145,417 | $1,679,000 | Compare |
| Dorothy | 1,255 | $104,102 | $306,900 | Compare |
| Crandon Lakes | 1,258 | $92,434 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Silver Ridge | 1,176 | $35,056 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Newfoundland | 1,281 | $127,674 | $439,600 | Compare |
| Deans | 1,166 | $225,750 | $712,700 | 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 Surf City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Surf City
What is the population of Surf City, NJ?
The population of Surf City, NJ is 1,225 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 Surf City?
The median household income in Surf City, NJ is $118,333 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Surf City?
The median home value in Surf City, NJ is $967,900, which is 295% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Surf City?
The median monthly rent in Surf City, NJ is $1,750, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Surf City?
The unemployment rate in Surf City, NJ is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Surf City, NJ a good place to live?
Surf City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,225 and a median age of 63.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Surf City, NJ?
64.6% of residents in Surf City 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 Surf City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Surf City, NJ: median home value is $967,900 (295% above national), median rent is $1,750/month, and median household income is $118,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Surf City?
The poverty rate in Surf City, NJ is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Surf City, NJ?
Surf City's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.