Rahway city, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Rahway city, New Jersey has a total population of 29,748, the 32nd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $90,852, which is 10% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.8%.
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 74/100).
Rahway city Quick Facts
How Rahway city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rahway city Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Union County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth city | 135,887 | $63,874 | 15.3% | $393,500 |
| Plainfield city | 54,515 | $80,334 | 17.1% | $383,300 |
| Linden city | 43,614 | $91,036 | 9.0% | $387,200 |
| Westfield town | 30,760 | $212,700 | 2.1% | $930,500 |
| Summit city | 22,512 | $199,107 | 3.9% | $969,900 |
| Roselle borough | 22,455 | $82,967 | 10.4% | $336,500 |
| Roselle Park borough | 13,965 | $104,418 | 5.1% | $405,800 |
| New Providence borough | 13,577 | $162,877 | 2.1% | $734,300 |
| Kenilworth borough | 8,339 | $126,295 | 6.0% | $521,100 |
| Fanwood borough | 7,714 | $176,667 | 1.4% | $610,600 |
Cities Similar to Rahway city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Englewood city | 29,342 | $101,398 | $497,500 | 45.6% | 9.8% |
| Old Bridge CDP | 28,015 | $106,934 | $457,800 | 36.3% | 6.9% |
| Lodi borough | 25,946 | $84,570 | $449,200 | 28.2% | 16.0% |
| Cliffside Park borough | 25,580 | $94,960 | $577,200 | 42.4% | 11.3% |
| Garfield city | 32,502 | $75,701 | $454,300 | 24.3% | 14.2% |
Population Overview
Rahway city is a mid-sized community located in New Jersey, within Union County. The total population is 29,748. It ranks as the 32nd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rahway city is 39.0 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rahway city is $90,852. This is 10% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 16% higher. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%. This is 31% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. The unemployment rate is 7.4%. This is 20% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $362,300. Housing costs are 15% lower than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 53.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% lower than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
Rahway city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 28.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (30.7% vs 12.3%).
Education
35.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% lower than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rahway city, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rahway city, New Jersey?
Rahway city, New Jersey has a population of 29,748 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rahway city, NJ?
The median household income in Rahway city is $90,852, which is 16% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Rahway city, NJ?
The poverty rate in Rahway city is 6.8%. This means approximately 2,006 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rahway city, New Jersey?
Rahway city's population is 28.0% White, 30.7% Black, 28.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rahway city, NJ?
The median home value in Rahway city is $362,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x.
How educated is Rahway city, New Jersey?
35.6% of adults (25+) in Rahway city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.