Rutherford borough, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Rutherford borough, New Jersey has a total population of 18,748, the 63rd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $136,069, which is 35% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.8% — among the lowest in New Jersey.
Rutherford borough Quick Facts
How Rutherford borough Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rutherford borough Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Bergen County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackensack city | 45,768 | $82,212 | 11.3% | $370,300 |
| Fort Lee borough | 39,818 | $105,535 | 8.4% | $422,200 |
| Fair Lawn borough | 35,153 | $147,952 | 6.1% | $532,700 |
| Garfield city | 32,502 | $75,701 | 14.2% | $454,300 |
| Englewood city | 29,342 | $101,398 | 9.8% | $497,500 |
| Bergenfield borough | 28,269 | $124,083 | 6.1% | $469,200 |
| Paramus borough | 26,500 | $139,707 | 5.5% | $736,000 |
| Ridgewood village | 26,076 | $217,250 | 3.7% | $882,700 |
| Lodi borough | 25,946 | $84,570 | 16.0% | $449,200 |
| Cliffside Park borough | 25,580 | $94,960 | 11.3% | $577,200 |
Cities Similar to Rutherford borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preakness CDP | 18,538 | $133,168 | $603,200 | 58.4% | 3.7% |
| Colonia CDP | 18,294 | $134,301 | $473,200 | 46.6% | 5.9% |
| Ocean Acres CDP | 18,689 | $117,739 | $359,200 | 34.4% | 1.8% |
| Dumont borough | 18,072 | $125,585 | $469,900 | 46.8% | 6.0% |
| Hawthorne borough | 19,472 | $118,093 | $499,200 | 45.3% | 5.1% |
Population Overview
Rutherford borough is a small city located in New Jersey, within Bergen County. The total population is 18,748. It ranks as the 63rd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rutherford borough is 40.7 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rutherford borough is $136,069. This is 35% higher than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 73% higher. The poverty rate stands at 4.8%. This is 51% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 43% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $580,800. Housing costs are 36% higher than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 63.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rutherford borough is White (non-Hispanic), making up 57.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 21.6%. The Black or African American population (3.0%) is well below the state average of 12.3%.
Education
58.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% higher 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 94.6%. Notably, 23.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rutherford borough, 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 Rutherford borough, New Jersey?
Rutherford borough, New Jersey has a population of 18,748 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rutherford borough, NJ?
The median household income in Rutherford borough is $136,069, which is 73% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Rutherford borough, NJ?
The poverty rate in Rutherford borough is 4.8%. This means approximately 883 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rutherford borough, New Jersey?
Rutherford borough's population is 57.5% White, 3.0% Black, 21.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 14.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rutherford borough, NJ?
The median home value in Rutherford borough is $580,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
How educated is Rutherford borough, New Jersey?
58.8% of adults (25+) in Rutherford borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 23.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.