Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carteret, NJ
Thinking about moving to Carteret, NJ? With a population of just over 25,000 and a median home price of $375,000, Carteret offers a diverse, close-knit community and a reasonable cost of living for the NYC metro area. Commute times average around 33 minutes, with access to public transport, and local schools provide solid educational opportunities. The crime rate remains moderate, and residents enjoy a temperate climate with 54% sunny days. Explore Carteret’s housing options, local amenities, and schools below to see if this well-connected Middlesex County borough is right for you!
Demographics - Carteret, NJ
Demographics - Carteret, NJ
Carteret is home to about 25,300 residents, offering a densely populated and vibrant community with a median age of 36.6. The borough is notably diverse, with significant White, Black, Asian, and other populations, and nearly 30% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
25,326
Density:
5,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
34.7%
Black:
18.2%
Asian:
15.8%
Others:
31.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carteret, NJ?
Living in Carteret is moderately more expensive than the national average, with a cost of living index of 118.5 and a median home value of $375,000. Residents can expect average monthly rents around $1,625, while utilities and insurance costs remain typical for the region.
Median House Value:
$375,000
Gross Rent:
$1,625
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$133
Auto Insurance:
$1,800
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.5
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
128.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Carteret, NJ a safe place to live?
Carteret has a moderate crime rate, with about 210 violent crimes and 1,260 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 79, making safety an important consideration for new residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,260
Crime Index:
1,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 79
Weather
What is the weather like in Carteret, NJ year-round?
Carteret experiences a classic Northeastern climate, with cold winters averaging lows in the mid-20s and warm summers reaching highs in the mid-80s. The area receives about 46.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days, making for a balanced seasonal environment.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income in Carteret is $78,500, reflecting a stable working-class community with an 8.7% poverty rate. Most adults have at least a high school education, and average commute times are about 33 minutes, with a small percentage using public transit.
Median Income:
$40,200
Household Income:
$78,500
Family Income:
$87,000
Per Capita Income:
$33,500
Income Male:
$46,300
Income Female:
$38,900
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
29.6%
Rent:
$1,625
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
7.5%
Commute Time:
33.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.1%
Bachelors or More:
25.4%
Education
How are the schools in Carteret, NJ?
Carteret offers several public and private school options, including Carteret High School and St. Joseph School, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Nearby higher education institutions like Middlesex College and Rutgers University provide accessible opportunities for continued learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Carteret High School
Street:
199 Washington Ave
Phone:
732-541-8960
Students:
1,080
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Name:
Nathan Hale Elementary School
Street:
509 Pershing Ave
Phone:
732-541-8960
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph School
Street:
865 Roosevelt Ave
Phone:
732-541-7111
Students:
265

Colleges
Name:
Middlesex College
City:
Edison
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
11,500
Name:
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City:
New Brunswick
State:
NJ
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
50,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to major hospitals nearby, such as RWJ University Hospital Rahway and Raritan Bay Medical Center, both offering emergency services. Healthcare coverage is high, with 91.5% insured and a solid availability of local physicians.

Major Hospitals
Name:
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
Address:
865 Stone St, Rahway, NJ 07065
Phone:
(732) 381-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Raritan Bay Medical Center – Perth Amboy
Address:
530 New Brunswick Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone:
(732) 442-3700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
73.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carteret, NJ?
Carteret’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $375,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,625. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and property values have appreciated by 5.5% over the past year, indicating steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$375,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,625
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Carteret residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in Edison. Services and resources are accessible online and by phone for a streamlined DMV experience.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
45 Kilmer Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.