Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cranford, NJ
Considering a move to Cranford, NJ? With a population of around 23,800, Cranford is a charming, family-friendly suburb known for its excellent public schools and high educational attainment, with over 64% holding a bachelor's or higher. The median home price is $627,000, and average rents are about $1,870 for a two-bedroom, reflecting a higher cost of living. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a strong sense of community, and convenient NYC commutes averaging 36 minutes. With plentiful sunny days, quality healthcare, and a vibrant downtown, Cranford is ideal for those seeking suburban comfort and top-rated schools.
Demographics - Cranford, NJ
Demographics - Cranford, NJ
Cranford, NJ is home to approximately 23,800 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 42.1 years. The community is predominantly White at 84%, with smaller Asian, Black, and other minority populations, and about 11% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a blend of suburban comfort and diversity.
Population:
23,800
Density:
5,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
5.1%
Others:
7.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cranford, NJ?
Living in Cranford comes with a higher cost, as reflected by a cost of living index of 139.4 and a median home value of $627,000. Monthly rents average around $1,870, and expenses such as utilities and transportation also trend above the national average. While state income tax rates vary, overall costs reflect the area's desirable amenities and proximity to New York City.
Median House Value:
$627,000
Gross Rent:
$1,870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
139.4
Grocery:
125.0
Housing:
154.8
Utilities:
113.2
Transportation:
124.7
Health Care:
115.9
Miscellaneous:
111.3
Crime
Is Cranford, NJ a safe place to live?
Cranford experiences low crime rates, with only 58 violent crimes and 654 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,724, making it a safe choice for families and individuals alike. Residents benefit from a secure, community-oriented environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
58
Property Crimes Per 100k:
654
Crime Index:
712
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,724
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 153
Weather
What is the weather like in Cranford, NJ year-round?
Cranford enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and winters dipping to lows around 26°F. The area receives about 47.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 55% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes ensure a variety of recreational opportunities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The community boasts a strong economic profile, with a median household income of $138,200 and a low poverty rate of 3.7%. Over 64% of residents hold at least a bachelor's degree, and public transportation is used by 13% of commuters, with an average commute time of 36 minutes. Cranford’s neighborhoods are known for their stability, high educational attainment, and active local engagement.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$138,200
Family Income:
$158,000
Per Capita Income:
$61,000
Income Male:
$72,000
Income Female:
$58,000
Poverty Rate:
3.7%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$1,870
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
13.2%
Commute Time:
36.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.3%
Bachelors or More:
64.1%
Education
How are the schools in Cranford, NJ?
Cranford is renowned for its highly rated public schools, such as Cranford High School and Hillside Avenue School, featuring low student-teacher ratios. The community also offers private school options and is home to Union College of Union County, with additional higher education opportunities nearby. Over 64% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, underscoring the community’s commitment to education.

Public Schools
Name:
Cranford High School
Street:
201 West End Pl
Phone:
908-709-6294
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Hillside Avenue School
Street:
125 Hillside Ave
Phone:
908-709-6229
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.9

Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael School
Street:
100 Alden St
Phone:
908-276-9425
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Union College of Union County
City:
Cranford
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
Kean University
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Cranford residents have access to several major hospitals nearby, including Overlook Medical Center and RWJ University Hospital Rahway, both offering emergency services. With nearly 3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, healthcare accessibility and quality are strong. The area maintains a solid healthcare index, supporting the well-being of its community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Overlook Medical Center
Address:
99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Phone:
(908) 522-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
Address:
865 Stone St, Rahway, NJ 07065
Phone:
(732) 499-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.6%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cranford, NJ?
The Cranford housing market is robust, with a median home price of $627,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $2,000. Owner-occupancy is high at over 80%, and home values have appreciated by 8.1% in the past year, reflecting steady demand. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a stable and competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$627,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Cranford residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in nearby Trenton. The DMV provides a full range of vehicle and licensing services, and information is accessible via their official website or by phone. State regulations and services are tailored to the needs of New Jersey drivers.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
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.