Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rio Grande, NJ
Thinking of moving to Rio Grande, NJ? Home to around 2,530 residents, Rio Grande offers a relaxed, small-town feel with affordable living—median home prices average $270,000 and typical rents run about $1,350. The area enjoys a mild coastal climate with nearly 60% sunny days, while commutes are short at just over 23 minutes. With access to local schools, beachside amenities, and reasonable crime rates, Rio Grande is a welcoming choice for those seeking a quieter pace in South Jersey.
Demographics - Rio Grande, NJ
Demographics - Rio Grande, NJ
Rio Grande, NJ is a small community of 2,530 residents with a median age of 45.9, reflecting a mature and settled population. The area is predominantly White, with a mix of other ethnic backgrounds, and about one in ten residents speak a language other than English at home. The balanced gender ratio and moderate population density offer a close-knit, neighborly feel.
Population:
2,530
Density:
1,175 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.9
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.3%
Black:
7.8%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
9.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rio Grande, NJ?
Rio Grande's cost of living is about 10% higher than the national average, with median home values at $270,000 and typical rents around $1,350 per month. Utilities and auto insurance are moderately priced, and state income taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%. Residents enjoy a balance of affordability and convenience, especially compared to nearby coastal New Jersey communities.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,710
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$660
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.2
Grocery:
104.8
Housing:
109.7
Utilities:
110.1
Transportation:
108.4
Health Care:
106.3
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Rio Grande, NJ a safe place to live?
Rio Grande experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 205 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 488 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 72 chance, but overall crime rates remain manageable for a town of its size. The community maintains a safe, small-town atmosphere, making it appealing for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,380
Crime Index:
1,585
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 488
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 72
Weather
What is the weather like in Rio Grande, NJ year-round?
Residents of Rio Grande enjoy a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging 84°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 28°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 59% sunny days, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities year-round. Its comfortable seasonal temperatures make it an attractive spot for those seeking moderate weather.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Rio Grande have a median income of $52,000, with about 17% living below the poverty line and an unemployment rate of 6.8%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times average just over 23 minutes, offering a relaxed pace of life. The community is diverse and friendly, with modest public transport use and affordable rent options.
Median Income:
$31,300
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,000
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.3%
Education
How are the schools in Rio Grande, NJ?
Rio Grande offers access to quality public schools, including Middle Township High School and Middle Township Elementary #2, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Families can also choose from local private options like Cape Christian Academy, while Atlantic Cape Community College is within a 30-minute drive for higher education. The community supports educational opportunities for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Middle Township High School
Street:
300 E. Atlantic Ave
Phone:
609-465-1852
Students:
875
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Name:
Middle Township Elementary #2
Street:
101 W. Pacific Ave
Phone:
609-465-1827
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Cape Christian Academy
Street:
10 Oyster Rd
Phone:
609-465-4132
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
Atlantic Cape Community College
City:
Mays Landing
State:
NJ
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
6,400
Healthcare
Rio Grande residents have convenient access to healthcare, including the nearby Cape Regional Medical Center, a general and surgical hospital with emergency services. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 92% health insurance coverage, the area offers reliable medical support. The local healthcare index suggests services are accessible and of good quality.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cape Regional Medical Center
Address:
2 Stone Harbor Blvd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone:
(609) 463-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rio Grande, NJ?
The housing market in Rio Grande is stable, with a median home price of $270,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,350. Over half the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. Home values have appreciated by about 5% in the past year, making it a solid choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, residents can visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office located at 3305 Bay Shore Rd in North Cape May, just a short drive away. The office provides a full range of DMV services and is easily accessible to Rio Grande locals. Up-to-date information is available on the official state website or by phone.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
3305 Bay Shore Rd, North Cape May, NJ 08204
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.