Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rutherford, NJ
Considering a move to Rutherford, NJ? With a population of 18,600, Rutherford features a friendly, suburban atmosphere just minutes from NYC. The median home price is around $590,000 and average rents are $2,050, reflecting the area's high demand and excellent schools. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (72 per 100K), a 32-minute average commute, and lots of sunny days. Rutherford boasts strong educational attainment, great public transport access, and a vibrant community feel—ideal for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Rutherford, NJ
Demographics - Rutherford, NJ
Rutherford is home to 18,600 residents, offering a suburban environment with a population density of 7,400 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (75.2%) with a notable Asian presence and a median age of 41.2, reflecting a balanced and mature population. About 20% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the town's cultural diversity.
Population:
18,600
Density:
7,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
20.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.2%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
11.8%
Others:
10.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rutherford, NJ?
Rutherford's cost of living is higher than the national average, with a median home value of $590,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,050. Utilities and transportation costs are also above average, and state tax rates range from 1.4% to 10.75%. While living here may require a larger budget, residents benefit from quality services and amenities.
Median House Value:
$590,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$990
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.0
Grocery:
122.0
Housing:
148.0
Utilities:
112.5
Transportation:
127.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Rutherford, NJ a safe place to live?
The city boasts a low violent crime rate of 72 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and professionals. Property crime is moderate, with a rate of 750 per 100,000, and the chance of encountering violent crime is about 1 in 1,390. Overall, Rutherford offers a secure and peaceful community atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
72
Property Crimes Per 100k:
750
Crime Index:
822
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,390
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 133
Weather
What is the weather like in Rutherford, NJ year-round?
Rutherford experiences four distinct seasons, with winters averaging lows of 25°F and summers reaching highs near 86°F. The area receives around 47.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. Residents benefit from a comfortable climate suitable for year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The median household income in Rutherford is $123,800, and the poverty rate is a low 4.7%, indicating a generally affluent and stable community. Nearly 95% of adults have completed high school, and over half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public transportation is popular, with nearly 20% of residents using it for a typical 33-minute commute.
Median Income:
$52,000
Household Income:
$123,800
Family Income:
$138,500
Per Capita Income:
$56,400
Income Male:
$65,000
Income Female:
$50,500
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
20.0%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
19.7%
Commute Time:
32.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.7%
Bachelors or More:
50.5%
Education
How are the schools in Rutherford, NJ?
Rutherford offers strong educational opportunities, with highly rated public schools like Rutherford High School and Pierrepont School, both featuring favorable student-to-teacher ratios around 12:1. Local families can also choose from private school options and benefit from proximity to higher education institutions, including Felician University in town and Montclair State University just seven miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Rutherford High School
Street:
56 Elliott Place
Phone:
201-438-7675
Students:
785
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Pierrepont School
Street:
70 E Pierrepont Ave
Phone:
201-438-7675
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary High School
Street:
64 Chestnut Street
Phone:
201-933-5220
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Felician University
City:
Rutherford
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
21,000
Healthcare
Rutherford residents have access to top-rated hospitals, such as Hackensack University Medical Center and Clara Maass Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency services. With nearly 3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 94% health insurance coverage, the community enjoys excellent healthcare access. The area’s healthcare index of 78.0 reflects strong local medical resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hackensack University Medical Center
Address:
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone:
(551) 996-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Clara Maass Medical Center
Address:
1 Clara Maass Dr, Belleville, NJ 07109
Phone:
(973) 450-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rutherford, NJ?
The median home price in Rutherford stands at $590,000, reflecting steady demand and a 7% appreciation rate over the past year. About 64% of residents own their homes, and the rental vacancy rate is low at 3.8%. The market is stable, with limited new construction and a very low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$590,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.0%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Rutherford residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently accessible at 225 E. State Street in Trenton or online at the official state website. The DMV provides essential services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. For assistance, residents can call 1-609-292-6500.
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.