Metro areas in New Jersey: income, rent and home values
New Jersey has 6 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by New York, NY with 20.1 million residents. Household incomes are highest in New York, NY ($102,139). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Trenton, NJ (29.7%) and the largest in Vineland, NJ (38.8%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Atlantic City, NJ (+35.3%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 20,112,448 | $102,139 | $1,932 | $691,700 | 31.6% |
| Philadelphia, PA | 6,329,118 | $95,683 | $1,638 | $395,900 | 30.6% |
| Allentown, PA | 887,615 | $90,147 | $1,542 | $353,900 | 31.1% |
| Trenton, NJ | 399,289 | $101,328 | $1,732 | $471,400 | 29.7% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | 372,047 | $88,294 | $1,428 | $417,100 | 35.5% |
| Vineland, NJ | 157,148 | $69,768 | $1,417 | $253,600 | 38.8% |
Includes 3 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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New Jersey at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in New Jersey for renters?+
Trenton, NJ, where renters spend a median 29.7% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in New Jersey has the highest income?+
New York, NY, with a median household income of $102,139 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in New Jersey?+
6 metropolitan statistical areas in New Jersey have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.