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City Report · NJ

Cranford

Pop. 1,937·38th most expensive in New Jersey·Cranford rents are up 10.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,023/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.1%
Month-over-Month
-2.7%
vs US Median
+$1,058
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Cranford · $3,023
More expensive than 91% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
46% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,023/mo, rent takes about 46% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$121,000/yr
Local median income
$79,508/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Cranford's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,910
1 BR
$2,180
2 BR
$2,640
3 BR
$3,320
4 BR+
$3,780
Research median
$2,640/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$36,276/yr
At $3,023/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (10.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.1% YoY, -2.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Cranford, NJ is majority renter-occupied, has a large retiree population, 63.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
1,937
Median income
$79,508
Median age
45.5
Renters
64.6%
Age distribution
12.9%
19.5%
28.4%
12.3%
26.9%
Under 1812.9%
18–3419.5%
35–5428.4%
55–6412.3%
65+26.9%
Gender
48.8%
51.2%
Male48.8%
Female51.2%
Race & ethnicity
80.8%
White80.8%
Black4.5%
Hispanic4%
Asian5.1%
Other5.6%
Education (25+)
22.9%
63.1%
No HS diploma5.1%
HS diploma22.9%
Some college8.9%
Bachelor's+63.1%
Housing tenure
35.4%
64.6%
Owner35.4%
Renter64.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Cranford, NJ has changed in 5 years

Income
$89,833 → $79,508
down 11.5%
Population
1,844 → 1,937
up 5.0%
Renter share
62.9% → 64.6%
+1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
48.8% → 63.1%
+14.3 pts
Median age
43.2 → 45.5
+2.3 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $89,833 to $79,508 across the same window, down 11.5% versus 2021. The population has grown by 5.0% since 2021, moving from about 1,844 residents to roughly 1,937. Renters now make up 64.6% of households, compared with 62.9% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 63.1% of adults here, versus 48.8% in 2021.

Community

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View Cranford rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Cranford on your salary?

At $3,023/mo, how Cranford rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Cranford rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Cranford. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Cranford

About renting in Cranford, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Cranford is $3,023/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,910/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,640/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,180/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,320/mo.

At 46% of local median household income ($79,508/yr), Cranford ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Cranford an affordable city for renters?

Cranford is considered stretched for renters. At $3,023/mo, rent takes approximately 46% of the local median household income ($79,508/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Cranford significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Cranford?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $121,000/year (~$58/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,023/mo in Cranford. The local median household income is $79,508/yr, meaning the typical Cranford household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Cranford?

Rent in Cranford has increased 10.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Cranford rent compare to other cities in New Jersey?

Cranford is one of the pricier cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #38 out of 180 tracked cities at $3,023/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Cranford?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Cranford ($3,023/mo): Rahway ($2,506/mo), Union ($2,518/mo), Roselle ($2,565/mo).

What percentage of Cranford residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 64.6% of Cranford households are renters, while 35.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Cranford has a strong rental market.

How does Cranford rent compare to the national average?

Cranford's median rent of $3,023/mo is $1,058 (54%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #38 out of 180 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
46%
STRETCHED

At $3,023/mo, rent takes ~46% of Cranford's median household income ($79,508/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Cranford 46%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Cranford affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Cranford, NJ

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