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City Report · NJ

Kearny

Pop. 40,614·133rd most expensive in New Jersey·Rental market data updated monthly for Kearny, NJ
Median rent (all units)
$2,301/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.3%
Month-over-Month
+2.5%
vs US Median
+$336
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Kearny · $2,301
More expensive than 73% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
71/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% below what Kearny's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,301/mo
Expected by trend
$2,577/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Kearny's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,740
1 BR
$1,770
2 BR
$2,000
3 BR
$2,460
4 BR+
$2,800
Research median
$2,000/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
$27,612/yr
At $2,301/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (0.3% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.3% YoY, +2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Kearny, NJ is majority renter-occupied, 30.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
40,614
Median income
$79,154
Median age
40
Renters
57.1%
Age distribution
19.7%
22.6%
30.8%
13.2%
13.6%
Under 1819.7%
18–3422.6%
35–5430.8%
55–6413.2%
65+13.6%
Gender
52.9%
47.1%
Male52.9%
Female47.1%
Race & ethnicity
36.5%
51.7%
White36.5%
Black5.8%
Hispanic51.7%
Asian4.4%
Other1.6%
Education (25+)
15.2%
34.5%
19.7%
30.6%
No HS diploma15.2%
HS diploma34.5%
Some college19.7%
Bachelor's+30.6%
Housing tenure
42.9%
57.1%
Owner42.9%
Renter57.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Kearny, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,597 → $2,301
up 44.1%
Income
$76,647 → $79,154
up 3.3%
Population
41,790 → 40,614
down 2.8%
Renter share
53.3% → 57.1%
+3.8 pts
Bachelor's+
27.7% → 30.6%
+2.9 pts
Median age
38.2 → 40
+1.8 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Kearny, NJ paid around $1,597 a month. That figure now sits near $2,301, up 44.1% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Kearny, NJ now reports about $79,154, up from $76,647 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Kearny, NJ losing about 1,176 residents over the five-year window, down 2.8% on net. The renter share has risen from 53.3% to 57.1%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 27.7% to 30.6% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Kearny, NJ reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Kearny on your salary?

At $2,301/mo, how Kearny rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Kearny rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Kearny

About renting in Kearny, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Kearny is $2,301/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,740/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,000/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,770/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,460/mo.

At 35% of local median household income ($79,154/yr), Kearny ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Kearny an affordable city for renters?

Kearny is considered moderate for renters. At $2,301/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the local median household income ($79,154/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Kearny slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Kearny?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $92,000/year (~$44/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,301/mo in Kearny. The local median household income is $79,154/yr, meaning the typical Kearny household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Kearny?

Rent in Kearny has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.3% change year over year as of July 2026.

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

Kearny is one of the more affordable cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #133 out of 180 tracked cities at $2,301/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Kearny?

Belleville is nearby and more affordable at $2,277/mo, which is $24 less than Kearny.

What percentage of Kearny residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 57.1% of Kearny households are renters, while 42.9% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Kearny has a strong rental market.

How does Kearny rent compare to the national average?

Kearny's median rent of $2,301/mo is $336 (17%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #133 out of 180 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $2,301/mo, rent takes ~35% of Kearny's median household income ($79,154/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Kearny 35%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Kearny affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Kearny, NJ

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