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City Report · NJ

Union

Pop. 66,463·105th most expensive in New Jersey·Rental market data updated monthly for Union, NJ
Median rent (all units)
$2,518/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.4%
Month-over-Month
+0.2%
vs US Median
+$553
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Union · $2,518
More expensive than 80% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
64/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Union's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,518/mo
Expected by trend
$2,714/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Union's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,830
1 BR
$2,090
2 BR
$2,530
3 BR
$3,190
4 BR+
$3,620
Research median
$2,530/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
$30,216/yr
At $2,518/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.4% YoY, +0.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Union, NJ is majority renter-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 28.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
66,463
Median income
$182,730
Median age
37.4
Renters
80.9%
Age distribution
22%
24.2%
29.8%
12.6%
Under 1822%
18–3424.2%
35–5429.8%
55–6411.4%
65+12.6%
Gender
49%
51%
Male49%
Female51%
Race & ethnicity
19.3%
81.8%
White19.3%
Black4.7%
Hispanic81.8%
Asian3.7%
Education (25+)
22.9%
32.4%
16.3%
28.3%
No HS diploma22.9%
HS diploma32.4%
Some college16.3%
Bachelor's+28.3%
Housing tenure
19.1%
80.9%
Owner19.1%
Renter80.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Union, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,730 → $2,518
up 45.5%
Income
$100,750 → $182,730
up 81.4%
Population
2,848 → 66,463
up 2233.7%
Renter share
26% → 80.9%
+54.9 pts
Bachelor's+
41% → 28.3%
-12.7 pts
Median age
47.3 → 37.4
-9.9 yrs

The median rent in Union, NJ stood at $1,730 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,518, reflecting a 45.5% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Union, NJ now reports about $182,730, up from $100,750 in 2021. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has grown by 2233.7% since 2021, moving from about 2,848 residents to roughly 66,463. Renters now make up 80.9% of households, compared with 26% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 28.3% of adults here, versus 41% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Union, NJ reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Union

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

Can you afford rent in Union on your salary?

At $2,518/mo, how Union rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Union rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Union

About renting in Union, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Union is $2,518/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,830/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,530/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,090/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,190/mo.

At 17% of local median household income ($182,730/yr), Union ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Union an affordable city for renters?

Union is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,518/mo, rent takes approximately 17% of the local median household income ($182,730/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Union falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Union?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $101,000/year (~$49/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,518/mo in Union. The local median household income is $182,730/yr, meaning the typical Union household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Union?

Rent in Union has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.4% change year over year as of July 2026.

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

Union is middle-of-the-pack for New Jersey for rent, ranking #105 out of 180 tracked cities at $2,518/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Union?

Irvington is nearby and more affordable at $2,038/mo, which is $480 less than Union.

What percentage of Union residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 80.9% of Union households are renters, while 19.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Union has a strong rental market.

How does Union rent compare to the national average?

Union's median rent of $2,518/mo is $553 (28%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #105 out of 180 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
17%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,518/mo, rent takes ~17% of Union's median household income ($182,730/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Union 17%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Union affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Union
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Union, NJ

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