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ZIP Code · NJ

ZIP 08861

Pop. 59,351·Middlesex County·139th most expensive ZIP in New Jersey
Median rent (all units)
$2,394/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
+5.4%
vs US Median
+$429
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 08861 · $2,394
More expensive than 76% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,510
1 BR
$1,660
2 BR
$2,080
3 BR
$2,490
4 BR+
$2,760
Research median
$2,080/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
$28,728/yr
At $2,394/mo median
Location
StateNJ
CountyMiddlesex County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, +5.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 08861 (Perth Amboy, NJ) is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
59,351
Median income
$64,491
Median age
38.3
Renters
62.5%
Age distribution
22.1%
23.1%
29.3%
13.7%
Under 1822.1%
18–3423.1%
35–5429.3%
55–6411.8%
65+13.7%
Gender
49.5%
50.5%
Male49.5%
Female50.5%
Race & ethnicity
20.9%
81.6%
White20.9%
Black8.1%
Hispanic81.6%
Asian2.6%
Education (25+)
31.2%
28.6%
23.8%
16.4%
No HS diploma31.2%
HS diploma28.6%
Some college23.8%
Bachelor's+16.4%
Housing tenure
37.5%
62.5%
Owner37.5%
Renter62.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 08861 in Perth Amboy, NJ has changed in 5 years

Income
$54,587 → $64,491
up 18.1%
Population
57,515 → 59,351
up 3.2%
Renter share
66% → 62.5%
-3.5 pts
Bachelor's+
13.8% → 16.4%
+2.6 pts
Median age
36.6 → 38.3
+1.7 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $54,587 to $64,491 across the same window, up 18.1% versus 2021. The population has grown by 3.2% since 2021, moving from about 57,515 residents to roughly 59,351. Renters now make up 62.5% of households, compared with 66% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 16.4% of adults here, versus 13.8% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 08861

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 08861 covers Perth Amboy, NJ. The median rent here is $2,394/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,660/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,080/mo.

At 45% of local median household income ($64,491/yr), ZIP 08861 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 08861?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 08861 (Perth Amboy, NJ) is $2,394. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 08861 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 08861's median rent of $2,394/mo is $429 (22%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 08861 compare to other ZIPs in New Jersey?

ZIP 08861 falls in the middle range for New Jersey, ranking #139 out of 212 ZIPs at $2,394/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 08861?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $96,000/year (~$46/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,394/mo in ZIP 08861. The local median household income is $64,491/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 08861?

Rent in ZIP 08861 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 08861 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 08861 is considered stretched for renters. At $2,394/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the local median household income ($64,491/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 08861 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 08861 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 62.5% of ZIP 08861 households are renters, while 37.5% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 08861 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 08861 compare to the rest of Perth Amboy?

ZIP 08861 sits right at the Perth Amboy citywide median of $2,394/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 08861 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 08861 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
45%
STRETCHED

At $2,394/mo, rent takes ~45% of ZIP 08861's median household income ($64,491/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 08861 45%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 08861 (Perth Amboy, NJ)

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