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ZIP Code · NJ

ZIP 08879

Pop. 23,556·Middlesex County·69th most expensive ZIP in New Jersey
Median rent (all units)
$2,762/mo
Year-over-Year
+15.6%
Month-over-Month
-2.8%
vs US Median
+$797
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 08879 · $2,762
More expensive than 86% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,670
1 BR
$1,830
2 BR
$2,300
3 BR
$2,760
4 BR+
$3,050
Research median
$2,300/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
$33,144/yr
At $2,762/mo median
Location
StateNJ
CountyMiddlesex County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 15.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+15.6% YoY, -2.8% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 08879 (South Amboy, NJ) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 28.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
23,556
Median income
$92,786
Median age
41
Renters
37.1%
Age distribution
21.2%
19.7%
24.7%
15.8%
18.6%
Under 1821.2%
18–3419.7%
35–5424.7%
55–6415.8%
65+18.6%
Gender
47.2%
52.8%
Male47.2%
Female52.8%
Race & ethnicity
59.4%
24.8%
White59.4%
Black12%
Hispanic24.8%
Asian6.8%
Education (25+)
34.8%
26.6%
28.9%
No HS diploma9.7%
HS diploma34.8%
Some college26.6%
Bachelor's+28.9%
Housing tenure
62.9%
37.1%
Owner62.9%
Renter37.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 08879 in South Amboy, NJ has changed in 5 years

Income
$89,041 → $92,786
up 4.2%
Population
21,940 → 23,556
up 7.4%
Renter share
41.2% → 37.1%
-4.1 pts
Bachelor's+
32.3% → 28.9%
-3.4 pts
Median age
42.4 → 41
-1.4 yrs

Median household income grew from $89,041 to $92,786 between 2021 and 2024, a 4.2% shift. Headcount in the area went from 21,940 to 23,556 between 2021 and 2024, a 7.4% change. About 37.1% of households rent today, against 41.2% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher slipped from 32.3% to 28.9%.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 08879

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 08879 covers South Amboy, NJ. The median rent here is $2,762/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,830/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,300/mo.

At 36% of local median household income ($92,786/yr), ZIP 08879 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 15.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 08879?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 08879 (South Amboy, NJ) is $2,762. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 08879 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 08879's median rent of $2,762/mo is $797 (41%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 08879 compare to other ZIPs in New Jersey?

ZIP 08879 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in New Jersey, ranking #69 out of 212 ZIPs tracked at $2,762/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 08879?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $110,000/year (~$53/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,762/mo in ZIP 08879. The local median household income is $92,786/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 08879?

Rent in ZIP 08879 has increased 15.6% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 08879 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 08879 is considered moderate for renters. At $2,762/mo, rent takes approximately 36% of the local median household income ($92,786/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 08879 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 08879 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 37.1% of ZIP 08879 households are renters, while 62.9% are owner-occupied. ZIP 08879 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 08879 compare to the rest of South Amboy?

ZIP 08879 is more affordable than South Amboy overall. At $2,762/mo, it's $49 below the South Amboy citywide median of $2,811/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 08879 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 08879 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
36%
MODERATE

At $2,762/mo, rent takes ~36% of ZIP 08879's median household income ($92,786/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 08879 36%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
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Public schools near ZIP 08879 (South Amboy, NJ)

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