Cost of Living in Forked River, NJ
Population 4,988 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Forked River a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $405,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 50 miles east of Philadelphia, Forked River is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 74% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forked River
The median home value in Forked River is $404,600 — 33% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,071/month, 58% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,455/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 65.1°F and lows of 45.1°F, with about 17.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Forked River has a cost of living index of 143 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% more expensive.
Forked River has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 46 | 53 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 79 | 68 | 57 | 48 |
| Low °F | 25 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 51 | 61 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 37 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.38 | 3.23 | 4.52 | 3.32 | 3.34 | 3.58 | 4.47 | 4.59 | 3.55 | 4.14 | 3.37 | 4.47 |
| Snow" | 5.7 | 5.9 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forked River, NJ?
Forked River has a cost index of 143 (100 = national average). It is 43% above the national average.
What is average rent in Forked River, NJ?
The median gross rent in Forked River is $2,071 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forked River?
The median home value in Forked River is $404,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forked River?
The median household income in Forked River is $87,455 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forked River, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forked River is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Forked River, NJ affordable?
Forked River is above average in cost of living, with an index of 143 — about 43% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Forked River?
Forked River has average high temperatures of 65.1°F and average lows of 45.1°F. Annual precipitation is 46". Average annual snowfall is 17.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Forked River at a Glance
- Population
- 4,988
- Median Income
- $87,455
- Home Value
- $404,600
- Median Rent
- $2,071/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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New Jersey Rankings
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