Rio Grande, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,485
6.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,250/yr
-21.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,813
-2.2% year-over-year change

Rio Grande population

How many people live in Rio Grande

Rio Grande is home to 3,485 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Rio Grande locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
3,485
6.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
1,654
Female
52.5%
1,831
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,654 47.5% 6.2%
Female 1,831 52.5% 6.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Rio Grande is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 6.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.3% of the population, while another 32.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
6.3%
25 to 44
20.3%
45 to 64
32.6%
Over 65
24.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 568 16.3% 27.9%
15 to 24 221 6.3% 26.3%
25 to 44 709 20.3% -1.7%
45 to 64 1,136 32.6% 9.3%
Over 65 851 24.4% -6.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Rio Grande, 86.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.6% of locals are Caucasian, 8.7% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.6%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,022 86.7% 4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 406 11.6% 23.4%
Non-citizens 57 1.6% 14.0%
Racial breakdown
White
60.6%
Black or African American
8.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.2%
Other
15.6%
Value Percent
White 2,112 60.6%
Black or African American 303 8.7%
Asian 30 0.9%
Two or more races 496 14.2%
Other 544 15.6%

Households in Rio Grande

A peek inside Rio Grande households

Rio Grande has 1,662 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,662
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
655
Family households
1,007
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 655 39.4% 8.1%
Family households 1,007 60.6% -1.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Rio Grande

The housing landscape of Rio Grande

Rio Grande's housing consists of 1,813 units, with 53.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 21.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 18.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,813
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 978 53.9%
1 unit, attached 397 21.9%
5 to 9 units 29 1.6%
10 to 19 units 51 2.8%
20 to 49 units 23 1.3%
Mobile home 335 18.5%
Homes built since 2020
68
28.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rio Grande

In Rio Grande, the median construction year is 1989. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 67 3.7% 9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 265 14.6% 14.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 88 4.8% -58.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 305 16.8% 2.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 200 11% 21.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 48 2.6% -29.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 427 23.6% -2.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 345 19% 9.5%
Built in 2020 or later 68 3.8% 28.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Rio Grande occupancy rates

Out of the 1,662 occupied housing units in Rio Grande, 74.3% are owner-occupied, while 25.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,662
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
427
Owner occupied
1,235
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 427 25.7% 9.2%
Owner occupied 1,235 74.3% 0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Rio Grande housing costs

Housing costs in Rio Grande come to a median of $1,229 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,305.

Median housing costs per month
$1,229/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Rio Grande
$1,305/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Rio Grande

Rio Grande education at a glance

About 43.6% of the population in Rio Grande went to high school, while 14.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 159 5.7% 87.1%
High school diploma 1,213 43.6% 17.9%
College diploma 400 14.4% -44.0%
Associate degree 201 7.2% 58.3%
Bachelor's degree 452 16.2% 35.3%
Graduate degree 360 12.9% -17.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Rio Grande

How much people earn in Rio Grande

The average annual household income in Rio Grande was $93,385 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -9.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $76,250, reflecting a -21.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rio Grande
$93,385/year
-9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rio Grande
$76,250/year
-21.9% year-over-year change

Rio Grande income by age

In Rio Grande, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,967. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,094 overall. Overall, 89.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $76,967 -32.1%
45 - 64 $100,094 1.8%
Over 65 $71,777 1.1%
Above poverty level
3,133
Below poverty level
352
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,133 89.9% 5.9%
Below poverty level 352 10.1% 8.0%

Average renter income in Rio Grande

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rio Grande, their median household income was $43,571 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,571
Rent-to-income ratio
35.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Rio Grande

Workforce and job types in Rio Grande

The job market in Rio Grande is powered by 1,396 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.1% run their own businesses, 57.4% are employed by private companies, and 26.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,396
11.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,113
Blue collar
283
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,113 79.7% 9.2%
Blue collar 283 20.3% 20.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.1%
Private companies
57.4%
Governmental workers
26.1%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 197 14.1% 16.6%
Private companies 802 57.4% 30.6%
Governmental workers 364 26.1% -11.7%
Not for profit companies 33 2.4% -44.1%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-71.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rio Grande stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rio Grande

How people get around in Rio Grande

Commuting methods vary: 78.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,060 78.1% 16.1%
Bus or trolleybus 8 0.6% 100.0%
Walk 91 6.7% 5.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Rio Grande by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08242 4,141 1,904 $93,250 $101,353

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FAQs about Rio Grande demographics 

What is the total population of Rio Grande?

Rio Grande has a total population of 3,485 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +6.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rio Grande?

The gender ratio in Rio Grande is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (1,654 residents)
  • 52.5% females (1,831 residents)

What is the median age in Rio Grande?

The median age in Rio Grande is 51.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rio Grande?

The age distribution in Rio Grande is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (568 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.3% (221 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.3% (709 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.6% (1,136 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.4% (851 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rio Grande?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rio Grande is as follows:
  • White: 60.6% (2,112 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.7% (303 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (30 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.2% (496 residents)
  • Other: 15.6% (544 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rio Grande are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.7% of the population in Rio Grande.

How many housing units are there in Rio Grande?

There are 1,813 housing units in Rio Grande, reflecting a -2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rio Grande and what is the average household size?

Rio Grande has a total of 1,662 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rio Grande?

Rio Grande has a median household income of $76,250, representing a -21.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rio Grande?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Rio Grande, with a workforce of 1,396 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.7% (1,113 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.3% (283 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.1% (197 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.4% (802 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.1% (364 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (33 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025