Carteret, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
22,754
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$97,021/yr
10.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,797
0.3% year-over-year change

Carteret population

How many people live in Carteret

Carteret is home to 22,754 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Carteret locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
22,754
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
11,009
Female
51.6%
11,745
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,009 48.4% 1.0%
Female 11,745 51.6% 1.4%
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 Carteret is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 15.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.9% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
15.8%
25 to 44
25.9%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,184 18.4% 12.8%
15 to 24 3,588 15.8% -4.5%
25 to 44 5,893 25.9% 5.2%
45 to 64 5,815 25.6% -3.3%
Over 65 3,274 14.4% -3.7%
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 Carteret, 63.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 21% of locals are Caucasian, 19.5% are African American and 26.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 14.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
63.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.5%
Non-citizens
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,525 63.8% 3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,572 24.5% 0.3%
Non-citizens 2,656 11.7% -8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
21%
Black or African American
19.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
26.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
18.2%
Other
14.1%
Value Percent
White 4,780 21%
Black or African American 4,441 19.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 209 0.9%
Asian 5,929 26.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 51 0.2%
Two or more races 4,137 18.2%
Other 3,207 14.1%

Households in Carteret

A peek inside Carteret households

Carteret has 7,336 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.8% are families, while the remaining 24.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,336
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,772
Family households
5,564
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,772 24.2% -3.0%
Family households 5,564 75.8% -0.7%
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 Carteret

The housing landscape of Carteret

Carteret's housing consists of 7,797 units, with 49.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.1% 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 3.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,797
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,861 49.5%
1 unit, attached 397 5.1%
2 units 1,560 20%
3 or 4 units 218 2.8%
5 to 9 units 452 5.8%
10 to 19 units 295 3.8%
20 to 49 units 209 2.7%
50 or more units 564 7.2%
Mobile home 242 3.1%
Homes built since 2020
90
2,150.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carteret

In Carteret, the median construction year is 1960. About 14.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,156 14.8% 6.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 603 7.7% -1.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,114 27.1% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,221 15.7% 4.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 449 5.8% -7.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 537 6.9% 22.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 142 1.8% -43.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 956 12.3% 0.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 529 6.8% -5.9%
Built in 2020 or later 90 1.2% 2,150.0%
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.

Carteret occupancy rates

Out of the 7,336 occupied housing units in Carteret, 54.7% are owner-occupied, while 45.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,336
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,322
Owner occupied
4,014
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,322 45.3% 0.1%
Owner occupied 4,014 54.7% -2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.9%
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.

Carteret housing costs

Housing costs in Carteret come to a median of $1,992 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,032.

Median housing costs per month
$1,992/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 Carteret
$2,032/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 Carteret

Carteret education at a glance

About 40.1% of the population in Carteret went to high school, while 18.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 19.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,241 7.1% 3.1%
High school diploma 6,974 40.1% -3.0%
College diploma 3,182 18.3% -7.0%
Associate degree 1,171 6.7% -6.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,458 19.9% 7.1%
Graduate degree 1,358 7.8% 14.5%
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 Carteret

How much people earn in Carteret

The average annual household income in Carteret was $120,160 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $97,021, reflecting a +10.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carteret
$120,160/year
8.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carteret
$97,021/year
10.6% year-over-year change

Carteret income by age

In Carteret, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $105,950. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,229 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,532, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,849 in earnings. Overall, 91.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,532 N/A
25 - 44 $105,950 4.9%
45 - 64 $108,229 11.9%
Over 65 $62,849 13.1%
Above poverty level
20,667
Below poverty level
1,867
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,667 91.7% 3.6%
Below poverty level 1,867 8.3% -16.7%

Average renter income in Carteret

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carteret, their median household income was $70,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$70,000
Rent-to-income ratio
34.8%
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 Carteret

Workforce and job types in Carteret

71.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 72.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,914
Blue collar
3,209
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,914 71.2% 5.7%
Blue collar 3,209 28.8% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
72.9%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 554 5% -20.4%
Private companies 8,111 72.9% 7.3%
Governmental workers 1,838 16.5% 2.0%
Not for profit companies 620 5.6% -1.3%

Transportation in Carteret

How people get around in Carteret

Commuting methods vary: 88.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% 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 8,483 88.1% 4.0%
Taxicab 108 1.1% 4.8%
Bus or trolleybus 641 6.7% -1.8%
Railroad 81 0.8% 3.9%
Motorcycle 17 0.2% N/A
Walk 298 3.1% 20.2%
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 Carteret by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
07008 25,526 8,230 $97,021 $121,147

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Carteret demographics 

What is the total population of Carteret?

Carteret has a total population of 22,754 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carteret?

The gender ratio in Carteret is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (11,009 residents)
  • 51.6% females (11,745 residents)

What is the median age in Carteret?

The median age in Carteret is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carteret?

The age distribution in Carteret is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (4,184 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.8% (3,588 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.9% (5,893 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (5,815 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (3,274 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carteret?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carteret is as follows:
  • White: 21% (4,780 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.5% (4,441 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (209 residents)
  • Asian: 26.1% (5,929 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (51 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.2% (4,137 residents)
  • Other: 14.1% (3,207 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 63.8% of the population in Carteret.

How many housing units are there in Carteret?

There are 7,797 housing units in Carteret, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carteret has a total of 7,336 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carteret?

Carteret has a median household income of $97,021, representing a +10.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Carteret?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.2% (7,914 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.8% (3,209 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (554 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.9% (8,111 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (1,838 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (620 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