Forked River, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,196
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,493/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,787
1.4% year-over-year change

Forked River population

How many people live in Forked River

Forked River is home to 5,196 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Forked River locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
5,196
4.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
2,563
Female
50.7%
2,633
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,563 49.3% 4.8%
Female 2,633 50.7% 3.5%
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 Forked River is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.2% of the population, while another 31.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
16.2%
45 to 64
31.5%
Over 65
25.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 803 15.4% -1.5%
15 to 24 595 11.4% 7.4%
25 to 44 844 16.2% 0.1%
45 to 64 1,639 31.5% 5.7%
Over 65 1,315 25.3% 7.3%
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 Forked River, 92.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,829 92.9% 5.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 305 5.9% -8.7%
Non-citizens 62 1.2% -34.7%
Racial breakdown
White
86.6%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.9%
Other
5.5%
Value Percent
White 4,497 86.6%
Black or African American 41 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.2%
Two or more races 359 6.9%
Other 288 5.5%

Households in Forked River

A peek inside Forked River households

Forked River has 2,172 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.9% are families, while the remaining 39.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,172
5.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
850
Family households
1,322
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 850 39.1% -1.9%
Family households 1,322 60.9% 11.0%
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 Forked River

The housing landscape of Forked River

Forked River's housing consists of 2,787 units, with 98.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,787
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,735 98.1%
1 unit, attached 43 1.5%
5 to 9 units 9 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forked River

In Forked River, the median construction year is 1981. About 2.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 82 2.9% 18.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 11 0.4% -56.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 212 7.6% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 347 12.4% -31.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 628 22.5% 16.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 870 31.2% 14.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 250 9% 23.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 274 9.8% 7.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 113 4% -30.7%
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.

Forked River occupancy rates

Out of the 2,172 occupied housing units in Forked River, 92.2% are owner-occupied, while 7.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,172
5.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
170
Owner occupied
2,002
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 170 7.8% -5.0%
Owner occupied 2,002 92.2% 6.6%
Unoccupied housing units
22.1%
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.

Forked River housing costs

Housing costs in Forked River come to a median of $1,859 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,170.

Median housing costs per month
$1,859/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 Forked River
$2,170/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 Forked River

Forked River education at a glance

About 41.5% of the population in Forked River went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 18.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 56 1.4% 16.7%
High school diploma 1,726 41.5% 3.8%
College diploma 963 23.2% 7.1%
Associate degree 418 10% -4.1%
Bachelor's degree 758 18.2% 10.0%
Graduate degree 239 5.8% 14.3%
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 Forked River

How much people earn in Forked River

The average annual household income in Forked River was $110,245 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,493, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forked River
$110,245/year
-2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forked River
$91,493/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Forked River income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $133,770 overall. Overall, 88.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $133,770 9.1%
Over 65 $71,667 3.4%
Above poverty level
4,574
Below poverty level
584
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,574 88.7% 2.7%
Below poverty level 584 11.3% 21.2%

Average renter income in Forked River

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Forked River, their median household income was $80,833 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$80,833
Rent-to-income ratio
32.2%
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 Forked River

Workforce and job types in Forked River

The job market in Forked River is powered by 2,468 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 74.9% are employed by private companies, and 9.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,468
6.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,931
Blue collar
537
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,931 78.2% 8.7%
Blue collar 537 21.8% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
74.9%
Governmental workers
9.4%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 264 10.7% 0.4%
Private companies 1,849 74.9% 2.4%
Governmental workers 231 9.4% 41.7%
Not for profit companies 124 5% 49.4%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
-3.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Forked River stands at 8.2%, 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 Forked River

How people get around in Forked River

Commuting methods vary: 78.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 1,878 78.8% -2.0%
Taxicab 23 1% 0.0%
Walk 49 2.1% 6.5%
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.

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FAQs about Forked River demographics 

What is the total population of Forked River?

Forked River has a total population of 5,196 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 +4.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forked River?

The gender ratio in Forked River is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (2,563 residents)
  • 50.7% females (2,633 residents)

What is the median age in Forked River?

The median age in Forked River is 49.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Forked River?

The age distribution in Forked River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (803 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (595 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.2% (844 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.5% (1,639 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.3% (1,315 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forked River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forked River is as follows:
  • White: 86.6% (4,497 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (41 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.9% (359 residents)
  • Other: 5.5% (288 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.9% of the population in Forked River.

How many housing units are there in Forked River?

There are 2,787 housing units in Forked River, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Forked River has a total of 2,172 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forked River?

Forked River has a median household income of $91,493, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Forked River?

The employment rate is 91.8% in Forked River, with a workforce of 2,468 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.2% (1,931 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.8% (537 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (264 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.9% (1,849 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.4% (231 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (124 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