Rockaway, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,961
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$131,403/yr
6.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
764
-0.4% year-over-year change

Rockaway population

How many people live in Rockaway

Rockaway is home to 1,961 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Rockaway locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
1,961
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
983
Female
49.9%
978
Value Percent YoY change
Male 983 50.1% -1.9%
Female 978 49.9% 2.2%
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 Rockaway is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 29.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
29.6%
Over 65
19.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 321 16.4% -0.3%
15 to 24 223 11.4% 3.2%
25 to 44 448 22.8% 3.9%
45 to 64 581 29.6% -4.4%
Over 65 388 19.8% 1.6%
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 Rockaway, 86.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 5.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.8%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,697 86.5% 2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 211 10.8% -5.8%
Non-citizens 53 2.7% -31.2%
Racial breakdown
White
77.4%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 1,519 77.4%
Black or African American 17 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.5%
Asian 114 5.8%
Two or more races 255 13%
Other 48 2.4%

Households in Rockaway

A peek inside Rockaway households

Rockaway has 748 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.6% are families, while the remaining 29.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
748
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
220
Family households
528
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 220 29.4% -2.6%
Family households 528 70.6% 0.4%
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 Rockaway

The housing landscape of Rockaway

Rockaway's housing consists of 764 units, with 66% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 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 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
764
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 505 66%
1 unit, attached 69 9%
2 units 12 1.6%
3 or 4 units 9 1.2%
5 to 9 units 25 3.3%
10 to 19 units 36 4.7%
20 to 49 units 80 10.5%
50 or more units 19 2.5%
Mobile home 10 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
20
17.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rockaway

In Rockaway, the median construction year is 1969. About 11.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 87 11.4% 17.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 33 4.3% -10.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 146 19.2% -2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 131 17.2% -4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 96 12.6% 9.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 73 9.6% -4.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 79 10.4% -4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 65 8.5% -3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 32 4.2% -13.5%
Built in 2020 or later 20 2.6% 17.6%
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.

Rockaway occupancy rates

Out of the 748 occupied housing units in Rockaway, 81.7% are owner-occupied, while 18.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
748
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
137
Owner occupied
611
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 137 18.3% -4.2%
Owner occupied 611 81.7% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
2.1%
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.

Rockaway housing costs

Housing costs in Rockaway come to a median of $2,148 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,695.

Median housing costs per month
$2,148/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 Rockaway
$1,695/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 Rockaway

Rockaway education at a glance

About 26.6% of the population in Rockaway went to high school, while 18.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 29.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 22 1.4% -12.0%
High school diploma 419 26.6% 7.7%
College diploma 297 18.9% 0.0%
Associate degree 112 7.1% -0.9%
Bachelor's degree 463 29.4% -2.9%
Graduate degree 262 16.6% -0.8%
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 Rockaway

How much people earn in Rockaway

The average annual household income in Rockaway was $165,560 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $131,403, reflecting a +6.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rockaway
$165,560/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rockaway
$131,403/year
6.1% year-over-year change

Rockaway income by age

In Rockaway, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $170,030. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $151,492 overall. Overall, 96.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $170,030 10.1%
45 - 64 $151,492 3.4%
Over 65 $84,938 11.5%
Above poverty level
1,866
Below poverty level
74
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,866 96.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 74 3.8% -2.6%

Average renter income in Rockaway

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rockaway, their median household income was $51,910 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,910
Rent-to-income ratio
39.2%
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 Rockaway

Workforce and job types in Rockaway

86.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 66.6% are employed by private companies, and 18.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
912
Blue collar
138
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 912 86.9% 2.9%
Blue collar 138 13.1% -7.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
66.6%
Governmental workers
18.9%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 73 7% -7.6%
Private companies 699 66.6% -0.6%
Governmental workers 198 18.9% 13.1%
Not for profit companies 79 7.5% 1.3%

Transportation in Rockaway

How people get around in Rockaway

Commuting methods vary: 96.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% 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 761 96.4% 0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 9 1.1% -18.2%
Railroad 2 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 17 2.2% -15.0%
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 Rockaway by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
07866 22,663 8,645 $131,403 $165,655

Explore more communities

FAQs about Rockaway demographics 

What is the total population of Rockaway?

Rockaway has a total population of 1,961 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rockaway?

The gender ratio in Rockaway is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (983 residents)
  • 49.9% females (978 residents)

What is the median age in Rockaway?

The median age in Rockaway is 44.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rockaway?

The age distribution in Rockaway is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (321 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (223 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (448 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.6% (581 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.8% (388 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rockaway?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockaway is as follows:
  • White: 77.4% (1,519 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (17 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 5.8% (114 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13% (255 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (48 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.5% of the population in Rockaway.

How many housing units are there in Rockaway?

There are 764 housing units in Rockaway, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rockaway has a total of 748 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rockaway?

Rockaway has a median household income of $131,403, representing a +6.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Rockaway?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.9% (912 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.1% (138 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (73 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.6% (699 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.9% (198 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (79 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