Rutherford 79 Exceptional
Rutherford Livability #86 ranked city in New Jersey#2,211 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Rutherford

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

What's it like Living in Rutherford?

Rutherford, New Jersey is a mid-sized city with a population of 18,891 people. With a population density of 6,793 people per square mile, Rutherford is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Rutherford residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Rutherford entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 35 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Rutherford, New Jersey could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Rutherford and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

The livability score in Rutherford is 78/100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Rutherford could be a great choice! Rutherford is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Rutherford has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A). There are some categories that Rutherford ranks poorly for, including: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Rutherford shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 57 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Rutherford has an unemployment rate of 2.7% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Rutherford excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Rutherford. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Rutherford are affordable. Median real estate prices in Rutherford come in at $853,523, which is 53.7% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rutherford, the home price to income ratio is 5.3, which is 3.9% higher than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Rutherford

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Compare Rutherford, NJ Livability

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      Rutherford transportation information

      Statistic Rutherford New Jersey National
      Average one way commute35min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work61.1%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.9%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit23.6%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home6.9%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Rutherford, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.