Cost of Living in Cumberland County, New Jersey
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cumberland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cumberland County ranks #3,121 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cumberland County, New Jersey
Cumberland County struggles with affordability pressure
Cumberland County residents spend 23.3% of household income on rent, significantly above the national average of 18.5% and among New Jersey's worst affordability ratios. The county's median household income of $64,499 falls 13.8% below the national median of $74,755, creating a squeeze where modest earnings meet substantial housing costs.
New Jersey's most unaffordable rental county
Cumberland County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst in New Jersey, towering above the state average of 19.1% by over 4 percentage points. With median household income the state's lowest, Cumberland residents face the steepest relative housing burden in the Garden State.
Cheapest rents mask deeper income crisis
Though Cumberland's $1,254 median rent is the lowest among South Jersey counties, the household income of $64,499 creates the worst affordability ratio in the region. Atlantic County's $76,819 income and Cape May's $88,046 income give those counties cushion; Cumberland lacks this safety net despite matching low rents.
Both renters and owners shoulder disproportionate burdens
Cumberland renters spend $1,254 monthly (23.3% of income) while homeowners pay $1,437 (26.7%)—two of New Jersey's highest burden rates. The county's median household income of $64,499 simply cannot comfortably absorb $15,000+ in annual housing costs.
Cumberland requires income stability and household support
Cumberland County's lowest home values ($205,600) and rents offer entry points for cost-conscious buyers, but median incomes here demand employment stability and household support systems. Families considering relocation should evaluate whether local job opportunities and salary potential justify the county's below-average income profile.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cumberland County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Cumberland County is affordable. The median rent is $1,254/month against a median household income of $64,499, putting rent at 23.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,254/month rent versus $1,437/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $183/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $61,586/year. With a median household income of $64,499, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Cumberland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Salem County where rent averages $1,185/month, Cumberland County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cumberland County
Rent Burden
23.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,505
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.7%
of gross income
The median home in Cumberland County may be a stretch
Median home value is $205,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,641 vs. your max of $1,505.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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