| ZIP Code | 08242 |
|---|---|
| City | Rio Grande |
| State | New Jersey (NJ) |
| County | Cape May County |
| Area Code | 609/640 |
| Elevation | 17 ft |
| Latitude | 39.01738 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -74.886908 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 34009 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 51.4 yrs ↑ 24% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.15 |
| Below Poverty | 8.8% ▼ 12% below avg |
| College Grads | 35.5% ▼ 8% below avg |
| Unemployment | 10.3% ▲ 111% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 19 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,066 (34.5%) |
| Some College | 582 (18.8%) |
| Associates | 328 (10.6%) |
| Bachelors | 127 (4.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 970 (31.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $97,831 ▲ 28% above avg ↑ 46% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $306,200 ▲ 10% above avg ↑ 18% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,486/mo ↑ 34% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,083 |
| Vacant Units | 231 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.15 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,083 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 231 |
| Owner Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 21.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.15 |
ZIP code 08242 is located in Rio Grande, New Jersey, within Cape May County. With a population of 4,021, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 51.4 years. Economically, 08242 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $97,831 is above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 08242 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $306,200 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,486 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 78.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 18% since 2019.
The population of 08242 is majority White (69.21%). Residents are moderately educated — 35.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.8%. Household income has grown by 46% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 08242 stands at 10.3%, which is more than double the national average. About 14% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 69%.
Overall, ZIP code 08242 in Rio Grande, NJ is characterized as middle-income, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 4,021 residents, a median household income of $97,831, and a median home value of $306,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of New Jersey.