South River, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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South River, NJ Utility & Living Guide

South River is a borough in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 16,118, an increase of 110 (+0.7%) from the 2010 census count of 16,008, which in turn reflected an increase of 686 (+4.5%) from the 15,322 counted in the

Last updated: June 29, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1453/mo
Sales Tax6.625%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$360,800
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — South River
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

South River Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

South River Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1453/mo
2 Bedrooms$1615/mo
3 Bedrooms$2018/mo
Median Home Price$360,800
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in South River is competitive, with a mix of historic homes and newer developments. Prices have been steadily rising due to its proximity to major cities.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.625%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% depending on income bracket.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but sidewalks are generally well-maintained for strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    South River Public Library
  • 🎯
    South River Waterfront Park
  • 🎯
    South River Community Pool

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and neighborhoods near the waterfront are popular for families due to their walkability and proximity to schools.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in South River based on your household profile.

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📊 South River — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$95,981
👤 Median Age
37.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
65.2%
🔑 Renter Rate
34.8%
📉 Poverty Rate
12.2%
💼 Unemployment Rate
10.3%
📡 Internet Access
89.3%
🎓 College Educated
26.1%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs and in summer due to air conditioning usage. Spring and fall typically see lower utility bills.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by neighborhood, with no local surtaxes specific to South River county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: sidewalks are generally well-maintained, parks are accessible, but public transit lacks elevator access.

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