Is Runnemede Safe, Pros and cons of living in Runnemede

Runnemede, a borough in Camden County, New Jersey, offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to Philadelphia. It is a community that balances residential living with local businesses and amenities. The town’s character is shaped by its residents and its position within the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.

The borough is named after Runnymede, England, a site historically significant for the signing of Magna Carta. This naming suggests a connection to principles of freedom and community. Today, Runnemede is a place where families and individuals can find a home and engage with their local surroundings.

Is it Safe to Live in Runnemede?

Runnemede’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program indicates that Runnemede has a crime rate that is 5% lower than the national average (according to FBI crime data). This suggests a generally safe environment for its residents.

However, a closer look reveals nuances. While violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average, with 82 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, property crime rates are higher than the national average by 9.9% (according to FBI crime data). This means residents should be mindful of property security measures.

Violent Crime Statistics

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Runnemede is approximately one in 1204 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This rate is considered about average for communities across America, regardless of population size. Violent crimes tracked include armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder.

Despite the overall average rate for violent crime, there are specific concerns. NeighborhoodScout’s analysis indicates that Runnemede experiences one of the higher murder rates in the nation when compared with cities of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This is an important factor to consider when evaluating the safety of the community.

Property Crime Overview

Property crime in Runnemede is a more significant concern than violent crime. The property crime rate is 20 per one thousand population, making it an area where there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of such offenses (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary.

The property crime rate in Runnemede is 17.81 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the west part of the city to be the safest, while the east parts experience the most incidents (according to CrimeGrade.org). The overall crime rate in Runnemede is 37% below the national average, with a crime safety grade of B as of 2026 (according to DoorProfit).

Cost of Living in Runnemede

Runnemede’s cost of living is higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. The overall cost of living in Runnemede is 14% higher than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). This makes it one of the more expensive cities in America for daily expenses.

Housing costs in Runnemede are notably higher, at 26.0% above the national average (according to Salary.com). This is a significant factor for individuals and families considering a move to the area, influencing overall budget planning.

Housing Costs and Home Prices

The median home value in Runnemede was approximately $252,300 as of 2024 (according to Data USA). This figure represents a 16% increase from the previous year, indicating a growing real estate market. The homeownership rate in Runnemede is 72.5%, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).

Recent data from Zillow indicates an average home value of $317,723 as of March 31, 2026, showing a 3.6% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Realtor.com® lists the median listing price in Runnemede at $359.9K as of March 2026 (according to Realtor.com®). These figures suggest a robust and appreciating housing market.

Rental Market Trends

The rental market in Runnemede shows a median rent of $1,452 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This is 12% lower than the national average rent price of $1,642 per month (according to Apartments.com). The range for rental prices can vary, with studios averaging around $714 and two-bedroom apartments around $1,716 per month (according to Apartments.com).

Zumper reports a median rent of $1,937 as of May 2026, which is 1% lower than the national average (according to Zumper). Houses for rent in Runnemede average around $2,500 per month (according to Zumper). These figures suggest a diverse rental market catering to different needs and budgets.

Other Living Expenses

Beyond housing, other living expenses in Runnemede also contribute to the overall cost of living. Food expenses are 5.8% below the national average, with an estimated monthly cost of $377 for an individual (according to Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are slightly higher than the national average, at 3.1% more (according to Salary.com).

These combined costs bring the estimated total monthly expenses to $2,791 for a single person and $6,030 for a family of four (according to Salary.com). While housing is a significant factor, other daily costs are relatively comparable to national averages.

Job Market and Economy

Runnemede’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with retail trade, healthcare, and educational services being prominent sectors. The average commute time for residents is 27 minutes, which is slightly longer than the national average (according to Data USA). Most residents drive alone to work, with an average of two cars per household (according to Data USA).

The median household income in Runnemede was reported as $91,302 in 2024 (according to Data USA). This figure reflects the economic standing of households within the borough. The poverty rate is 7.97%, which is lower than the national average (according to Data USA).

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries in Runnemede include Retail Trade, employing approximately 755 individuals, followed by Health Care & Social Assistance with 596 employees, and Educational Services with 512 employees (according to Data USA). These sectors form the backbone of local employment opportunities.

Companies like Dollar Tree, CVS Health, and Wells Fargo have a presence in the Runnemede area, contributing to the employment landscape (according to Indeed.com). While specific major employers are not detailed in all sources, these companies represent significant employment opportunities within the retail, healthcare, and financial sectors.

Unemployment and Salary Information

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at the Borough of Runnemede was reported as $91,609, translating to an approximate hourly wage of $44 (according to Salary.com). This figure may vary based on specific roles and experience levels within the borough’s government. The median household income in Runnemede was $91,302 (as reported by Data USA).

Unemployment rate data for Runnemede specifically is not readily available in the provided search results. However, New Jersey’s statewide unemployment rate is tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s average annual unemployment rate for 2025 was adjusted to 5.2 percent (according to NJ.gov).

Climate and Weather

Runnemede experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies between 26°F and 87°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 94°F (according to BestPlaces). The borough experiences a partly cloudy sky for most of the year.

The hot season spans approximately 3.6 months, from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often above 77°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 69°F (according to BestPlaces). The cold season lasts for about 3.1 months, from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F.

Average Temperatures and Seasons

January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 27°F and highs near 41°F (according to BestPlaces). In contrast, July offers the warmest weather, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 69°F (according to BestPlaces). This distinct seasonal variation provides a dynamic climate for residents.

The temperature typically ranges from 26°F to 87°F annually (according to BestPlaces). This range indicates a typical four-season climate common to the northeastern United States.

Precipitation and Rainfall

Runnemede has a wet climate, receiving an average of 1245 mm (approximately 49 inches) of rain and snow annually (according to BestPlaces). Precipitation levels vary moderately throughout the year, with August being the wettest month, averaging around 133 mm (5.2 inches) (according to BestPlaces). February is the driest month, still receiving about 73 mm (2.9 inches) of rainfall (according to BestPlaces).

A wet day is defined as one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The chance of a wet day is higher from April to August, with a greater than 29% probability. July typically sees the most wet days, averaging 11.0 days with measurable precipitation (according to BestPlaces).

Education and Schools

Runnemede Public School District serves the borough’s younger students, offering education for grades PK through 8. The district has an approximate student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, with 849 students (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 29% of students are proficient in math and 48% in reading (according to Niche).

The district’s overall Niche grade is a D+, with specific grades for Academics (C-), Diversity (B), Teachers (C), and Administration (C) (according to Niche). Elementary schools within the district, such as Bingham Elementary and Grace Downing Elementary, have received grades of C and C- respectively (according to Niche).

Public School Performance

Public schools in Runnemede are generally considered above average (according to Niche). For high school education, Triton Regional High School serves students in grades 9-12. It has an overall Niche grade of B, with particular strengths in Diversity (A) and Teachers (A-) (according to Niche).

At Triton Regional High School, 19% of students are proficient in math, and 40% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). The student-teacher ratio is 11 to 1, and the school has an average of 1,114 students (according to Niche). Other schools serving the area, like Gloucester County Institute of Technology, receive an A- rating (according to Niche).

School District Ratings

The Runnemede Public School District has an overall Niche grade of D+ (according to Niche). This grade reflects a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including academics, teachers, and student life. Niche rankings place Runnemede in the top public schools serving the area, with some institutions receiving higher marks.

For instance, Gloucester County Institute of Technology and Franklin Towne Charter High School both received A- ratings from Niche (according to Niche). These higher-rated schools indicate that while the district’s overall performance may be average, there are excellent educational options available nearby.

Demographics and Population

Runnemede is home to a population of approximately 8,355 residents as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The borough has a median age of 36.6 years (according to Data USA). The population is comprised of 97.1% U.S. citizens, with a foreign-born population of 7.16% (according to Data USA).

The racial makeup of Runnemede is predominantly White, accounting for about 73% of the population (according to Census Reporter). Other significant racial groups include Black or African American residents and Hispanic individuals. Data USA indicates that White (Non-Hispanic) residents make up the largest ethnic group (according to Data USA).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

In Runnemede, White residents constitute the majority, with figures around 73% to 74% of the population (according to Census Reporter and World Population Review). Black or African American residents represent about 7% to 8% of the population, while Asian residents make up around 3% to 4% (according to Census Reporter and World Population Review). Other racial categories, such as Native American and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, are present in smaller percentages.

Hispanic or Latino individuals make up approximately 13% of the population (according to Census Reporter). Runnemede is considered a diverse suburb, ranking #186 out of 414 in Niche’s “Most Diverse Suburbs in New Jersey” list (according to Niche). This diversity contributes to the community’s cultural richness.

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Runnemede is 36.6 years (according to Data USA). The population distribution shows that 20.1% of residents are under 18, and 16.6% are 65 years or older (according to Wikipedia). This indicates a balanced age distribution with a significant portion of both younger and older residents.

Regarding gender distribution, there are slightly more males than females in Runnemede. For every 100 females, there are approximately 115.6 males (according to World Population Review). This differs slightly from the data provided by Wikipedia, which states for every 100 females there were 95.2 males (according to Wikipedia).

Household and Family Structure

Runnemede has a homeownership rate of 72.5%, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). The average household size is approximately 2.8 people (according to Data USA). Households with children under 18 constitute about 28% of the total households (according to Wikipedia).

The borough is home to 3,374 households, with a significant portion being husband-wife families (41%) and single-guardian households (21%) (according to Census Reporter and U.S. Census Bureau). A notable portion of residents also live in single-person households, comprising 30% of the population (according to U.S. Census Bureau).

Pros and Cons of Living in Runnemede

Runnemede offers a suburban lifestyle with a generally lower crime rate than the national average, particularly for violent crimes. The community is characterized by its homeownership, with a rate higher than the national average, and a median home value that is more affordable compared to some surrounding areas (according to Data USA and BestNeighborhood.org). Its proximity to Philadelphia also provides access to urban amenities and job markets.

However, Runnemede’s cost of living is higher than the national average, driven mainly by housing expenses. Property crime rates are higher than the national average, requiring residents to remain vigilant about home security. While public schools are rated as above average overall, the specific Runnemede Public School District receives a lower grade, suggesting varying educational quality within the area.

Advantages of Runnemede

One of the primary advantages of Runnemede is its affordability compared to the state average. The median home value in Runnemede is significantly less expensive than the state’s average of $465,927 (according to BestNeighborhood.org). This makes it an attractive option for homebuyers seeking value within New Jersey.

Furthermore, Runnemede boasts a lower violent crime rate than the national average, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (according to FBI crime data). The community also offers a strong sense of belonging, with many residents owning their homes and a generally stable economic environment.

Challenges in Runnemede

A significant challenge in Runnemede is its cost of living, which is 14% higher than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). Housing costs, in particular, are 26.0% higher than the national average, which can be a barrier for some potential residents (according to Salary.com).

Additionally, property crime rates are above the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout). While the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, this aspect of safety requires attention and preventative measures from residents. The educational offerings, as indicated by the Runnemede Public School District’s D+ rating from Niche, may also be a concern for families prioritizing highly-rated public schools (according to Niche).