HousingHandbookReference data

U.S. ZIP Code · NJ08542

Mercer County · Trenton-Princeton, NJ

Typical home value

$913,555[1]

Zillow Home Value Index, as of April 2026

Appreciation

1-year
+5.0%
5-year / yr
+5.6%
10-year / yr
+4.8%

Relative price

vs U.S.
+221.6%
vs metro
+96.4%
vs state
+60.4%
ZIP 08542 location in NJ
Location of ZIP 08542 in NJ

Price history

Zillow Home Value Index — monthly, smoothed and seasonally adjusted.

The typical home in 08542 is worth $913,555 — 96.4% above the Trenton-Princeton, NJ median. Over the past year, values have risen 5.0%. The effective property tax rate is 1.8%.

#Rent & investment

Typical asking rent, and the returns it implies at the current home value.

Monthly rent
[2]
Gross yield
[2]
Cap rate
[2]

#Property tax

Effective rate — total real estate taxes paid relative to total home value.

Effective tax rate
1.8%[3]
Typical annual tax
$16,535[3]

#Climate risk

FEMA National Risk Index ratings for Mercer County. "Not Applicable" means the hazard does not threaten the county.

Overall risk
Relatively High[4]
Riverine flood
Relatively High
Coastal flood
Relatively Low
Wildfire
Relatively Low
Drought
Relatively Low
Heat wave
Relatively Moderate
Hurricane
Relatively High
Tornado
Relatively Moderate
Earthquake
Relatively Moderate
Winter weather
Very High

#Who lives here

Population
2,533[3]
Median household income
$105,524[3]

#Migration

Household moves in and out of Mercer County over a year, from IRS tax-return data.

Net migration
-1,900[5]
Moved in
8,722
Moved out
10,622

Run the numbers

Interactive calculators pre-filled with this ZIP's typical home value, rent, and property-tax rate. Edit any field to recompute.

Gross yield
Net yield (after ~40% expenses)
Annual rent

Gross and net yield are estimates based on the inputs and the selected expense ratio. Actual income and expenses will vary by property and market. Not investment advice.

Monthly payment$4,619
Loan principal$730,844
Down payment$182,711
Total interest paid$932,151

Estimated monthly payments include principal and interest only. Actual costs will include property tax, insurance, possibly PMI, and HOA fees not modeled here. Loan terms shown are estimates; consult a licensed lender for current rates and qualification.

Own : rent ratio
Monthly cost to own$6,759
Monthly rent

This calculator projects multi-year scenarios based on assumptions about appreciation, rent growth, and investment returns — none of which are guaranteed. Actual outcomes depend on variables this tool cannot know. Not financial or real estate advice.

#Metro ranking

Where this ZIP sits among others in its metro area.

Appreciation
6th percentile[1]
Rental yield
[2]
Property tax
6th percentile[3]

Frequently asked

How much is a home worth in ZIP code 08542?
The typical home in 08542 is worth $913,555, based on the Zillow Home Value Index.
Are home values rising in 08542?
Home values in 08542 are up 5.0% over the past year, and up 5.6% a year over five years.
What is the property tax rate in 08542?
The effective property tax rate in 08542 is 1.8% — roughly $16,535 a year on a typical home.
Who lives in 08542?
ZIP code 08542 has a population of 2,533 and a median household income of $105,524.

#Comparable ZIPs

Same metro, nearest typical home value. Each card shows the comparable ZIP's headline numbers so you can scan at a glance.

  • Princeton, NJ

    Typical home
    $973,946
    Gross yield
    4.2%
  • Princeton Junction CDP, NJ

    Typical home
    $1,015,358
    Gross yield
    3.6%
  • Pennington, NJ

    Typical home
    $682,309
    Gross yield
    5.0%
  • Titusville CDP, NJ

    Typical home
    $673,001
    Gross yield
  • Hopewell, NJ

    Typical home
    $662,544
    Gross yield
  • Yardville CDP, NJ

    Typical home
    $641,597
    Gross yield
    5.3%

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