The ZIP code 07438, corresponding to the Oak Ridge in New Jersey, exhibits population characteristics that align with a suburban rural lifestyle based on the historical population data from 2010 to 2022. With a land area of 23.95 square miles and a population of 9,477 in 2022, the population density stands at 395.7 people per square mile. This density falls within the range typically associated with suburban rural areas, which feature population densities between 500 and 1,000 people per square mile.

Over the 12-year period, the population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 9,477 and 10,327 residents. The population density has also remained consistent, ranging from 395.7 to 431.19 people per square mile. This stability suggests a well-established community with a balanced growth pattern, indicative of a suburban rural lifestyle.

Given the national average household size of 2.61, the estimated number of housing units in the ZIP code for 2022 is approximately 3,631. This figure, combined with the population density, suggests a residential landscape characterized by clustered housing developments with typical lot sizes around 1 acre. This pattern of development is consistent with suburban rural areas, which blend the openness of rural living with the amenities of suburban life.