United States >> States >> New Jersey
New Jersey Population Overview (2026 Projection)
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern United States, bordered by New York to the north and east, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, Pennsylvania to the west, and Delaware to the southwest. Despite its small geographic size, New Jersey plays a major role in the New York–Philadelphia metropolitan corridor.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Jersey recorded a population of 9,288,994 in the 2020 Census. The latest Census population estimate (July 1, 2024) places New Jersey’s population at 9,500,851 (9.5 million), reflecting steady population growth since 2020.
Based on recent Census trends, suburban growth, immigration, and its high population density, New Jersey’s population is expected to continue growing at a moderate pace over the next few years.
👉 Projected Population of New Jersey (2026): ~9.6 million
New Jersey Population Growth (2010–2020)
New Jersey recorded a population growth of 5.7% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 497,100 residents over the decade, reflecting steady growth driven by urban density, suburban expansion, and continued immigration.
New Jersey Census Snapshot (2020)
| Indicators | Data |
| Total Population | 9,288,994 (9.3 million) |
| Population Rank | 11th |
| Total Land Area | 7,354.22 sq. mi (19,047.34 km2) |
| Area Rank | 47th |
| Population Density | 1,263/sq mi (488/km2) |
| Median Age | 39.5 years |
Source: US Census 2020
New Jersey Historical Population
New Jersey has experienced long-term population growth over the past century, rising from 2.5 million residents in 1910 to 9.3 million in 2020—an increase of nearly 6.8 million people. The state saw its fastest expansion during the mid-20th century, particularly between 1950 and 1970, driven by industrial growth and suburbanization. More recent decades have shown moderate but steady growth, with the population increasing 5.7% between 2010 and 2020, reflecting continued urban density, immigration, and economic stability.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Year | Population | % Change |
| 1910 | 2,537,167 | 34.7% |
| 1920 | 3,155,900 | 24.4% |
| 1930 | 4,041,334 | 28.1% |
| 1940 | 4,160,165 | 2.9% |
| 1950 | 4,835,329 | 16.2% |
| 1960 | 6,066,782 | 25.5% |
| 1970 | 7,168,164 | 18.2% |
| 1980 | 7,364,823 | 2.7% |
| 1990 | 7,730,188 | 5% |
| 2000 | 8,414,350 | 8.9% |
| 2010 | 8,791,894 | 4.5% |
| 2020 | 9,288,994 | 5.7% |
Source: US Census 2020
New Jersey Demographics (Summary)
Religion in New Jersey (Overview)
Christianity remains the largest religious affiliation in New Jersey, followed by a sizable unaffiliated and multi-faith population.
Christian: ~67%
Roman Catholic: 34%
Protestant: 31%
Other Christian (Mormon, Eastern Orthodox, etc.): ~2%
Unaffiliated: ~18%
Other Religions: ~14%
Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other faiths
🔗 Read detailed data: Religion in New Jersey
Race and Ethnicity in New Jersey (Overview)
New Jersey is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse states in the United States.
White (Non-Hispanic): 51.85%
Hispanic or Latino: 21.56%
Black or African American: 12.42%
Asian: 10.15%
Two or More Races: 3.12%
🔗 Read detailed data: Race and Ethnicity in New Jersey
Ancestry in New Jersey (Overview)
New Jersey’s population reflects strong European and immigrant roots. The largest ancestry groups include:
Italian
Irish
German
Polish
English
New Jersey also has one of the largest immigrant populations in the country and ranks among the top states for undocumented residents, contributing significantly to its cultural and economic landscape.
🔗 Read detailed data: Race and Ethnicity in New Jersey
Top Cities & Counties in New Jersey
As of 2022, New Jersey is divided into 21 counties. The most populous county is Bergen County, with approximately 948,406 residents, making it the largest county in the state by population.
New Jersey has a highly urbanized local government structure, consisting of 52 cities, 15 towns, 241 townships, and 3 villages across the state.
The largest city in New Jersey is Newark, with a population of 311,549, followed closely by Jersey City (292,449). Other cities with populations exceeding 100,000 include Paterson (159,732) and Elizabeth (137,298).
🔗 Read detailed data: Cities and Counties in New Jersey
English
Español
Português
Deutsch