Middlesex County, New Jersey Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in New Jersey
The population of Middlesex County, New Jersey is 861,535 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in New Jersey. The median household income is $109,028, the median home value is $439,300, and the median age is 39.4.
The population of Middlesex County has grown 9.8% since 2010 (810,813 → 890,119), a +0.67% annualized rate.
861,535
Population
+0.67%
Annual growth
2786
People / sq mi
$109,028
Median Income
$439,300
Median Home Value
Middlesex County covers 309 sq mi of land at 2785.9 people per square mile.
About Middlesex County, NJ
Middlesex County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 2,786 people per square mile. Middlesex County is a county in New Jersey with a population of 861,535. It is the #2-largest of all counties in New Jersey nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $109,028, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.2%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $439,300, with typical rent around $1,810.
Middlesex County is among the best-educated US counties: 45.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. An unusually large 16.1% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Middlesex County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Middlesex County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Middlesex County had a population of 810,813 in 2010 and 890,119 in 2024, a 9.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 890,119 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.68%.
890,119
Population (2024)
810,813
Population (2010)
890,119
Peak (2024)
0.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 810,813 |
| 2011 | 815,253 |
| 2012 | 819,389 |
| 2013 | 821,811 |
| 2014 | 824,331 |
| 2015 | 825,471 |
| 2016 | 825,298 |
| 2017 | 826,972 |
| 2018 | 825,677 |
| 2019 | 824,394 |
| 2020 | 861,460 |
| 2021 | 862,513 |
| 2022 | 866,241 |
| 2023 | 876,119 |
| 2024 | 890,119 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 44.2% |
| Black or African American | 10.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.4
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
15.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 15.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $109,028+$7,978 vs state |
| Mean household income | $138,274 |
| Per-capita income | $49,417 |
| Poverty rate | 6.2%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Middlesex County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
6.3%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
63.1%
Public transit
16.1%
Work from home
31.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$439,300+$11,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,810
Median rent
63.5%
Homeownership rate
316,633
Total housing units
96.5%
Occupied
3.5%
Vacant
36.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.9%
With health insurance
95.8%
With broadband internet
19.1%
Foreign-born
3.2%
Veterans (18+)
9.6%
With a disability
53.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.3%
High School+
45.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Middlesex County, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Middlesex County, New Jersey has a population of 861,535 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in New Jersey. Population density is 2786 people per square mile.
The population of Middlesex County has grown 9.8% since 2010 (810,813 → 890,119), a +0.67% annualized rate.
The median household income in Middlesex County, New Jersey is $109,028, with mean (average) household income of $138,274 and per-capita income of $49,417. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Middlesex County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (44.2%), Black or African American (10.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Middlesex County, New Jersey is 39.4 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Middlesex County is $439,300 and median monthly rent is $1,810. 63.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 316,633 total housing units, 3.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Middlesex County, New Jersey is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.
Newark is among the largest cities associated with Middlesex County, New Jersey, with a population of 307,188.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.