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+
Largest cities in New Jersey
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Part of New Jersey
Metro areas in New Jersey
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.
Middlesex County, NJ Climate
Middlesex County, NJ has an average annual temperature of 11.8°C (53°F) and receives about 1226 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.8°C
Avg Temp
1226
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 98 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 76 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 103 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 103 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 113 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 98 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 125 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 114 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 108 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 89 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 102 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 97 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Middlesex County, NJ
The most comfortable months to visit Middlesex County, NJ are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Middlesex County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.