Sussex County, New Jersey Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in New Jersey
The population of Sussex County, New Jersey is 145,117 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in New Jersey. The median household income is $114,316, the median home value is $342,800, and the median age is 44.1.
The population of Sussex County has declined 1.0% since 2010 (148,859 → 147,444), a -0.07% annualized rate.
145,117
Population
-0.07%
Annual growth
280
People / sq mi
$114,316
Median Income
$342,800
Median Home Value
Sussex County covers 518 sq mi of land at 279.9 people per square mile.
About Sussex County, NJ
Among US counties, Sussex County stands out first on household income: a median of $114,316, above the US median of $78,538. Sussex County is a county in New Jersey with a population of 145,117. It ranks #17 among counties in New Jersey by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $114,316, putting Sussex County near the top of US counties. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.5%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $342,800, with typical rent around $1,503.
Sussex County is among the best-educated US counties: 40.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. About 13.7% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 36 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Sussex County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Sussex County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sussex County had a population of 148,859 in 2010 and 147,444 in 2024, a -1.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 148,859 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.06%.
147,444
Population (2024)
148,859
Population (2010)
148,859
Peak (2010)
-0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 148,859 |
| 2011 | 148,185 |
| 2012 | 147,003 |
| 2013 | 145,672 |
| 2014 | 144,639 |
| 2015 | 143,059 |
| 2016 | 142,004 |
| 2017 | 141,267 |
| 2018 | 140,995 |
| 2019 | 140,710 |
| 2020 | 143,919 |
| 2021 | 145,741 |
| 2022 | 145,638 |
| 2023 | 146,294 |
| 2024 | 147,444 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.8% |
| Black or African American | 2.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.1
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $114,316+$13,266 vs state |
| Mean household income | $143,320 |
| Per-capita income | $56,471 |
| Poverty rate | 3.5%-3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sussex County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
13.7%
Work from home
36.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$342,800$-84,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,503
Median rent
84.9%
Homeownership rate
62,825
Total housing units
91.3%
Occupied
8.7%
Vacant
15.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.5%
With health insurance
96.5%
With broadband internet
21.6%
Foreign-born
4.9%
Veterans (18+)
11.1%
With a disability
88.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.4%
High School+
40.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New Jersey
Other counties in New Jersey
Part of New Jersey
Metro areas in New Jersey
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sussex County, New Jersey has a population of 145,117 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in New Jersey. Population density is 280 people per square mile.
The population of Sussex County has declined 1.0% since 2010 (148,859 → 147,444), a -0.07% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sussex County, New Jersey is $114,316, with mean (average) household income of $143,320 and per-capita income of $56,471. 3.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sussex County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.8%), Black or African American (2.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sussex County, New Jersey is 44.1 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Sussex County is $342,800 and median monthly rent is $1,503. 84.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 62,825 total housing units, 8.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sussex County, New Jersey is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Newark is among the largest cities associated with Sussex County, New Jersey, with a population of 307,188.
Sussex County, NJ Climate
Sussex County, NJ has an average annual temperature of 9.4°C (49°F) and receives about 1167 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.4°C
Avg Temp
1167
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 85 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 73 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 92 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 102 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 112 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 108 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 111 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 107 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 103 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 86 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 100 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 88 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 Sussex County, NJ
The most comfortable months to visit Sussex County, NJ are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sussex County
Visiting or relocating to Sussex County, NJ? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Sussex County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Sussex County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Sussex County, NJ by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from New Jersey
Population 954,717
Population 861,535
Population 854,130
Population 710,478
Full rankings of New Jersey counties
Statewide data for New Jersey
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New Jersey
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.