Union County, New Jersey Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in New Jersey
The population of Union County, New Jersey is 572,549 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in New Jersey. The median household income is $100,117, the median home value is $488,800, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Union County has grown 10.6% since 2010 (537,336 → 594,160), a +0.72% annualized rate.
572,549
Population
+0.72%
Annual growth
5571
People / sq mi
$100,117
Median Income
$488,800
Median Home Value
Union County covers 103 sq mi of land at 5571.3 people per square mile.
About Union County, NJ
Union County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 5,571 people per square mile. Union County is a county in New Jersey with a population of 572,549. It is the #7-largest of all counties in New Jersey nationally.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $100,117, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.2%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $488,800, with typical rent around $1,664.
Union County is among the best-educated US counties: 38.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. A solid 12.9% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Union County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Union County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Union County had a population of 537,336 in 2010 and 594,160 in 2024, a 10.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 594,160 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.72%.
594,160
Population (2024)
537,336
Population (2010)
594,160
Peak (2024)
0.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 537,336 |
| 2011 | 539,918 |
| 2012 | 542,977 |
| 2013 | 546,051 |
| 2014 | 548,052 |
| 2015 | 549,954 |
| 2016 | 552,814 |
| 2017 | 554,695 |
| 2018 | 556,475 |
| 2019 | 556,664 |
| 2020 | 573,680 |
| 2021 | 572,930 |
| 2022 | 573,600 |
| 2023 | 582,080 |
| 2024 | 594,160 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 41.7% |
| Black or African American | 20.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
14.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 14.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $100,117$-933 vs state |
| Mean household income | $145,621 |
| Per-capita income | $51,850 |
| Poverty rate | 6.2%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Union County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
9.6%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
62.4%
Public transit
12.9%
Work from home
30.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$488,800+$61,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,664
Median rent
57.6%
Homeownership rate
211,269
Total housing units
95.5%
Occupied
4.5%
Vacant
42.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.6%
With health insurance
94.9%
With broadband internet
17.4%
Foreign-born
2.8%
Veterans (18+)
9.0%
With a disability
53.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.3%
High School+
38.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Union County, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Union County, New Jersey has a population of 572,549 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in New Jersey. Population density is 5571 people per square mile.
The population of Union County has grown 10.6% since 2010 (537,336 → 594,160), a +0.72% annualized rate.
The median household income in Union County, New Jersey is $100,117, with mean (average) household income of $145,621 and per-capita income of $51,850. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Union County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (41.7%), Black or African American (20.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Union County, New Jersey is 39.1 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Union County is $488,800 and median monthly rent is $1,664. 57.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 211,269 total housing units, 4.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Union County, New Jersey is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.
Newark is among the largest cities associated with Union 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.