Somerset County, NJ

County

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2020 Population

330,151

0.0949% 1-year growth

US Senator

Bob Menendez

Democratic Party

US Senator

Cory Booker

Democratic Party

2018 Median Age

41.6

0.726% 1-year increase

2020 Poverty Rate

5.08%

1.02% 1-year decrease

2020 Median Household Income

$116,510

2.55% 1-year growth

2020 Median Property Value

$436,700

1.39% 1-year growth

2020 Employed Population

175,459

1% 1-year growth

About

In 2020, Somerset County, NJ had a population of 330k people with a median age of 41.6 and a median household income of $116,510. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Somerset County, NJ grew from 329,838 to 330,151, a 0.0949% increase and its median household income grew from $113,611 to $116,510, a 2.55% increase.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Somerset County, NJ are White (Non-Hispanic) (55.1%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (18.1%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (9.41%), White (Hispanic) (8.78%), and Other (Hispanic) (3.58%).

None of the households in Somerset County, NJ reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

89.9% of the residents in Somerset County, NJ are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Somerset County, NJ are Raritan Valley Community College (1,204 degrees awarded in 2020), American Institute-Somerset (95 degrees), and Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield (83 degrees).

In 2020, the median property value in Somerset County, NJ was $436,700, and the homeownership rate was 75.7%.

Most people in Somerset County, NJ drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 32.4 minutes. The average car ownership in Somerset County, NJ was 2 cars per household.

Somerset County, NJ borders Hunterdon County, NJ, Mercer County, NJ, Middlesex County, NJ, Morris County, NJ, and Union County, NJ.

About the photo: Basking Ridge, NJ

Photo by joiseyshowaa

Population & Diversity

Somerset County, NJ is home to a population of 330k people, from which 89.9% are citizens. As of 2018, 25% of Somerset County, NJ residents were born outside of the country (82.6k people).

In 2020, there were 3.04 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (182k people) in Somerset County, NJ than any other race or ethnicity. There were 59.9k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 31.1k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

89.9%

2020 Citizenship

90.4%

2019 Citizenship

As of 2020, 89.9% of Somerset County, NJ residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.4%. In 2019, the percentage of US citizens in Somerset County, NJ was 90.4%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Somerset County, NJ compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Somerset County, NJ

White (Non-Hispanic)
182k ± 499
Asian (Non-Hispanic)
59.9k ± 607
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
31.1k ± 492

14.7%

Hispanic Population

48.7k people

14.7% of the people in Somerset County, NJ are hispanic (48.7k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in Somerset County, NJ as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for New Jersey.

Most Common Origin

India
263,388 ± 12,412 people
Dominican Republic
182,812 ± 10,389 people
Mexico
106,394 ± 7,960 people

In 2020, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of New Jersey was India, the natal country of 263,388 New Jersey residents, followed by Dominican Republic with 182,812 and Mexico with 106,394.

Foreign-Born Population

25%

2018 Foreign-Born Population

82.6k people

24.6%

2017 Foreign-Born Population

82k people

As of 2018, 25% of Somerset County, NJ residents (82.6k people) were born outside of the United States, which is higher than the national average of 13.5%. In 2017, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Somerset County, NJ was 24.6%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Somerset County, NJ compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
3,380 ± 369
Korea
1,425 ± 284
Gulf War (2001-)
1,380 ± 299

Somerset County, NJ has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 2.37 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

The economy of Somerset County, NJ employs 175k people. The largest industries in Somerset County, NJ are Health Care & Social Assistance (21,335 people), Manufacturing (21,326 people), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (20,785 people), and the highest paying industries are Finance & Insurance ($121,293), Utilities ($106,940), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($105,713).

Males in New Jersey have an average income that is 1.37 times higher than the average income of females, which is $67,739. The income inequality in New Jersey (measured using the Gini index) is 0.49, which is higher than than the national average.

Employment

Occupations

175k

2020 Value

± 3,388

1 Year growth

± 2.57%

From 2019 to 2020, employment in Somerset County, NJ grew at a rate of 1%, from 174k employees to 175k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Somerset County, NJ, are Management Occupations (26,949 people), Sales & Related Occupations (17,729 people), and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (16,560 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Somerset County, NJ.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for New Jersey.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in New Jersey (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

175k

2020 Value

± 3,388

1 Year growth

± 2.57%

From 2019 to 2020, employment in Somerset County, NJ grew at a rate of 1%, from 174k employees to 175k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Somerset County, NJ, are Health Care & Social Assistance (21,335 people), Manufacturing (21,326 people), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (20,785 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Somerset County, NJ, though some of these residents may live in Somerset County, NJ and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$75,357

Median earning men ± $1,967

$50,417

Median earning women ± $1,493

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2020 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($139,731), Information ($118,661), and Manufacturing ($101,309).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2020 are Manufacturing ($94,382), Information ($85,228), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($73,121).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for New Jersey.

Y-Axis

8.45%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between May 2020 and May 2021

As of May 2021, there are 145M people employed in New Jersey. This represents a 8.45% increase in employment when compared to May 2020.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in New Jersey.

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Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments

5,032
Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance
3,423
Professional, Scientific & Management, and Administrative & Waste Management Services
2,107
Finance & Insurance, and Real Estate, Rental & Leasing

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll

$7.99M
Manufacturing
$6.18M
Professional, Scientific & Management, and Administrative & Waste Management Services
$4.15M
Finance & Insurance, and Real Estate, Rental & Leasing

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from New Jersey to other states, or from other states to New Jersey.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

In 2020, the top outbound New Jersey product (by dollars) was Electronics with $70.5B, followed by Pharmaceuticals ($58.9B) and Motorized vehicles ($50.4B).

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound New Jersey products.

Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for New Jersey.

$649B

2020 Value in New Jersey

$1.35T

Projected 2050 Value in New Jersey

108% growth

In 2020, total outbound New Jersey trade was $649B. This is expected to increase 108% to $1.35T by 2050.

The following chart shows how the domestic outbound New Jersey trade is projected to change in comparison to its neighboring states.

Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from New Jersey to other states, or from other states to New Jersey.

Most Common Trade Partners

New York
$116B
Pennsylvania
$61.4B
California
$24.4B

In 2020, the top outbound New Jersey domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was New York with $116B, followed by Pennsylvania with $61.4B and California and $24.4B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that New Jersey shares with each state (excluding itself).

Civics

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Somerset County, NJ went to Joseph R Biden Jr. with 59.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (38.7%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (0.883%).

Bob Menendez and Cory Booker are the senators currently representing the state of New Jersey. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

New Jersey is currently represented by 12 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

2020 Election Results

Joseph R Biden Jr. (59.8%)
Democratic Party
Donald J. Trump (38.7%)
Republican Party
Jo Jorgensen (0.883%)
Libertarian Party

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Somerset County, NJ for each registered party from 1976 to 2020.

Senators Elections

US Senators from New Jersey

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for New Jersey.

Bob Menendez

Senator from New Jersey

Assumed office on January 17, 2006
Appointed to the seat following the resignation of Jon Corzine, who was elected Governor of New Jersey.

Cory Booker

Senator from New Jersey

Assumed office on October 31, 2013
Elected to the seat to succeed Jeffrey Chiesa, who had been appointed to the seat following the death of Frank Lautenberg.

Bob Menendez and Cory Booker are the senators currently representing New Jersey.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in New Jersey over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

US Representatives Elections

US Representatives from New Jersey

New Jersey is currently represented by 12 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for New Jersey have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2020, universities in Somerset County, NJ awarded 1,382 degrees. The student population of Somerset County, NJ in 2020 is skewed towards women, with 3,442 male students and 4,221 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Somerset County, NJ are White (696 and 51.7%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (298 and 22.1%), Black or African American (145 and 10.8%), and Unknown (91 and 6.76%).

The largest universities in Somerset County, NJ by number of degrees awarded are Raritan Valley Community College (1,204 and 87.1%), American Institute-Somerset (95 and 6.87%), and Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield (83 and 6.01%).

The most popular majors in Somerset County, NJ are Liberal Arts & Sciences (258 and 18.7%), General Business (191 and 13.8%), and Other Multidisciplinary Studies (154 and 11.1%).

The median tuition cost in Somerset County, NJ for private four year colleges is $9,550.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

Measure

In 2020 in Somerset County, NJ, the percentage of applicants admitted was 100%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 95.2%. The number of students enrolled in 2020 was 7,663 (44.9% men and 55.1% women).

The line chart shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

In 2020 there were 7,663 students enrolled in Somerset County, NJ, 44.9% men and 55.1% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 3,475 records, of which 51.8% were women and 48.2% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Liberal Arts & Sciences
255 degree-majors awarded
General Business
191 degree-majors awarded
Other Multidisciplinary Studies
154 degree-majors awarded

In 2020, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in Somerset County, NJ was Liberal Arts & Sciences with 255 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in Somerset County, NJ according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Raritan Valley Community College
1,204 degrees awarded
American Institute-Somerset
95 degrees awarded
Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield
83 degrees awarded

In 2020, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Raritan Valley Community College with 1,204 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

In 2020, 658 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Somerset County, NJ, which is 0.909 times less than the 724 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2020 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 696 degrees mean that there were 2.34 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 298 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($9,550) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2020.

Public, 2-year ($1,200) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2020.

Public, 2-year ($2,400) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Working Population

Educational Pyramid

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for New Jersey.

Measure

In 2020, 0.943% of men over 25 years of age had not completed any academic degree (no schooling), while 0.978% of women were in the same situation.

This visualization shows the gender distribution of the population according to the academic level reached.

Educational Attainment

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for New Jersey.

Race

The most common educational levels obtained by the working population in 2020 were High School or Equivalent (1.89M), Bachelors Degree (1.64M), and Some college (1.28M).

This visualization illustrates the percentage distribution of the population according to the highest educational level reached. You can filter the data by race by using the selector above.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Somerset County, NJ was $436,700 in 2020, which is 1.9 times larger than the national average of $229,800. Between 2019 and 2020 the median property value increased from $430,700 to $436,700, a 1.39% increase. The homeownership rate in Somerset County, NJ is 75.7%, which is approximately the same as the national average of 64.4%.

People in Somerset County, NJ have an average commute time of 32.4 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Somerset County, NJ is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Median household income in Somerset County, NJ is $116,510. In 2020, the tract with the highest Median Household Income in Somerset County, NJ was Census Tract 542.02 with a value of $214,702, followed by Census Tract 539.05 and Census Tract 522.03, with respective values of $204,730 and $201,875.

In 2021, 16% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Somerset County, NJ. From 2014 to 2021, the indicator declined 1.42%.

Housing

Property

$436,700

Median Property Value 2020

±$5,699

$90,666

Median Property Taxes

±$1,666

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Somerset County, NJ the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Somerset County, NJ compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

75.7%

Homeownership

2020

61.9%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2020

In 2020, 75.7% of the housing units in Somerset County, NJ were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 75.8%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Somerset County, NJ compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

Census Tract 542.02
Census Tract 539.05
Census Tract 522.03

In 2020, the tract with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in Somerset County, NJ was Census Tract 542.02 with a value of $214,702, followed by Census Tract 539.05 and Census Tract 522.03, with respective values of $204,730 and $201,875.

The following map shows all of the tracts in Somerset County, NJ colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$116,510

Median Household Income

± $2,194

120k

Number of Households

± 2,555

In 2020, the median household income of the 120k households in Somerset County, NJ grew to $116,510 from the previous year's value of $113,611.

The following chart displays the households in Somerset County, NJ distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $200k+ range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Somerset County, NJ is from New Jersey.

0.49

2020 Wage GINI in New Jersey

0.493

2019 Wage GINI in New Jersey

In 2020, the income inequality in New Jersey was 0.49 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.5% decline from 2019 to 2020, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for New Jersey was higher than than the national average of 0.478. In other words, wages are distributed less evenly in New Jersey in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in New Jersey across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2020

Drove Alone (75.6%)
Worked At Home (9.65%)
Carpooled (6.86%)

In 2020, 75.6% of workers in Somerset County, NJ drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (9.65%) and those who carpooled to work (6.86%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

32.4 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Somerset County, NJ have a longer commute time (32.4 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.9 minutes). Additionally, 5.56% of the workforce in Somerset County, NJ have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Somerset County, NJ compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Somerset County, NJ distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Somerset County, NJ have 2 cars.

Poverty

Severe Housing Problems

In 2021, 16% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Somerset County, NJ. From 2014 to 2021, the indicator declined 1.42%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

Poverty & Diversity

5.08% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Somerset County, NJ (16.6k out of 327k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.8%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 18 - 24, followed by Females 75+ and then Females 55 - 64.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Somerset County, NJ is White, followed by Hispanic and Asian.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Children in Poverty

In 2021, 6.2% of the children was living in poverty in Somerset County, NJ. From 2014 to 2021, the indicator declined 1.1%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Security

Crimes & Accidents

Indicator

In 2021, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 64.2 in Somerset County, NJ. From 2014 to 2021, the indicator declined 15.8 per 100,000 population.

The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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Health

94.6% of the population of Somerset County, NJ has health coverage, with 64.9% on employee plans, 6.42% on Medicaid, 12.2% on Medicare, 10.7% on non-group plans, and 0.36% on military or VA plans.

Per capita personal health care spending in New Jersey was $8,859 in 2014. This is a 4.91% increase from the previous year ($8,444).

Primary care physicians in Somerset County, NJ see 856 patients per year on average, which represents a 0.696% decrease from the previous year (862 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1003 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 355 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.3% were men and 51.7% were women.

COVID-19

Daily New Cases by Date

Showing data at the state level for New Jersey. Hospitalization data for some states may be delayed or not reported.

Y-Axis

This chart shows the number of COVID-19 daily new cases by date in New Jersey, as a 7-day rolling average, compared with the four states with the most similar number of confirmed cases.

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Patient to Clinician Ratios

856 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Somerset County, NJ

Primary care physicians in Somerset County, NJ see an average of 856 patients per year. This represents a 0.696% decrease from the previous year (862 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Somerset County, NJ in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Community Mobility

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for New Jersey.

This chart presents movement trends over time in the state of New Jersey across different categories of places such as retail and recreation, groceries and pharmacies, parks, transit stations, workplaces, and residential.

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Coverage

Health Care Diversity

In 2020, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 23.2% under 18 years, 17.9% between 18 and 34 years, 43.4% between 35 and 64 years, and 15.5% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.3% were men and 51.7% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

5.42%

Uninsured

64.9%

Employer Coverage

6.42%

Medicaid

12.2%

Medicare

10.7%

Non-Group

0.36%

Military or VA

Between 2019 and 2020, the percent of uninsured citizens in Somerset County, NJ grew by 3.01% from 5.26% to 5.42%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Somerset County, NJ changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Health Indicators

Health Outcomes

Indicator

In 2021, the number of deaths among residents under age 18 per 100,000 population was 27.4 in Somerset County, NJ.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Somerset County, NJ.

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Health Behaviors

Indicator

In 2021, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 23.5% in Somerset County, NJ.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Somerset County, NJ.

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