Atlantic City city, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Atlantic City city, New Jersey has a total population of 38,486, the 26th largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $36,220, which is 64% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 33.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 64% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (33.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 74/100).
- Unemployment rate of 12.6% is notably above the national average.
Atlantic City city Quick Facts
How Atlantic City city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Atlantic City city Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Atlantic County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasantville city | 20,604 | $52,403 | 23.3% | $177,700 |
| Hammonton town | 14,746 | $83,044 | 11.2% | $324,200 |
| Somers Point city | 10,461 | $68,542 | 11.2% | $277,500 |
| Ventnor City city | 9,220 | $74,619 | 10.3% | $345,300 |
| Absecon city | 9,099 | $77,516 | 8.7% | $237,600 |
| Northfield city | 8,427 | $104,042 | 4.4% | $275,900 |
| Brigantine city | 7,702 | $88,906 | 9.4% | $485,000 |
| Linwood city | 6,954 | $135,904 | 2.9% | $351,100 |
| Margate City city | 5,260 | $114,417 | 6.2% | $645,200 |
| Buena borough | 4,500 | $78,393 | 6.0% | $249,100 |
Cities Similar to Atlantic City city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kearny town | 40,570 | $83,212 | $431,700 | 29.4% | 12.5% |
| Bridgeton city | 26,836 | $46,124 | $134,400 | 5.8% | 31.7% |
| Long Branch city | 32,184 | $73,381 | $519,000 | 34.5% | 16.2% |
| Garfield city | 32,502 | $75,701 | $454,300 | 24.3% | 14.2% |
| Fort Lee borough | 39,818 | $105,535 | $422,200 | 64.8% | 8.4% |
Population Overview
Atlantic City city is a mid-sized community located in New Jersey, within Atlantic County. The total population is 38,486. It ranks as the 26th most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Atlantic City city is 37.8 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Atlantic City city is $36,220. This is 64% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 54% lower. The poverty rate stands at 33.9%. This is 247% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 12.6%. This is 105% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $189,600. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x. 30.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 53% lower than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
Atlantic City city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 31.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (15.7%) is well below the state average of 51.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (31.3% vs 12.3%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (16.2% vs 9.8%).
Education
20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 76.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Atlantic City city, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Atlantic City city, New Jersey?
Atlantic City city, New Jersey has a population of 38,486 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Atlantic City city, NJ?
The median household income in Atlantic City city is $36,220, which is 54% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Atlantic City city, NJ?
The poverty rate in Atlantic City city is 33.9%. This means approximately 12,796 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Atlantic City city, New Jersey?
Atlantic City city's population is 15.7% White, 31.3% Black, 32.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 16.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Atlantic City city, NJ?
The median home value in Atlantic City city is $189,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x.
How educated is Atlantic City city, New Jersey?
20.5% of adults (25+) in Atlantic City city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.