Carteret, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Carteret, New Jersey had a total population of 25,496, the 42nd largest borough in New Jersey, with a median household income of $96,862, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 75/100).
- Unemployment rate of 10.1% is notably above the national average.
Carteret Quick Facts
How Carteret Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,187 | 25,496 | +1.2% |
| Median household income | $87,553 | $96,862 | +10.6% |
| Median home value | $370,200 | $405,800 | +9.6% |
How Carteret Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 66 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Carteret Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Middlesex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | 56,345 | $65,810 | 32.0% | $353,800 |
| Perth Amboy | 55,855 | $61,977 | 20.2% | $370,600 |
| Sayreville | 45,838 | $99,979 | 6.2% | $444,100 |
| Old Bridge | 28,236 | $111,996 | 6.9% | $485,800 |
| South Plainfield | 24,473 | $130,239 | 3.0% | $470,900 |
| Woodbridge | 20,756 | $104,926 | 11.1% | $390,000 |
| Iselin | 19,551 | $109,500 | 7.9% | $426,800 |
| Colonia | 18,587 | $122,713 | 7.4% | $493,100 |
| Avenel | 17,121 | $101,670 | 7.9% | $401,000 |
| South River | 16,124 | $96,147 | 12.5% | $405,200 |
Cities Similar to Carteret
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cliffside Park | 25,781 | $93,452 | $588,200 | 42.0% | 10.8% |
| Lodi | 26,082 | $89,305 | $475,000 | 29.6% | 15.4% |
| Glassboro | 23,717 | $87,278 | $314,400 | 43.0% | 13.4% |
| Roselle | 22,646 | $92,762 | $379,900 | 27.1% | 9.5% |
| North Plainfield | 22,809 | $87,349 | $374,700 | 24.3% | 13.2% |
Population Overview
Carteret is a mid-sized community located in New Jersey, within Middlesex County. The total population is 25,496. It ranks as the 42nd most populous out of 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Carteret is 38.2 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Carteret is $96,862. This is 6% lower than the state median of $103,556. It is also 20% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%. This is 15% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.7%. The unemployment rate is 10.1%. This is 61% higher than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $405,800. Housing costs are 11% lower than the state median of $454,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 54.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Carteret is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 25.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (18.7%) is well below the state average of 50.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (18.6% vs 12.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (34.2% vs 22.5%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (25.7% vs 10.1%).
Education
30.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 43.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Carteret, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Carteret, New Jersey?
Carteret, New Jersey has a population of 25,496 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Carteret, NJ?
The median household income in Carteret is $96,862, which is 20% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Carteret, NJ?
The poverty rate in Carteret is 8.2%. This means approximately 2,095 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Carteret, New Jersey?
Carteret's population is 18.7% White, 18.6% Black, 34.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 25.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Carteret, NJ?
The median home value in Carteret is $405,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Carteret, New Jersey?
30.1% of adults (25+) in Carteret hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.