Jersey City city, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Jersey City city, New Jersey has a total population of 289,691, the 2nd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $94,813, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Jersey City city is the 2nd largest city in New Jersey with a population of 289,691.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 77/100).
Jersey City city Quick Facts
How Jersey 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+)
Jersey City city Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Hudson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayonne city | 70,468 | $81,285 | 14.4% | $446,100 |
| Union City city | 66,375 | $65,369 | 21.3% | $446,800 |
| Hoboken city | 58,340 | $176,943 | 7.1% | $872,100 |
| West New York town | 51,683 | $67,139 | 21.4% | $410,200 |
| Kearny town | 40,570 | $83,212 | 12.5% | $431,700 |
| Secaucus town | 21,437 | $134,746 | 6.0% | $557,800 |
| Guttenberg town | 11,638 | $77,636 | 13.8% | $360,700 |
| East Newark borough | 2,529 | $65,272 | 25.1% | $277,700 |
Cities Similar to Jersey City city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark city | 307,188 | $48,416 | $337,800 | 17.4% | 24.7% |
| Paterson city | 157,660 | $53,766 | $335,400 | 12.5% | 23.6% |
| Elizabeth city | 135,887 | $63,874 | $393,500 | 14.2% | 15.3% |
| Toms River CDP | 93,915 | $95,759 | $377,800 | 35.2% | 6.3% |
| Clifton city | 89,247 | $99,003 | $444,300 | 34.5% | 7.4% |
Population Overview
Jersey City city is a major urban center located in New Jersey, within Hudson County. The total population is 289,691. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Jersey City city is 34.7 years. This is 13% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Jersey City city is $94,813. This is 6% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% higher. The poverty rate stands at 15.6%. This is 60% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. The unemployment rate is 5.8%. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $534,500. Housing costs are 25% higher than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x. 28.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 55% lower than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
Jersey City city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 25.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (24.0%) is well below the state average of 51.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (19.8% vs 12.3%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (25.5% vs 9.8%).
Education
53.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 24% higher 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 90.5%. Notably, 23.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Jersey 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 Jersey City city, New Jersey?
Jersey City city, New Jersey has a population of 289,691 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Jersey City city, NJ?
The median household income in Jersey City city is $94,813, which is 21% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Jersey City city, NJ?
The poverty rate in Jersey City city is 15.6%. This means approximately 44,826 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Jersey City city, New Jersey?
Jersey City city's population is 24.0% White, 19.8% Black, 25.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 25.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Jersey City city, NJ?
The median home value in Jersey City city is $534,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x.
How educated is Jersey City city, New Jersey?
53.1% of adults (25+) in Jersey City city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 23.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.