Jersey City, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Jersey City, New Jersey had a total population of 294,078, the 2nd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $97,710, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Jersey City is the 2nd largest city in New Jersey with a population of 294,078.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 77/100).
Jersey City Quick Facts
How Jersey City 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 | 289,691 | 294,078 | +1.5% |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $97,710 | +3.1% |
| Median home value | $534,500 | $566,900 | +6.1% |
How Jersey City 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+)
Jersey City Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Hudson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayonne | 71,553 | $83,887 | 14.4% | $460,100 |
| Union City | 66,463 | $64,310 | 23.1% | $471,600 |
| Hoboken | 58,668 | $180,579 | 7.8% | $895,100 |
| West New York | 52,004 | $71,729 | 19.4% | $465,600 |
| Kearny | 40,614 | $79,154 | 12.5% | $459,400 |
| Secaucus | 21,778 | $139,821 | 5.8% | $571,900 |
| Harrison | 20,369 | $93,013 | 11.8% | $505,800 |
| Guttenberg | 11,754 | $75,683 | 19.2% | $379,000 |
| East Newark | 2,497 | $48,646 | 40.6% | $470,300 |
Cities Similar to Jersey City
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 310,178 | $52,060 | $373,700 | 19.7% | 23.4% |
| Paterson | 158,735 | $55,997 | $360,100 | 11.8% | 21.3% |
| Elizabeth | 137,302 | $66,555 | $449,300 | 14.6% | 15.8% |
| Toms River | 94,956 | $100,137 | $403,600 | 36.4% | 5.8% |
| Clifton | 89,379 | $98,237 | $461,900 | 35.5% | 7.9% |
Population Overview
Jersey City is a major urban center located in New Jersey, within Hudson County. The total population is 294,078. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Jersey 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 is $97,710. This is 6% lower than the state median of $103,556. It is also 21% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 15.6%. This is 61% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.7%. The unemployment rate is 5.5%. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $566,900. Housing costs are 25% higher than the state median of $454,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x. 27.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 56% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Jersey City is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 25.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (23.5%) is well below the state average of 50.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (19.2% vs 12.2%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (26.5% vs 10.1%).
Education
54.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% higher 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 90.8%. Notably, 24.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Jersey City, 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 Jersey City, New Jersey?
Jersey City, New Jersey has a population of 294,078 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Jersey City, NJ?
The median household income in Jersey City is $97,710, which is 21% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Jersey City, NJ?
The poverty rate in Jersey City is 15.6%. This means approximately 45,566 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Jersey City, New Jersey?
Jersey City's population is 23.5% White, 19.2% Black, 25.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 26.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Jersey City, NJ?
The median home value in Jersey City is $566,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x.
How educated is Jersey City, New Jersey?
54.8% of adults (25+) in Jersey City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 24.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.