Linden, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Linden, New Jersey had a total population of 44,192, the 23rd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $92,915, which is 10% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.6%.
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: 71/100).
- Unemployment rate of 9.5% is notably above the national average.
Linden Quick Facts
How Linden 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 | 43,614 | 44,192 | +1.3% |
| Median household income | $91,036 | $92,915 | +2.1% |
| Median home value | $387,200 | $419,700 | +8.4% |
How Linden 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+)
Linden Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Union County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth | 137,302 | $66,555 | 15.8% | $449,300 |
| Plainfield | 55,236 | $85,908 | 15.5% | $410,800 |
| Westfield | 31,111 | $232,629 | 1.8% | $953,400 |
| Rahway | 30,109 | $91,461 | 9.5% | $386,400 |
| Summit | 22,705 | $190,304 | 5.5% | $994,500 |
| Roselle | 22,646 | $92,762 | 9.5% | $379,900 |
| Roselle Park | 14,093 | $109,679 | 6.6% | $443,200 |
| New Providence | 13,727 | $161,599 | 2.1% | $769,900 |
| Kenilworth | 8,401 | $118,611 | 6.3% | $522,200 |
| Fanwood | 7,799 | $195,529 | 0.9% | $635,200 |
Cities Similar to Linden
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sayreville | 45,838 | $99,979 | $444,100 | 36.6% | 6.2% |
| Sicklerville | 44,998 | $105,602 | $278,900 | 35.6% | 8.5% |
| Hackensack | 46,057 | $84,277 | $393,700 | 42.1% | 12.1% |
| Kearny | 40,614 | $79,154 | $459,400 | 30.6% | 12.5% |
| Fort Lee | 40,067 | $107,274 | $448,000 | 65.8% | 7.8% |
Population Overview
Linden is a mid-sized community located in New Jersey, within Union County. The total population is 44,192. It ranks as the 23rd most populous out of 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Linden is 40.1 years. This is about the same as the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Linden is $92,915. This is 10% lower than the state median of $103,556. It is also 15% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.7%. The unemployment rate is 9.5%. This is 50% higher than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $419,700. Housing costs are 8% lower than the state median of $454,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x. 59.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Linden is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 30.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (27.0% vs 12.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (35.2% vs 22.5%). The Asian population (3.9%) is well below the state average of 10.1%.
Education
23.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% 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 Linden, 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 Linden, New Jersey?
Linden, New Jersey has a population of 44,192 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Linden, NJ?
The median household income in Linden is $92,915, which is 15% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Linden, NJ?
The poverty rate in Linden is 9.6%. This means approximately 4,181 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Linden, New Jersey?
Linden's population is 30.1% White, 27.0% Black, 35.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Linden, NJ?
The median home value in Linden is $419,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
How educated is Linden, New Jersey?
23.3% of adults (25+) in Linden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.