Somerset, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Somerset, New Jersey had a total population of 22,720, the 46th largest community in New Jersey, with a median household income of $121,028, which is 17% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.5% — among the lowest in New Jersey.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 75/100).
Somerset Quick Facts
How Somerset 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 | 23,851 | 22,720 | -4.7% |
| Median household income | $113,603 | $121,028 | +6.5% |
| Median home value | $408,600 | $438,800 | +7.4% |
How Somerset 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+)
Somerset Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Somerset County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Plainfield | 22,809 | $87,349 | 13.2% | $374,700 |
| Hillsborough | 22,585 | $144,112 | 2.7% | $435,700 |
| Bradley Gardens | 14,165 | $177,849 | 4.2% | $546,300 |
| Somerville | 13,410 | $103,760 | 5.9% | $435,700 |
| Franklin Park | 13,211 | $114,946 | 11.0% | $336,600 |
| Bound Brook | 12,219 | $90,571 | 11.1% | $397,100 |
| Martinsville | 11,559 | $205,000 | 1.4% | $720,400 |
| East Franklin | 11,070 | $115,458 | 5.9% | $385,900 |
| Manville | 10,921 | $93,333 | 11.7% | $354,300 |
| The Hills | 10,785 | $154,564 | 3.8% | $577,000 |
Cities Similar to Somerset
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough | 22,585 | $144,112 | $435,700 | 60.6% | 2.7% |
| Morristown | 20,453 | $121,340 | $567,600 | 58.1% | 7.8% |
| South Plainfield | 24,473 | $130,239 | $470,900 | 44.0% | 3.0% |
| Secaucus | 21,778 | $139,821 | $571,900 | 63.1% | 5.8% |
| Roselle | 22,646 | $92,762 | $379,900 | 27.1% | 9.5% |
Population Overview
Somerset is a small city located in New Jersey, within Somerset County. The total population is 22,720. It ranks as the 46th most populous out of 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Somerset is 41.3 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Somerset is $121,028. This is 17% higher than the state median of $103,556. It is also 50% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.5%. This is 54% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.7%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.8%. This is 40% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $438,800. Housing costs are 3% lower than the state median of $454,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 72.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Somerset 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 28.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (28.1% vs 12.2%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (23.1% vs 10.1%).
Education
62.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% 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 95.3%. Notably, 26.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Somerset, 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 Somerset, New Jersey?
Somerset, New Jersey has a population of 22,720 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Somerset, NJ?
The median household income in Somerset is $121,028, which is 50% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Somerset, NJ?
The poverty rate in Somerset is 4.5%. This means approximately 1,002 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Somerset, New Jersey?
Somerset's population is 32.7% White, 28.1% Black, 11.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 23.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Somerset, NJ?
The median home value in Somerset is $438,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
How educated is Somerset, New Jersey?
62.0% of adults (25+) in Somerset hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 26.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.