Union, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Union, New Jersey had a total population of 2,774, the 399th largest community in New Jersey, with a median household income of $182,730, which is 76% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 76% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 72/100).
- Unemployment rate of 16.3% is notably above the national average.
Union Quick Facts
How Union 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 | 3,284 | 2,774 | -15.5% |
| Median household income | $127,411 | $182,730 | +43.4% |
| Median home value | $451,500 | $510,800 | +13.1% |
How Union 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+)
Union 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 |
| Linden | 44,192 | $92,915 | 9.6% | $419,700 |
| 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 |
Cities Similar to Union
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montclair State University | 2,853 | N/A | N/A | 71.8% | N/A |
| Pennington | 2,827 | $192,586 | $672,900 | 73.4% | 4.8% |
| Stockton University | 2,621 | N/A | N/A | 63.5% | N/A |
| Pines Lake | 2,882 | $172,348 | $626,500 | 67.1% | 4.7% |
| Stirling | 2,599 | $180,875 | $695,300 | 62.0% | 6.7% |
Population Overview
Union is a small community located in New Jersey, within Union County. The total population is 2,774. It ranks as the 399th most populous out of 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Union is 44.7 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. Only 13.2% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Union is $182,730. This is 76% higher than the state median of $103,556. It is also 126% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%. This is 9% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.7%. The unemployment rate is 16.3%. This is 159% higher than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $510,800. Housing costs are 12% higher than the state median of $454,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Union is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Union is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 31.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (9.4%) is well below the state average of 50.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (38.4% vs 12.2%).
Education
36.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% 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 78.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Union, 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 Union, New Jersey?
Union, New Jersey has a population of 2,774 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Union, NJ?
The median household income in Union is $182,730, which is 126% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Union, NJ?
The poverty rate in Union is 10.6%. This means approximately 295 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Union, New Jersey?
Union's population is 9.4% White, 38.4% Black, 31.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 14.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Union, NJ?
The median home value in Union is $510,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.
How educated is Union, New Jersey?
36.2% of adults (25+) in Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.