Comprehensive Guide to the Counties of New Jersey: An Essential Resource

Introduction

Welcome to this comprehensive guide to New Jersey's 21 counties, a diverse and vibrant state with a rich history and culture. This guide aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of each county, its unique characteristics, and its contributions to the overall fabric of New Jersey.

Navigating the Counties

Bergen County

• County Seat: Hackensack
• Population: 947,049 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Fort Lee
• Known For: Economic powerhouse, home to corporate headquarters, proximity to New York City

Burlington County

• County Seat: Mount Holly
• Population: 468,525 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Burlington
• Known For: Pine Barrens, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Camden County

• County Seat: Camden
• Population: 507,993 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Camden
• Known For: Waterfront revitalization, home to Rutgers University–Camden

Cape May County

• County Seat: Cape May Court House
• Population: 94,323 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Cape May
• Known For: Victorian architecture, coastal resorts, Cape May Point State Park

Cumberland County

• County Seat: Bridgeton
• Population: 148,518 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Vineland
• Known For: Agricultural hub, Cumberland Mall

Essex County

• County Seat: Newark
• Population: 801,007 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Newark
• Known For: Urban center, diverse population, home to New Jersey Devils NHL team

Gloucester County

• County Seat: Woodbury
• Population: 294,911 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Deptford Township
• Known For: Historic towns, proximity to Philadelphia

Hudson County

• County Seat: Jersey City
• Population: 729,529 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Jersey City
• Known For: Waterfront development, Statue of Liberty, home to New York Jets NFL team

Hunterdon County

• County Seat: Flemington
• Population: 123,949 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Raritan Township
• Known For: Rolling hills, agricultural heritage, wineries

Mercer County

• County Seat: Trenton
• Population: 368,698 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Trenton
• Known For: State capital, home to Princeton University

Middlesex County

• County Seat: New Brunswick
• Population: 863,117 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Edison
• Known For: Educational institutions, home to Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Monmouth County

• County Seat: Freehold Borough
• Population: 629,841 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Freehold Township
• Known For: Coastal towns, Jersey Shore, home to Monmouth Park Racetrack

Morris County

• County Seat: Morristown
• Population: 499,534 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township
• Known For: Suburban sprawl, rolling hills, outdoor recreation

Ocean County

• County Seat: Toms River
• Population: 591,088 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Lakewood Township
• Known For: Coastal resorts, Jersey Shore, Six Flags Great Adventure

Passaic County

• County Seat: Paterson
• Population: 502,571 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Paterson
• Known For: Industrial history, great falls, home to New Jersey Jackals baseball team

Salem County

• County Seat: Salem
• Population: 61,988 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Salem
• Known For: Agricultural heritage, waterfront towns

Somerset County

• County Seat: Somerville
• Population: 342,795 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Franklin Township
• Known For: Affluent suburbs, home to Johnson & Johnson headquarters

Sussex County

• County Seat: Newton
• Population: 144,855 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Vernon Township
• Known For: Appalachian Mountains, lakes, hiking trails

Union County

• County Seat: Elizabeth
• Population: 568,274 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Elizabeth
• Known For: Suburban communities, home to Kean University

Warren County

• County Seat: Belvidere
• Population: 104,155 (2023 est.)
• Largest City: Phillipsburg
• Known For: Historic towns, Delaware River, Warren County Farmers' Fair

Understanding the Data

Table 1: County Population and Density

Table 2: County Income and Poverty