Elizabeth, NJ Census Data
The 4th largest city in New Jersey by population · 19 cities ranked
Elizabeth is the 4th largest city in New Jersey by population and ranks 10th of 19 for median household income. With 135,887 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 13 other New Jersey cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
135,887
50.2% male · 49.8% female
Median Age
35.8
2.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$63,874
$14,664 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
14.2%
20.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 74.3%
Poverty Rate
15.3%
2.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 22.9%
Broadband Access
90.8%
1.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$393,500
Median rent: $1,463 · 25% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
Labor force participation: 62.7%
Per Capita Income
$37,569
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
1.5%
Disability rate: 10.4%
How Elizabeth Compares to Other New Jersey Cities
Rankings among all 19 New Jersey cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 19 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 10th of 19 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 6th of 19 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 17th of 19 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 19 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Elizabeth, NJ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Elizabeth, NJ?
The population of Elizabeth, NJ is 135,887 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.8 years.
What is the median household income in Elizabeth?
The median household income in Elizabeth, NJ is $63,874, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,569.
What is the poverty rate in Elizabeth?
The poverty rate in Elizabeth, NJ is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 22.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Elizabeth residents have a college degree?
14.2% of adults (25+) in Elizabeth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 74.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Elizabeth?
The median home value in Elizabeth, NJ is $393,500. Median rent is $1,463 per month, with 25% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Elizabeth?
Elizabeth's population is 24.8% White, 17.1% Black, 66.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Elizabeth rank among New Jersey cities?
Elizabeth is the 4th largest city in New Jersey by population, the 10th highest for median household income, the 6th lowest for poverty rate, the 17th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 19 ranked New Jersey cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Elizabeth?
The unemployment rate in Elizabeth, NJ is 6.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 62.7%. Per capita income is $37,569.
Cities Similar to Elizabeth
Other New Jersey cities with comparable population and income levels.