New Brunswick, NJ Census Data
The 16th largest city in New Jersey by population · 19 cities ranked
New Brunswick is the 16th largest city in New Jersey by population and ranks 11th of 19 for median household income. With 55,744 residents, its poverty rate of 31.6% ranks among the higher rates in New Jersey. 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
55,744
52.1% male · 47.9% female
Median Age
24.5
14.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$60,248
$18,290 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
24.0%
11.0% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 65.9%
Poverty Rate
31.6%
19.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 21.5%
Broadband Access
93.4%
3.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$316,800
Median rent: $1,790 · 22% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
Labor force participation: 59.7%
Per Capita Income
$25,885
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
1.8%
Disability rate: 9.3%
How New Brunswick Compares to Other New Jersey Cities
Rankings among all 19 New Jersey cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 16th of 19 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 11th of 19 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 19th of 19 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 9th of 19 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 15th of 19 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
New Brunswick, NJ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of New Brunswick, NJ?
The population of New Brunswick, NJ is 55,744 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 24.5 years.
What is the median household income in New Brunswick?
The median household income in New Brunswick, NJ is $60,248, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $25,885.
What is the poverty rate in New Brunswick?
The poverty rate in New Brunswick, NJ is 31.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 21.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of New Brunswick residents have a college degree?
24.0% of adults (25+) in New Brunswick hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 65.9% 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 New Brunswick?
The median home value in New Brunswick, NJ is $316,800. Median rent is $1,790 per month, with 22% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of New Brunswick?
New Brunswick's population is 37.3% White, 13.1% Black, 51.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 8.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does New Brunswick rank among New Jersey cities?
New Brunswick is the 16th largest city in New Jersey by population, the 11th highest for median household income, the 19th lowest for poverty rate, the 9th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 19 ranked New Jersey cities.
What is the unemployment rate in New Brunswick?
The unemployment rate in New Brunswick, NJ is 6.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.7%. Per capita income is $25,885.
Cities Similar to New Brunswick
Other New Jersey cities with comparable population and income levels.