2023 Somerset County, New Jersey Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Somerset County, New Jersey, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Somerset County, New Jersey Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
346,203
Median Age
41.9 years
Median Household Income
$135,960
Bachelor's Degree+
57.35%
Uninsured Rate
5.7%
Total Households
129,459
Total Workers
187,223
Citizenship Rate
89.0%
Total Veterans
9,498
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
3.5%
Families in Poverty
3,174
SNAP Recipients
3.46%
Households w/ SNAP
4,481

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Somerset County, New Jersey by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Somerset County, New Jersey is 346,203. The median age of the population in Somerset County, New Jersey is 41.9 years. The median age for males is 40.9 years, and for females it is 43.0 years.

The age distribution of the population in Somerset County, New Jersey by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 4.95%
5–17 years (children) 16.45%
18–24 years (young adults) 8.00%
25–34 years 11.28%
35–54 years 27.79%
55–64 years 14.97%
65 years and over (seniors) 16.56%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Somerset County, New Jersey

The total dependency ratio in Somerset County, New Jersey is 61.20. The youth dependency ratio is 34.50, and the old-age dependency ratio is 26.70. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Somerset County, New Jersey, including Somerset (08873) (55,862), Princeton (08540) (49,499), and Plainfield (07060) (47,560).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Somerset County, New Jersey?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Somerset County, New Jersey
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Somerset County, New Jersey is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Somerset County, New Jersey is calculated at 66.90, suggesting a high level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Somerset County, New Jersey by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 50.59%
Asian Alone 19.07%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 17.05%
Black/African American Alone 9.28%
Two or More Races 3.13%
Some Other Race Alone 0.82%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.06%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.01%

Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Somerset County, New Jersey over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $135,960. This figure is based on a total of 129,459 households.

The distribution of household income in Somerset County, New Jersey across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 5.59%
$20,000 to $34,999 5.33%
$35,000 to $49,999 5.36%
$50,000 to $74,999 9.38%
$75,000 to $149,999 28.92%
$150,000 or more 45.43%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Somerset County, New Jersey, explore the data for: Belle Mead (08502) ($223,444), Warren (07059) ($201,579), and Basking Ridge (07920) ($184,630).


Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Somerset County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Somerset County, New Jersey is based on a total of 96,414 properties.

The property value distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 0.70%
$25,000 to $49,999 0.38%
$50,000 to $99,999 0.56%
$100,000 to $199,999 3.43%
$200,000 to $499,999 42.18%
$500,000 to $999,999 50.01%
$1,000,000 or more 2.74%

Educational Attainment in Somerset County, New Jersey (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Somerset County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Somerset County, New Jersey, totaling 244,416 individuals.

93.85% of Somerset County, New Jersey population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 57.35%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 6.15%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 17.97%
Some college or associate's degree 18.52%
Bachelor's Degree 31.08%
Graduate or professional degree 26.28%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Somerset County, New Jersey?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Somerset County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Somerset County, New Jersey shows that 5.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 19,444 individuals out of a total population of 343,631 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 8.7% for males and 11.5% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 7.4% of males and 5.6% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Somerset County, New Jersey, uninsured rates for children are 3.9% for males and 4.0% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.7% for males and 1.4% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 3.9% 4.0%
18-34 years 8.7% 11.5%
35-64 years 7.4% 5.6%
65+ years 0.7% 1.4%

Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Somerset County, New Jersey based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Somerset County, New Jersey shows that 89.0% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 308,226 individuals out of a total population of 346,203 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 70.8% were born in the United States, 0.7% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 1.1% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 16.5% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (57,182 individuals), while 11.0% are non-citizens (37,977 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 70.8%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.7%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 1.1%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 16.5%
Not a U.S. citizen 11.0%
Total U.S. Citizens 89.0%

Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Somerset County, New Jersey show that 72.0% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 131,740 workers out of a total workforce of 183,010 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 3.7% (6,717 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.3%) and bicycling (0.2%).

20.5% of workers in Somerset County, New Jersey report working from home. An additional 2.4% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 72.0% 131,740
Public transportation 3.7% 6,717
Bicycle 0.2% 278
Walked 1.3% 2,372
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 2.4% 4,448
Worked from home 20.5% 37,455
Total Workers - 183,010

Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Somerset County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Somerset County, New Jersey totals 187,223 workers. Of these, 99,778 (53.3%) are male and 87,445 (46.7%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Somerset County, New Jersey is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 80,771 (43.1%) 62,201 (33.2%)
Private Non-Profit 4,868 (2.6%) 8,746 (4.7%)
Government (All Levels) 9,226 (4.9%) 12,850 (6.9%)
  • Local Government 4,490 8,329
  • State Government 3,244 3,620
  • Federal Government 1,492 901
Self-Employed 4,747 (2.5%) 3,591 (1.9%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Somerset County, New Jersey.


Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Somerset County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 9,498 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Somerset County, New Jersey.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 3,049 veterans (32.1% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Post-9/11 Only, with 1,554 veterans (16.4%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Somerset County, New Jersey is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 3,049 32.1%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 1,554 16.4%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 1,413 14.9%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 998 10.5%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 768 8.1%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 758 8.0%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 469 4.9%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 391 4.1%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 50 0.5%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 29 0.3%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 11 0.1%
Between Korean War and World War II 8 0.1%
Total Veterans 9,498 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Somerset County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 91,920 families in Somerset County, New Jersey.

Of these families, 3,174 (3.5%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 11,885 families (12.9%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 76,861 families (83.6%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Somerset County, New Jersey is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,244 1.4%
50-74% of Poverty 639 0.7%
75-99% of Poverty 1,291 1.4%
100-124% of Poverty 1,240 1.3%
125-149% of Poverty 1,051 1.1%
150-174% of Poverty 1,760 1.9%
175-184% of Poverty 472 0.5%
185-199% of Poverty 656 0.7%
200-299% of Poverty 6,706 7.3%
300-399% of Poverty 8,565 9.3%
400-499% of Poverty 8,842 9.6%
500%+ of Poverty 59,454 64.7%
Total Families 91,920 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Somerset County, New Jersey 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Somerset County, New Jersey, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 129,459 total households in Somerset County, New Jersey. Of these, 4,481 households (3.46%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 2,148 (47.94%) have children under 18 years, while 2,333 (52.06%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 1,038 (23.16%) 405 (9.04%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 330 (7.36%) 50 (1.12%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 719 (16.05%) 716 (15.98%)
Nonfamily Households 61 (1.36%) 1,162 (25.93%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Somerset County, New Jersey. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Somerset County, New Jersey is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years4.95%
5–17 years (children)16.45%
18–24 years (young adults)8.00%
25–34 years11.28%
35–54 years27.79%
55–64 years14.97%
65 years and over (seniors)16.56%

The racial and ethnic composition of Somerset County, New Jersey is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 50.59%, Asian Alone: 19.07%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 17.05%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Somerset County, New Jersey is $135,960. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Somerset County, New Jersey is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 5.59%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 5.33%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 5.36%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 9.38%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 28.92%, High Income ($150,000+): 45.43%.

Approximately 63.91% of households in Somerset County, New Jersey earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Somerset County, New Jersey is: Less than $25,000: 0.70%, $25,000-$49,999: 0.38%, $50,000-$99,999: 0.56%, $100,000-$199,999: 3.43%, $200,000-$499,999: 42.18%, $500,000-$999,999: 50.01%, $1,000,000 or more: 2.74%.

There are 96,414 owner-occupied housing units in Somerset County, New Jersey. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 52.75% of owner-occupied housing units in Somerset County, New Jersey are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 57.35% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Somerset County, New Jersey (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 6.15%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 17.97%, Some college or associate's degree: 18.52%, Bachelor's degree: 31.08%, Graduate or professional degree: 26.28%.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 93.85% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 5.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 19,444 individuals out of a total population of 343,631 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Somerset County, New Jersey. For young adults (18-34 years), 8.7% of males and 11.5% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 7.4% of males and 5.6% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Somerset County, New Jersey have uninsured rates of 3.9% for males and 4.0% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.7% for males and 1.4% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 89.0% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 346,203 people, 308,226 are U.S. citizens.

Somerset County, New Jersey has 57,182 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 16.5% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Somerset County, New Jersey is: 70.8% were born in the United States, 0.7% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 1.1% were born abroad of American parent(s), 16.5% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 11.0% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 72.0% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 183,010 total workers, 131,740 use personal vehicles for their commute.

6,717 workers in Somerset County, New Jersey use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 3.7% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Somerset County, New Jersey include: 20.5% work from home, 1.3% walk to work, 0.2% bicycle, and 2.4% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Somerset County, New Jersey. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Somerset County, New Jersey has 187,223 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 43.1% of male workers and 33.2% of female workers in this category.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, there are 9,226 male government workers and 12,850 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 4.9% of male workers and 6.9% of female workers.

Self-employment in Somerset County, New Jersey includes 4,747 males (2.5%) and 3,591 females (1.9%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 4,481 households (3.46% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 129,459 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Somerset County, New Jersey, 2,148 (47.94%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Somerset County, New Jersey include diverse household types. Among households with children, 719 (16.05%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 1,038 (23.16%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Somerset County, New Jersey, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 9,498 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Somerset County, New Jersey. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Somerset County, New Jersey is Vietnam Era Only, with 3,049 veterans (32.1% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 1,554 veterans (16.4%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Somerset County, New Jersey provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 44.9% of all veterans in Somerset County, New Jersey. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 4,265 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 3,174 families (3.5% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 91,920 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Somerset County, New Jersey, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Somerset County, New Jersey has 11,885 families (12.9%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 4,051 families (4.4%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, 1,244 families (1.4%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 76,861 families (83.6%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.