2023 Union County, New Jersey Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Union County, New Jersey, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Union County, New Jersey Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Union County, New Jersey Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Union County, New Jersey
The following statistics highlight Union County, New Jersey population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 572,549
- Median Age (Total)
- 39.1 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 38.0 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 40.1 years
Union County, New Jersey Age Distribution Comparison with New Jersey 2023
Compare Union County, New Jersey age demographics with New Jersey to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 39.1 yrs | 40.1 yrs | -1.0 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 6.17% | 5.53% | +0.6pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 17.37% | 15.98% | +1.4pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 8.25% | 8.42% | -0.2pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 27.80% | 26.01% | +1.8pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 14.82% | 17.96% | -3.1pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 62.23 | 65.21 | -3.0 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 62.23
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 38.19 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 24.04 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Union County, New Jersey Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Union County, New Jersey
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Union County, New Jersey are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 70.76
- Diversity Tier
- high
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey racial and ethnic demographics with New Jersey to understand regional diversity patterns.
Union County, New Jersey Diversity
70.76
highNew Jersey Diversity
67.27
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 36.30% | 49.49% | -13.2pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 34.37% | 23.47% | +10.9pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 19.63% | 12.17% | +7.5pp |
| Asian Alone | 5.51% | 10.54% | -5.0pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.79% | 3.52% | -0.7pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 1.35% | 0.71% | +0.6pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.04% | 0.07% | -0.0pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.01% | 0.03% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 70.76 | 67.27 | +3.49 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Union County, New Jersey Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Union County, New Jersey, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $100,117 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 201,663
Income Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey household income with New Jersey to understand regional economic patterns.
Union County, New Jersey
$100,117
New Jersey
$104,294
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 7.78% | 8.66% | -0.9pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 7.71% | 7.19% | +0.5pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 8.43% | 7.52% | +0.9pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 13.64% | 12.95% | +0.7pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 29.60% | 29.98% | -0.4pp |
| $150,000 or more | 32.83% | 33.70% | -0.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to New Jersey.
Union County, New Jersey Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Union County, New Jersey, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $488,800
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 116,188 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey property values with New Jersey to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Union County, New Jersey
$488,800
New Jersey
$496,000
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.16% | 1.58% | -0.4pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.61% | 1.02% | -0.4pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 0.52% | 1.48% | -1.0pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 2.49% | 4.66% | -2.2pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 47.40% | 41.91% | +5.5pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 45.09% | 45.80% | -0.7pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 2.73% | 3.54% | -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to New Jersey.
Union County, New Jersey Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Union County, New Jersey, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 86.28%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 38.56%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 390,558
Education Level Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey educational attainment with New Jersey to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Union County, New Jersey
38.56%
Bachelor's+ in New Jersey
44.55%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 13.72% | 9.64% | +4.1pp |
| HS Graduate | 26.72% | 24.68% | +2.0pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 20.99% | 21.13% | -0.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 22.94% | 26.39% | -3.4pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 15.62% | 18.16% | -2.5pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 86.28% | 90.36% | -4.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to New Jersey.
Union County, New Jersey Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Union County, New Jersey, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 12.4%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 70,526
- Total Civilian Population
- 569,460
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey health insurance coverage with New Jersey to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Union County, New Jersey
12.4%
Uninsured in New Jersey
7.7%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 7.4% | 6.7% | 4.9% | 4.5% |
| 18-34 years | 23.5% | 18.5% | 14.3% | 11.4% |
| 35-64 years | 17.0% | 13.2% | 10.9% | 8.7% |
| 65+ years | 2.0% | 2.5% | 1.1% | 1.3% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Union County, New Jersey Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Union County, New Jersey, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 84.0% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 96,482 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 91,600
Citizenship Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey citizenship and nativity with New Jersey to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Union County, New Jersey
84.0%
Citizenship in New Jersey
89.0%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 64.3% | 72.5% | -8.2pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 1.4% | 1.2% | +0.2pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.5% | 1.2% | +0.3pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 16.9% | 14.0% | +2.9pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 16.0% | 11.0% | +5.0pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 84.0% | 89.0% | -5.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to New Jersey.
Union County, New Jersey Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Union County, New Jersey, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 70.8%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 9.6%
- Work From Home Rate
- 12.9%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 285,984
Transportation Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey commuting patterns with New Jersey to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Union County, New Jersey
70.8%
Drove in New Jersey
71.5%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 70.8% | 71.5% | -0.7pp |
| Public transportation | 9.6% | 9.7% | -0.1pp |
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 0.3% | -0.1pp |
| Walked | 2.4% | 2.5% | -0.1pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 4.2% | 2.4% | +1.8pp |
| Worked from home | 12.9% | 13.5% | -0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to New Jersey.
Union County, New Jersey Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Union County, New Jersey by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 293,183
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey employment patterns with New Jersey to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Union County, New Jersey
6.0% (M) / 8.1% (F)
Government Employment in New Jersey
6.1% (M) / 7.9% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 41.9% F: 33.0% | M: 39.8% F: 32.7% | M: +2.1pp F: +0.3pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.2% F: 4.1% | M: 2.9% F: 5.2% | M: -0.7pp F: -1.1pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 6.0% F: 8.1% | M: 6.1% F: 7.9% | M: -0.1pp F: +0.2pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.6% F: 2.0% | M: 2.8% F: 2.2% | M: -0.2pp F: -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to New Jersey.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Union County, New Jersey Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Union County, New Jersey, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 12,426
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
4,664 veterans (37.5%)
Veteran Population Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey veteran demographics with New Jersey to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Union County, New Jersey
12,426
Total Veterans in New Jersey
285,835
- Union County, New Jersey: Vietnam Era Only (37.5%)
- New Jersey: Vietnam Era Only (35.1%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 37.5% (4,664) | 35.1% (100,378) | +2.4pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 15.3% (1,903) | 15.5% (44,284) | -0.2pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 11.4% (1,421) | 13.9% (39,862) | -2.5pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 10.8% (1,343) | 9.0% (25,662) | +1.8pp |
| Gulf War Only | 10.1% (1,256) | 10.4% (29,753) | -0.3pp |
| Korean War Only | 6.1% (754) | 7.4% (21,123) | -1.3pp |
| WWII Only | 4.3% (529) | 1.9% (5,314) | +2.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.2% (520) | 5.2% (14,788) | -1.0pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.2% (27) | 0.7% (2,039) | -0.5pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.1% (9) | 0.1% (238) | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Union County, New Jersey Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data categorizes families in Union County, New Jersey by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 6.2% (9,001 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 25.7% (37,609 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 68.1% (99,490 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey poverty levels with New Jersey to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Union County, New Jersey
6.2%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in New Jersey
6.5%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 6.2% (9,001) | 6.5% (156,635) | -0.3pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 25.7% (37,609) | 21.2% (512,159) | +4.5pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 68.1% (99,490) | 72.3% (1,745,395) | -4.2pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.4% | 3.0% | -0.6pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.8% | 1.5% | +0.3pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.0% | 2.0% | 0.0pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.6% | 2.2% | +0.4pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 3.4% | 2.4% | +1.0pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 3.3% | 2.5% | +0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to New Jersey.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Union County, New Jersey SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Union County, New Jersey
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Union County, New Jersey, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 16,394 (8.13% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 7,735 (47.18% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 201,663
SNAP Participation Comparison with New Jersey
Compare Union County, New Jersey SNAP participation with New Jersey to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Union County, New Jersey
8.13%
16,394 householdsSNAP Participation in New Jersey
9.10%
322,338 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Union County, New Jersey | New Jersey | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 16.37% (2,683) | 9.28% (1,521) | 14.57% (46,959) | 8.00% (25,773) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 5.28% (866) | 2.06% (337) | 5.24% (16,882) | 3.31% (10,655) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 25.08% (4,112) | 13.58% (2,226) | 24.91% (80,281) | 9.59% (30,900) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.45% (74) | 27.91% (4,575) | 0.23% (747) | 34.17% (110,141) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 16,394 (8.13% of households) | 322,338 (9.10% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.