New Jersey Counties by Population (2026)
2026 Pop.
100K
200K
300K
400K
500K
600K
700K
800K
900K
1M
Top 5 Most Populous Counties
1,002,955
918,119
915,961
765,915
678,412
21 Counties
| County | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Area (mi²) | Density | Change (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen County | 1,002,955 | 233 | 4,305 | 5.16% |
| Middlesex County | 918,119 | 309 | 2,971 | 6.58% |
| Essex County | 915,961 | 126 | 7,270 | 6.5% |
| Hudson County | 765,915 | 46 | 16,650 | 6.1% |
| Ocean County | 678,412 | 628 | 1,080 | 6.24% |
| Monmouth County | 652,678 | 468 | 1,395 | 1.54% |
| Union County | 618,320 | 103 | 6,003 | 7.78% |
| Camden County | 542,812 | 221 | 2,456 | 3.76% |
| Passaic County | 539,353 | 186 | 2,900 | 3.04% |
| Morris County | 533,683 | 461 | 1,158 | 4.96% |
| Burlington County | 485,423 | 799 | 608 | 5.14% |
| Mercer County | 403,822 | 224 | 1,803 | 4.48% |
| Somerset County | 368,211 | 302 | 1,219 | 6.79% |
| Gloucester County | 317,669 | 322 | 987 | 4.99% |
| Atlantic County | 283,468 | 556 | 510 | 3.38% |
| Cumberland County | 160,358 | 483 | 332 | 4.32% |
| Sussex County | 149,744 | 518 | 289 | 4.05% |
| Hunterdon County | 133,858 | 428 | 313 | 3.93% |
| Warren County | 113,405 | 357 | 318 | 3.55% |
| Cape May County | 92,339 | 252 | 366 | -2.85% |
| Salem County | 66,764 | 332 | 201 | 2.96% |
Overview of New Jersey Counties
There are 21 counties in New Jersey.
Bergen County is the largest county in the state, with a population of 1,002,955. The most recent census shows that its population has increased by 0.05% since the previous census.
A number of other New Jersey counties also boast relatively large populations for their state, though not able to match the density of Bergen County:
- Middlesex County : 918,119
- Essex County : 915,961
New Jersey Counties with the Fewest Residents
The smallest county in New Jersey is Salem County , with a population of just 66,764. This total represents a increase of 0.0% since the last census count was performed.
Other small counties include:
- Cape May County : 92,339
- Warren County : 113,405
- Hunterdon County : 133,858
New Jersey Counties with Rapid Growth
Union County , with its sizeable population of 618,320, has shown the largest population growth, with an increase of 0.1% since the last census.
On the other hand, Cape May County has had the largest decrease in population, with its 92,339 current residents totalling 0.0% less than the previous census.
Sources
- US Census State Population Estimates - Most recent state estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
- US Census County Population Estimates - Most recent county estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
- American Community Survey (2009 - 2013)
- Census QuickFacts
- Historical Populations of States and Counties (1790 - 1990)