Moving to New Jersey statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to New Jersey?

Approximately 156,335 people moved to New Jersey in 2023, while 225,514 moved out. This represents a net loss of 69,179 residents. Between 2022 and 2023, the state had the fourth highest number of residents leaving — behind only California, New York and Illinois.

Though New Jersey was able to grow its population, due primarily to international migrants, it’s not currently a popular move-in destination for Americans. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, New Jersey ranked as the 49th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in New Jersey

New Jersey ranked as the 21st best U.S. state to move to in 2024, primarily due to having the strongest safety ranking based on data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors. Unfortunately, having the second lowest affordability ranking prevented it from earning a higher score.

Those moving to the Garden State are choosing to relocate to a diverse set of locations in both the north and south. Long Branch — a coastal town in central New Jersey — attracted the most new residents, adding 1,085 (3.4% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Glassboro — located in the south — saw the highest growth, growing by 3.6% (832 new residents) during that same period. A few notable suburbs and exurbs near Newark and New York City also attracted movers.

The top five cities and towns in New Jersey people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to New Jersey?

While there is an overall lack of positive net migration to New Jersey, the majority of inbound migrants come seeking job opportunities. As the most densely populated state in the nation — that also shares a border with NYC — you can find countless opportunities in health care, education, technology, finance and more.

For job seekers, New Jersey offers one of the highest median household incomes in the country. At $96,521, it’s 28% higher than the national median. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation and utilities, education and health services, and professional and business services. Collectively, these industries employ nearly 56% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state, though, is mining and logging, growing by 6.7% between July 2023 and July 2024.

New Jersey housing statistics

With a median rent price of approximately $2,429 and a median home sale price of $502,400, New Jersey renters and homeowners can expect to pay at least 19.5% more than the national median for housing.

New Jersey also has the highest property tax rate in the country (2.23%), further exacerbating the lack of affordable housing. In 2021, residents in at least six of the state’s counties paid over $10,000 in annual property taxes. In Monmouth County — where Long Branch is located — residents paid a median of $9,170 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in New Jersey

New Jersey's cost-of-living index is 114.1, making it the 11th most expensive state in the nation. Gas prices in the state follow this trend — 4.6% higher than the national average ($3.26) at $3.41 per gallon. Compared to its neighbor, Pennsylvania, New Jersey completely lacks oil and gas production. However, the lack of CO2 emissions and an investment in recycling ranks it as the 20th most green state in the country.

Though New Jersey is one of the least affordable states in the U.S., the state’s median household income of $96,521 helps offset the cost. The typical household here earns approximately 28% more than the national median of $75,358. However, the unemployment rate of 4.6% — 9.5% higher than the national average of 4.2% — may also be a concern for job seekers.

Overall, New Jersey’s high cost of living is partially offset by one of the highest median household incomes in the U.S., but would-be movers should still be mindful of the job opportunities available to them.

Who lives in New Jersey?

An estimated 9,290,841 people live in New Jersey as of 2023, making it the 11th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 30,024 people compared to 2022, driven largely by international migration.

New Jersey’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for 50.8% of the population and men accounting for 49.2%. In 2023, around 4.72 million New Jersey residents were female, and 4.57 million were male.

On average, New Jersey’s population is also older (40.4 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Residents between 45 to 65 years old and between 25 to 44 years old are the largest age demographics, accounting for 26.2% and 26.1% of the population, respectively.

New Jersey is one of the most diverse U.S. states. While white residents account for the largest share of residents — approximating 70.4% of the population (6.54 million people) — the state also has large Black, Hispanic and Asian populations. Hispanic residents account for the second largest share, at 22.7% of the population. This is followed by Black and Asian residents, who account for 15.5% and 10.6% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to New Jersey

Not sure how to start your move to New Jersey? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Prepare for the cost of living

New Jersey has the 11th highest cost of living in the nation, with areas close to New York City and Philadelphia being especially expensive. The state also has the highest property taxes in the country, further inflating an already expensive housing market. While southern New Jersey may offer more affordable living options than the north, potential residents should prepare for high costs. You can also use resources like the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website to explore housing assistance programs and budget-friendly living options.

2. Understand insurance requirements

New Jersey is one of the few states that mandates health insurance. Failure to acquire health insurance or prove an exemption will result in tax fines, meaning that you should research the NJ health insurance marketplace before you move. As mentioned, you may also be able to receive an exemption if one or more of the following apply:

• You are below a certain income threshold
• You have a brief gap in coverage
• You can’t find affordable options
• You are incarcerated
• You are living abroad
• The policy is against your religion
• You are enduring hardship

3. Learn about the job market

From Newark to Glassboro, New Jersey’s dense population drives a booming job market in health care, finance, technology and more. Young professionals and other job seekers will also have access to some of the largest cities in the country, including New York City and Philadelphia, increasing access to high-paying jobs. For job seeking tools and opportunities, visit the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development website.

4. Research transportation options

As the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey offers robust public transportation options. Take advantage of trains, buses and light-rail systems connecting to both Garden State cities and other major hubs like New York City and Philadelphia. However, if you choose to live in a suburban area, a personal vehicle may be necessary. To learn about public transit schedules, ticket options and commuter programs, visit the NJ Transit website.

5. Prepare for seasonal weather

Despite having its climate regulated by the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey still experiences all four seasons. Expect humid summers and snowy winters with the possibility of hurricanes or nor’easters. If you choose to move to a shoreline town, extra precautions — including flood insurance and emergency supplies — can help keep you safe. Stay prepared by monitoring local forecasts through the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management website.

6. Embrace New Jersey’s diversity

New Jersey is a diverse state welcoming people from a variety of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. The result is a hub of interesting ideas, unique art and delicious cuisine. From the Jersey Shore beaches to Princeton University, embrace the state’s melting pot of cultures.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to New Jersey, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.