COUNTY · 1990 CENSUS

Union County

New Jersey · 493,819 residents · 102.766 sq mi

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The short version

Union County is significantly wealthier than the US average, with a median household income of $41,791. Population has declined 5% since 2000. Median home value is $179,800.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Older

median age 35.9

US median: 33.0

More educated

25% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Less affordable

home values up 28%, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

493,819

−5%vs 2000

vs 522,541 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

4,805 / sq mi

−5%vs 2000

vs 5,085 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

35.9

−2%vs 2000

vs 36.6 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

2024579K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$41,791

−1%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $55,339 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$19,660

−27%vs 2000

vs $26,992 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

7.2%

−1.2 ptsvs 2000

vs 8.4% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$179,800

+28%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $185,200 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$596

+4%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $752 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

62.5%

+0.9 ptsvs 2000

vs 61.6% in 2000

37.5% rent

Afford Score

4.3

+29%vs 2000

vs 3.3 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in Union County on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic54.2%(283,345)

Black20.1%(104,926)

Hispanic / Latino19.7%(103,011)

Asian3.8%(19,789)

Other0%

Diversity Score76%(397,359)

1990

White, non-Hispanic74.4%(367,247)

Black18.8%(92,994)

Hispanic / Latino13.5%(66,885)

Asian2.8%(13,619)

Other4%(19,959)

Diversity Score65.9%(325,559)

Diversity Score

−13%vs 2000

vs 76 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

25.0%

−3.5 ptsvs 2000

vs 28.5% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

75.2%

−4.1 ptsvs 2000

vs 79.3% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

9.3%

−1.7 ptsvs 2000

vs 10.9% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

22.5 min

+10%vs 2000

vs 20.5 min in 2000

US average: 21.9

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Union County

Head to head

Compare Union County to nearby counties

UNION COUNTY VS

Essex County

Income$80,789+93%

Home value$524,100+191%

Population896,379+49%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

UNION COUNTY VS

Richmond County

Income$98,333+135%

Home value$675,500+276%

Population501,290−17%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

UNION COUNTY VS

Hudson County

Income$91,795+120%

Home value$539,700+200%

Population735,033+22%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

UNION COUNTY VS

Middlesex County

Income$111,549+167%

Home value$462,900+157%

Population883,335+47%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

Frequently asked

How many people live in Union County, New Jersey?

Union County, New Jersey has about 493,819 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Union County, New Jersey?

The typical household in Union County, New Jersey earns about $41,791 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Union County, New Jersey expensive?

In Union County, New Jersey, the median home is worth about $179,800, and the typical rent is about $596 a month.

How educated are people in Union County, New Jersey?

About 25.0% of adults age 25 and over in Union County, New Jersey hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Union County, New Jersey?

About 7.2% of people in Union County, New Jersey live below the federal poverty line.

DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →

Union County

Population & growth

Income & economy

Housing

Race & ethnicity

Education

Commute & transportation

Work & employment

People & community

Places similar to Union County

Compare Union County to nearby counties

How many people live in Union County, New Jersey?

What is the median household income in Union County, New Jersey?

Is Union County, New Jersey expensive?

How educated are people in Union County, New Jersey?

What is the poverty rate in Union County, New Jersey?

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