Somerset County

As of the 2020 Census, Somerset County, NJ has a population of approximately 345,361. The racial makeup is 58.1% White, 13.5% Asian, 12.9% African American, 12.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.7% from two or more races. The median household income is about $116,510. Around 49.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The county has a total area of 304.86 square miles and includes diverse communities with significant professional and managerial occupation presence.

As of 2023, Somerset County, NJ, has a median home price of approximately $500,000. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,800 per month. The homeownership rate stands at about 69%, and the vacancy rate is roughly 4%. The county has a mix of urban and suburban areas, with Bridgewater, Franklin, and Hillsborough being notable towns. Housing values have appreciated by approximately 6% over the past year. The average property tax rate is about 2.34%, one of the higher rates in New Jersey. Demand remains strong due to quality schools and proximity to major employment hubs.

As of 2023, Somerset County, NJ elections feature key races for various positions, including the Board of County Commissioners and local municipal offices.

1. Board of County Commissioners: Two seats are up for election.

   • Democratic Candidates: Paul Drake (Incumbent) and Douglas Singleterry (Incumbent)
   • Republican Candidates: Amber Murad and Michael Kirsh

2. Local Municipal Races: Numerous towns have elections for Mayor and Council Members. Candidates and specific numerical details vary by municipality.

   • Example: In Bridgewater Township, the mayoral candidates are Matthew Moench (R) and Jeffrey Brookner (D).

3. Voter Turnout: Historical turnout in Somerset County tends to hover around 40-50% in off-year elections, which encompasses local races and non-presidential years.

4. Polling: Polling places operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, with options for early voting and mail-in ballots also available.

For precise voter statistics and candidate details, visit the Somerset County Election Board’s website or local government pages.

Somerset County, NJ, is highly educated compared to state and national averages. As of recent data:

• High School Graduate or Higher (age 25+): 94.4%

  • National Average: 88%
  • New Jersey State Average: 90.8%

• Bachelor's Degree or Higher (age 25+): 55.6%

  • National Average: 35%
  • New Jersey State Average: 40.8%

• Median Household Income: $113,611

  • National Median: $68,703
  • New Jersey Median: $85,751

These figures highlight that Somerset County considerably surpasses both the national and state averages in educational attainment, underscoring a highly educated population.

As of recent data, Somerset County, NJ has an employment rate of approximately 96.5%, with an unemployment rate around 3.5%, which is lower than both the national average of 3.8% and New Jersey’s average of 4.0%. The county has a diverse economic base with significant employment in several key industries.

Top industries in Somerset County include:

• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 15.3%
• Healthcare and Social Assistance: 14.8%
• Retail Trade: 10.6%
• Manufacturing: 10.2%

In comparison to national averages, Somerset County has a higher concentration of jobs in Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (national average approx. 6.7%) and Healthcare (around 13.8%). The state's averages align similarly, but Somerset County's emphasis on high-tech and professional jobs is more pronounced, reflecting its affluent and educated workforce.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Somerset County, NJ, stands at approximately $113,611. This compares favorably to both the national and state averages. Nationally, the median household income is about $68,703, while New Jersey's state average is around $85,751.

Somerset County's higher-than-average income levels reflect the area's affluent economic status, bolstered by a strong local economy and high standard of living.

As of the most recent data, Somerset County, NJ is known for being one of the safest counties in the state. The crime rate here is considerably low compared to national and state averages. For example, the violent crime rate in Somerset County is approximately 0.79 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crime rates are also lower, with about 8.33 incidents per 1,000 residents against a national average of 21.1 incidents per 1,000 residents.

These numbers highlight the relative safety of Somerset County.

Sources: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and local crime data reports.