So much for those moving vans.
New Jersey’s population has topped 9.5 million people for the first time, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The total represents an increase of 1.3% or 121,209 from 2023. More so, they show that N.J. now leads the Northeast in year-over-year population growth rate.
According to December 2024 reporting, New Jersey experienced a 2.3% population increase — or 211,837 new residents — since April 2020, which marked the release of the Decennial Census data.
More good news: Those residents appear to be connected to employment.
The latest jobs figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for November 2024, show 4,391,600 jobs and as of September 30, 2024, there were 284,200 employers according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.
Gov. Phil Murphy obviously is thrilled.
“We are incredibly proud to see that New Jersey is among the top 10 states for population growth,” he said. “We are also thrilled to have reached our largest number of jobs and employers in Garden State history. This Census data is a testament to the important work being done each and every day across the Administration to support our workers and continue building a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”
Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo shared his joy.
“We currently have more jobs and employers than at any other time in the Garden State’s history,” he said. “We’re proud that over 9.5 million people now call the Garden State home, and our total number of jobs is 4.4 million strong and growing. We also have the largest number of employers in our state’s history.”
Northeast and national rankings worth noting:
- New Jersey leads the Northeast with a 1.3% growth rate, surpassing regional counterparts in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
- New Jersey is among the top ten states nationwide in terms of population growth rate.
- With a population of 9,500,851, New Jersey ranks 11th in the United States for total population.
New Jersey’s robust growth demonstrates the state’s wide appeal as a vibrant place to live for families, working professionals, retirees and growing businesses, and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is committed to supporting the state’s residents.
“We continue to attract talent because of our smart policies for working people from our expansive paid family leave to strong worker protections, our thriving business environment, and our diverse communities,” Asaro-Angelo said. “It’s simple – workers want to be in New Jersey, and employers want to be where the workers are.”
State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio agreed.
“The Murphy Administration has worked diligently to make New Jersey the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” she said. “With its dynamic business community, top rated schools, and ideal location at the crossroads of the Northeast, New Jersey has become and remains an attractive place to build a future.”
