New Brunswick, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
56,345
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,810/yr
9.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,854
-1.3% year-over-year change

New Brunswick population

How many people live in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is home to 56,345 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.6% of New Brunswick locals are male, and 47.4% are female.

Total population
56,345
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.6%
29,625
Female
47.4%
26,720
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,625 52.6% 2.0%
Female 26,720 47.4% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in New Brunswick is 25, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 32.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 15.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 6.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
24.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
32.6%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
15.7%
Over 65
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,073 17.9% 0.9%
15 to 24 18,353 32.6% -0.2%
25 to 44 15,443 27.4% 4.5%
45 to 64 8,850 15.7% -1.0%
Over 65 3,626 6.4% -0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In New Brunswick, 57.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 29.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.6% of locals are Caucasian, 12.6% are African American and 8.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
57.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
29.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 32,461 57.6% -4.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,109 12.6% -10.1%
Non-citizens 16,775 29.8% 21.0%
Racial breakdown
White
29.6%
Black or African American
12.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
9.2%
Asian
8.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
30.2%
Value Percent
White 16,648 29.6%
Black or African American 7,104 12.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,187 9.2%
Asian 4,546 8.1%
Two or more races 5,847 10.4%
Other 17,013 30.2%

Households in New Brunswick

A peek inside New Brunswick households

New Brunswick has 15,676 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 57.8% are families, while the remaining 42.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,676
-1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,608
Family households
9,068
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,608 42.2% -4.7%
Family households 9,068 57.8% 1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in New Brunswick

The housing landscape of New Brunswick

New Brunswick's housing consists of 16,854 units, with 21.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,854
-1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,609 21.4%
1 unit, attached 1,176 7%
2 units 3,057 18.1%
3 or 4 units 1,571 9.3%
5 to 9 units 1,247 7.4%
10 to 19 units 1,831 10.9%
20 to 49 units 918 5.4%
50 or more units 3,348 19.9%
Mobile home 84 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 13 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
112
83.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, the median construction year is 1968. About 25.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,356 25.8% 5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,137 6.8% -22.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,125 12.6% 6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,041 6.2% -22.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,830 10.9% 0.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,699 10.1% 7.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,264 7.5% -11.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,780 10.6% -2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,510 9% 5.3%
Built in 2020 or later 112 0.7% 83.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

New Brunswick occupancy rates

Out of the 15,676 occupied housing units in New Brunswick, 21.4% are owner-occupied, while 78.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,676
-1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,322
Owner occupied
3,354
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,322 78.6% -1.0%
Owner occupied 3,354 21.4% -3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

New Brunswick housing costs

Housing costs in New Brunswick come to a median of $1,819 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,814.

Median housing costs per month
$1,819/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in New Brunswick
$1,814/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in New Brunswick

New Brunswick education at a glance

About 35.8% of the population in New Brunswick went to high school, while 26.2% pursued college studies. Another 4% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,821 15.4% 3.3%
High school diploma 15,863 35.8% 8.4%
College diploma 11,571 26.2% -8.1%
Associate degree 1,784 4% 6.2%
Bachelor's degree 5,200 11.8% 2.7%
Graduate degree 3,017 6.8% -3.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in New Brunswick

How much people earn in New Brunswick

The average annual household income in New Brunswick was $87,892 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,810, reflecting a +9.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Brunswick
$87,892/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Brunswick
$65,810/year
9.2% year-over-year change

New Brunswick income by age

In New Brunswick, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,863. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,453 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,418, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,872 in earnings. Overall, 68% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,418 -5.0%
25 - 44 $72,863 9.2%
45 - 64 $84,453 10.2%
Over 65 $50,872 12.7%
Above poverty level
32,571
Below poverty level
15,321
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,571 68% 0.2%
Below poverty level 15,321 32% 2.2%

Average renter income in New Brunswick

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in New Brunswick, their median household income was $50,338 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,338
Rent-to-income ratio
43.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in New Brunswick

Workforce and job types in New Brunswick

The job market in New Brunswick is powered by 27,841 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 71.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,841
3.1% year-over-year change
White collar
18,861
Blue collar
8,980
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,861 67.8% 4.8%
Blue collar 8,980 32.2% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
71.3%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,083 7.5% 6.8%
Private companies 19,856 71.3% 5.8%
Governmental workers 2,901 10.4% 6.8%
Not for profit companies 3,001 10.8% -16.0%
Unemployment rate
8.1%
30.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Brunswick stands at 8.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in New Brunswick

How people get around in New Brunswick

Commuting methods vary: 51.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 14.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,702 51.5% -3.6%
Taxicab 1,391 5.2% 26.1%
Bus or trolleybus 898 3.4% 15.6%
Subway or elevated 7 0% N/A
Railroad 312 1.2% -20.4%
Motorcycle 23 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 600 2.2% 11.3%
Walk 3,911 14.7% 8.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in New Brunswick by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08901 57,263 15,676 $65,810 $87,892

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FAQs about New Brunswick demographics 

What is the total population of New Brunswick?

New Brunswick has a total population of 56,345 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Brunswick?

The gender ratio in New Brunswick is as follows:
  • 52.6% males (29,625 residents)
  • 47.4% females (26,720 residents)

What is the median age in New Brunswick?

The median age in New Brunswick is 24.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Brunswick?

The age distribution in New Brunswick is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (10,073 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 32.6% (18,353 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (15,443 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.7% (8,850 residents)
  • Over 65: 6.4% (3,626 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Brunswick?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Brunswick is as follows:
  • White: 29.6% (16,648 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.6% (7,104 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 9.2% (5,187 residents)
  • Asian: 8.1% (4,546 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (5,847 residents)
  • Other: 30.2% (17,013 residents)

What percentage of the population in New Brunswick are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 57.6% of the population in New Brunswick.

How many housing units are there in New Brunswick?

There are 16,854 housing units in New Brunswick, reflecting a -1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in New Brunswick and what is the average household size?

New Brunswick has a total of 15,676 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick has a median household income of $65,810, representing a +9.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for New Brunswick?

The employment rate is 91.9% in New Brunswick, with a workforce of 27,841 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.8% (18,861 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.2% (8,980 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (2,083 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.3% (19,856 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (2,901 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (3,001 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025