Elizabeth, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
137,302
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,555/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
48,976
0.1% year-over-year change

Elizabeth population

How many people live in Elizabeth

Elizabeth is home to 137,302 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Elizabeth locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
137,302
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
68,734
Female
49.9%
68,568
Value Percent YoY change
Male 68,734 50.1% 0.7%
Female 68,568 49.9% 1.4%
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 Elizabeth is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.1% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
28.1%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 29,276 21.3% 0.2%
15 to 24 19,718 14.4% 5.8%
25 to 44 38,551 28.1% 0.1%
45 to 64 33,454 24.4% -2.2%
Over 65 16,303 11.9% 6.3%
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 Elizabeth, 43.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 25.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 31% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20.3% of locals are Caucasian, 16.3% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 20.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
43.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
25.7%
Non-citizens
31%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 59,465 43.3% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35,267 25.7% 1.0%
Non-citizens 42,570 31% 3.4%
Racial breakdown
White
20.3%
Black or African American
16.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
20.7%
Other
39.3%
Value Percent
White 27,886 20.3%
Black or African American 22,375 16.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,131 1.6%
Asian 2,509 1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 18 0%
Two or more races 28,373 20.7%
Other 54,010 39.3%

Households in Elizabeth

A peek inside Elizabeth households

Elizabeth has 46,121 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71% are families, while the remaining 29% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
46,121
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
13,357
Family households
32,764
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,357 29% 2.8%
Family households 32,764 71% -0.6%
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 Elizabeth

The housing landscape of Elizabeth

Elizabeth's housing consists of 48,976 units, with 13.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.5% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
48,976
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,783 13.8%
1 unit, attached 2,702 5.5%
2 units 15,491 31.6%
3 or 4 units 7,723 15.8%
5 to 9 units 3,511 7.2%
10 to 19 units 3,385 6.9%
20 to 49 units 4,791 9.8%
50 or more units 4,495 9.2%
Mobile home 69 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 26 0%
Homes built since 2020
236
38.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elizabeth

In Elizabeth, the median construction year is 1957. About 26.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 13,016 26.6% -3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,791 13.9% -7.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,628 13.5% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,073 10.4% 0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,003 8.2% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,845 5.8% 6.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,218 4.5% -9.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,954 10.1% 10.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,212 6.6% 33.8%
Built in 2020 or later 236 0.5% 38.0%
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.

Elizabeth occupancy rates

Out of the 46,121 occupied housing units in Elizabeth, 25.6% are owner-occupied, while 74.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
46,121
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
34,327
Owner occupied
11,794
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 34,327 74.4% 0.2%
Owner occupied 11,794 25.6% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
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.

Elizabeth housing costs

Housing costs in Elizabeth come to a median of $1,615 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,523.

Median housing costs per month
$1,615/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 Elizabeth
$1,523/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 Elizabeth

Elizabeth education at a glance

About 48.7% of the population in Elizabeth went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13,505 13.2% -4.3%
High school diploma 49,728 48.7% 0.9%
College diploma 20,118 19.7% 3.5%
Associate degree 4,591 4.5% 0.1%
Bachelor's degree 10,171 10% 3.6%
Graduate degree 3,996 3.9% 2.0%
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 Elizabeth

How much people earn in Elizabeth

The average annual household income in Elizabeth was $85,318 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,555, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elizabeth
$85,318/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elizabeth
$66,555/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Elizabeth income by age

In Elizabeth, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,169. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,925 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,332 in earnings. Overall, 84.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,250 -26.5%
25 - 44 $75,169 9.9%
45 - 64 $69,925 1.9%
Over 65 $41,332 1.1%
Above poverty level
113,129
Below poverty level
20,859
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 113,129 84.4% 0.7%
Below poverty level 20,859 15.6% 2.7%

Average renter income in Elizabeth

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elizabeth, their median household income was $49,176 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,176
Rent-to-income ratio
37.2%
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 Elizabeth

Workforce and job types in Elizabeth

The job market in Elizabeth is powered by 66,091 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 76.5% are employed by private companies, and 10.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
66,091
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
39,008
Blue collar
27,083
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 39,008 59% 2.1%
Blue collar 27,083 41% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
76.5%
Governmental workers
10.7%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,425 8.2% 5.1%
Private companies 50,583 76.5% -0.7%
Governmental workers 7,043 10.7% 4.9%
Not for profit companies 3,040 4.6% 2.1%
Unemployment rate
7.7%
13.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elizabeth stands at 7.7%, 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 Elizabeth

How people get around in Elizabeth

In Elizabeth, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 48,048 75% 1.9%
Taxicab 515 0.8% 14.4%
Bus or trolleybus 5,490 8.6% 0.9%
Subway or elevated 978 1.5% N/A
Railroad 453 0.7% -31.7%
Ferryboat 5 0% -85.7%
Motorcycle 134 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 271 0.4% 39.7%
Walk 3,013 4.7% 1.0%
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 Elizabeth by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
07201 28,467 9,583 $60,080 $78,526
07202 44,968 15,451 $71,250 $85,775
07206 31,930 9,308 $68,420 $84,877
07208 31,937 11,779 $65,511 $90,591

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FAQs about Elizabeth demographics 

What is the total population of Elizabeth?

Elizabeth has a total population of 137,302 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elizabeth?

The gender ratio in Elizabeth is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (68,734 residents)
  • 49.9% females (68,568 residents)

What is the median age in Elizabeth?

The median age in Elizabeth is 35.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elizabeth?

The age distribution in Elizabeth is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (29,276 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (19,718 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.1% (38,551 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (33,454 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.9% (16,303 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elizabeth?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elizabeth is as follows:
  • White: 20.3% (27,886 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.3% (22,375 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (2,131 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (2,509 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (18 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 20.7% (28,373 residents)
  • Other: 39.3% (54,010 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 43.3% of the population in Elizabeth.

How many housing units are there in Elizabeth?

There are 48,976 housing units in Elizabeth, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elizabeth has a total of 46,121 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elizabeth?

Elizabeth has a median household income of $66,555, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elizabeth?

The employment rate is 92.3% in Elizabeth, with a workforce of 66,091 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59% (39,008 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41% (27,083 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (5,425 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.5% (50,583 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.7% (7,043 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (3,040 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