Linden, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
44,192
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,915/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,149
0.0% year-over-year change

Linden population

How many people live in Linden

Linden is home to 44,192 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Linden locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
44,192
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
21,579
Female
51.2%
22,613
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,579 48.8% -0.2%
Female 22,613 51.2% 2.9%
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 Linden is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,399 16.7% -2.0%
15 to 24 5,019 11.4% -2.8%
25 to 44 12,593 28.5% 4.2%
45 to 64 12,547 28.4% -0.4%
Over 65 6,634 15% 6.8%
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 Linden, 60.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 15.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 34.2% of locals are Caucasian, 27.6% are African American and 3.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 14.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 19.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
60.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.6%
Non-citizens
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,645 60.3% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,861 24.6% 0.8%
Non-citizens 6,686 15.1% 9.5%
Racial breakdown
White
34.2%
Black or African American
27.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
19.4%
Other
14.5%
Value Percent
White 15,101 34.2%
Black or African American 12,214 27.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 171 0.4%
Asian 1,711 3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 39 0.1%
Two or more races 8,566 19.4%
Other 6,390 14.5%

Households in Linden

A peek inside Linden households

Linden has 15,463 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.5% are families, while the remaining 29.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,463
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,559
Family households
10,904
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,559 29.5% 6.7%
Family households 10,904 70.5% -1.0%
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 Linden

The housing landscape of Linden

Linden's housing consists of 16,149 units, with 45.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.1% 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
16,149
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,294 45.2%
1 unit, attached 827 5.1%
2 units 4,195 26%
3 or 4 units 1,221 7.6%
5 to 9 units 568 3.5%
10 to 19 units 236 1.5%
20 to 49 units 694 4.3%
50 or more units 1,026 6.4%
Mobile home 88 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
92
73.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Linden

In Linden, the median construction year is 1957. About 19.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,178 19.7% -4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,140 13.2% 0.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,824 23.7% 0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,721 10.7% 2.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,355 8.4% -2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,601 9.9% 15.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 723 4.5% -4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 759 4.7% 14.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 756 4.7% -20.1%
Built in 2020 or later 92 0.6% 73.6%
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.

Linden occupancy rates

Out of the 15,463 occupied housing units in Linden, 59.5% are owner-occupied, while 40.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,463
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,267
Owner occupied
9,196
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,267 40.5% 5.8%
Owner occupied 9,196 59.5% -1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.2%
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.

Linden housing costs

Housing costs in Linden come to a median of $1,956 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,731.

Median housing costs per month
$1,956/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 Linden
$1,731/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 Linden

Linden education at a glance

About 41.7% of the population in Linden went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,451 7% 0.9%
High school diploma 14,680 41.7% 5.8%
College diploma 6,742 19.2% -4.7%
Associate degree 3,416 9.7% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 5,662 16.1% 4.5%
Graduate degree 2,238 6.4% -4.0%
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 Linden

How much people earn in Linden

The average annual household income in Linden was $117,126 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,915, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Linden
$117,126/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Linden
$92,915/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Linden income by age

In Linden, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,606. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $110,289 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,997, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,119 in earnings. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,997 5.2%
25 - 44 $95,606 1.1%
45 - 64 $110,289 10.4%
Over 65 $73,119 1.4%
Above poverty level
39,247
Below poverty level
4,166
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 39,247 90.4% 0.5%
Below poverty level 4,166 9.6% 9.6%

Average renter income in Linden

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Linden, their median household income was $63,621 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,621
Rent-to-income ratio
32.6%
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 Linden

Workforce and job types in Linden

The job market in Linden is powered by 23,188 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 65.6% are employed by private companies, and 16% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,188
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
17,617
Blue collar
5,571
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,617 76% 2.5%
Blue collar 5,571 24% -3.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
65.6%
Governmental workers
16%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,297 9.9% 9.1%
Private companies 15,202 65.6% -2.8%
Governmental workers 3,715 16% 1.7%
Not for profit companies 1,974 8.5% 25.7%
Unemployment rate
9.5%
14.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Linden stands at 9.5%, 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 Linden

How people get around in Linden

In Linden, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
0.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 18,122 80.5% -0.2%
Taxicab 305 1.4% 33.8%
Bus or trolleybus 516 2.3% 12.4%
Subway or elevated 266 1.2% N/A
Railroad 667 3% -9.6%
Bicycle 59 0.3% 20.4%
Walk 571 2.5% 7.5%
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 Linden by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
07036 45,671 16,239 $91,882 $115,184

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FAQs about Linden demographics 

What is the total population of Linden?

Linden has a total population of 44,192 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Linden?

The gender ratio in Linden is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (21,579 residents)
  • 51.2% females (22,613 residents)

What is the median age in Linden?

The median age in Linden is 40.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Linden?

The age distribution in Linden is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (7,399 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (5,019 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (12,593 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (12,547 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (6,634 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Linden?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Linden is as follows:
  • White: 34.2% (15,101 residents)
  • Black or African American: 27.6% (12,214 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (171 residents)
  • Asian: 3.9% (1,711 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (39 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.4% (8,566 residents)
  • Other: 14.5% (6,390 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 60.3% of the population in Linden.

How many housing units are there in Linden?

There are 16,149 housing units in Linden, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Linden has a total of 15,463 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Linden?

Linden has a median household income of $92,915, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 90.5% in Linden, with a workforce of 23,188 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76% (17,617 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24% (5,571 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (2,297 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.6% (15,202 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16% (3,715 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (1,974 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