New Jersey is kicking off 2025 with record-levels of growth including the largest number of jobs and employers to date; and the largest population in the state’s history. New Jersey now leads the Northeast in year-over-year population growth rate with the number of residents climbing to an estimated 9,500,851, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This represents an increase of 1.3% or 121,209 from 2023.

According to new 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. This consistent growth highlights New Jersey’s ongoing upward population trend.

The latest jobs figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 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.

“We are incredibly proud to see that New Jersey is among the top 10 states for population growth,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “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.”

“We currently have more jobs and employers than at any other time in the Garden State’s history,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “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. It’s clear — Governor Murphy’s stronger, fairer economy has made New Jersey the best state in the Northeast to live, work and do business in.”

“The Murphy Administration has worked diligently to make New Jersey the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “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.”

In terms of year-over-year growth, New Jersey ranks first in the Northeast with a 1.3% increase that outpaces every other state in the region. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Northeast region includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Northeast and National Rankings:

• 1st in Year-Over-Year Growth Rate: New Jersey leads the Northeast with a 1.3% growth rate, surpassing regional counterparts.
• 10th Nationwide in Year-Over-Year Growth Rate: New Jersey is among the top ten states nationwide in terms of population growth rate.
• 11th Nationwide in Total Population: 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,” added Asaro-Angelo. “It’s simple — workers want to be in New Jersey, and employers want to be where the workers are.”

Additional local growth data will be available in March with the release of County Population Estimates.

For more statistics and information about the Garden State, visit nj.gov/labor/data.

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