Middlesex
New Jersey

What stands out

Against every county in America, Middlesex County is unusual in three ways: the typical two-bedroom rent is among the highest in America ($1,922 a month), the property tax rate is in the top 2% of American counties (2.29%), and the median household income is in the top 3% of American counties ($105,206). Within New Jersey it ranks 3rd of 21 counties for the typical two-bedroom rent.

Where you are

You live in Middlesex County, New Jersey. 860,147 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -7,000).

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation, averaging more than $9,000 a year per home, and a graduated income tax reaching 10.75% above $1 million. It repealed its estate tax in 2018 but kept an inheritance tax on non-family heirs. Social Security is not taxed, and retirement income up to $100,000 is excluded for many couples. The whole state is within commuting range of New York or Philadelphia.

Money

The typical household here brings in $105,206 a year, higher than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $82,400. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 52% of American counties. 14% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 28 minutes each way.

New Jersey takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,575 a year.

Home

The median home costs $587K, pricier than 96% of American counties, about 3.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,922 a month. Property tax is 2.29% of home value, roughly $9,428 a year on that median home, higher than 98% of American counties. 64% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 96% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 80.3 years, longer than 92% of American counties. There are 3,803 active physicians in the county, about 44.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.2 of 5 stars. 8.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.38 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 90% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 14 points. 69% of eligible voters turned out. Under New Jersey law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 55°F, highs near 64 and lows near 45, colder than 55% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 96 out of 100, riskier than 96% of American counties; the county has had 30 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 281 Mbps down, faster than 89% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 5 museums.