Somerset Public RecordsNew Jersey

As of 2023, Somerset County, NJ, has an estimated population of about 343,000. The median age is roughly 42 years. Females account for approximately 51% of the population, while males make up 49%. Racially, the population is 59% White (non-Hispanic), 12% Black, 20% Asian, and around 13% Hispanic or Latino (individuals may identify with more than one group). The county is known for its growing diversity, particularly its increasing Asian and Hispanic communities.

As of 2023, Somerset County, NJ had about 260,000 residents and just over 195,000 registered voters: 86,000 Democrats, 57,000 Republicans, and 52,000 unaffiliated. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with presidential turnout above 80%. In 2020, Biden won Somerset with 60%. Polling locations number over 170, administered by the Board of Elections, which manages polling sites, vote-by-mail, and early voting. Key issues include property taxes, schools, and infrastructure. Both parties maintain strong local organizations, reflecting the county’s evolving suburban politics and diverse electorate.

Somerset County, NJ, boasts a homeownership rate of around 72%, with median home values near $525,000 in 2024. Rental rates average $2,300 per month for a two-bedroom unit. The housing market has seen a 5% year-over-year price increase, reflecting strong demand. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with popular neighborhoods like Bridgewater, Hillsborough, and Bernardsville. Property taxes are among the highest in the U.S., averaging about 2.2% of assessed value, or roughly $11,000 annually for a median-priced home.

As of early 2024, Somerset County, NJ boasts an employment rate of approximately 66%. Key employment industries include professional, scientific, and technical services (18%), healthcare and social assistance (14%), and finance and insurance (10%). Major occupation types are management, business, science, and arts occupations (47%). About 74% of residents commute to work by car, with a mean travel time of 33 minutes, and roughly 25% work outside the county, frequently commuting to nearby cities such as New Brunswick, Bridgewater, and New York City.

Somerset County, NJ boasts a strong educational system, with over 70 public schools and a high school graduation rate of 95%. Approximately 58% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools like Bridgewater-Raritan and Hillsborough consistently score above 85/100 in state rankings. The county offers robust adult education through Raritan Valley Community College and vocational programs. School safety is prioritized, with incidents per 1,000 students well below the state average. There are diverse STEM, arts, and AP programs, contributing to outstanding student outcomes.

Somerset County, NJ, is regarded as one of the safer counties in the state, with a 2023 crime rate of approximately 7.5 incidents per 1,000 residents—significantly below the national average of 22.0. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, remains low at about 0.7 per 1,000, while property crimes like theft average 6.8 per 1,000. The county maintains high law enforcement visibility and encourages prompt reporting through its online and emergency systems, contributing to consistent crime reductions over recent years.