Somerset County | |
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![]() Location within the U.S. state of New Jersey | |
![]() New Jersey's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 40°34′N74°37′W / 40.56°N 74.61°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | May 14, 1688 [1] |
Named for | English county of Somerset [2] |
Seat | Somerville [3] |
Largest municipality | Franklin Township (population) Hillsborough Township (area) |
Government | |
• Commissioner director | Shanel Robinson (D, term ends December 31, 2023) |
Area | |
• Total | 304.95 sq mi (789.8 km2) |
• Land | 301.87 sq mi (781.8 km2) |
• Water | 3.09 sq mi (8.0 km2) 1.00% |
Population | |
• Total | 345,361 |
• Estimate | 348,842 |
• Density | 1,144.3/sq mi (441.8/km2) |
Congressional districts | 7th, 12th |
Website | www |
Somerset County is a county located in the north-central part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 census, the county was the state's 13th-most-populous county, [8] with a population of 345,361, [5] [6] its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 21,917 (+6.8%) from the 2010 census count of 323,444. [9] Somerset County constitutes part of the New York metropolitan area. Its county seat is Somerville. [3] The most populous place in the county was Franklin Township, with 68,364 residents at the time of the 2020 census, [5] while Hillsborough Township, with 55.00 square miles (142.4 km2), covered the largest total area of any municipality. [10] The county is part of the Central Jersey region of the state. [11] [12]
In 2015, Somerset County had a per capita personal income of $86,468, the second highest in New Jersey and ranked 25th of 3,113 counties in the United States. [13] [14] Somerset County, as of the 2000 Census, was the seventh wealthiest county in the United States by median household income at $76,933 (third in New Jersey behind Hunterdon County at $79,888 and Morris County at $77,340), fourth in median family income at $90,655 (second in New Jersey behind Hunterdon County at $91,050) and ranked seventh by per capita income at $37,970 (highest in New Jersey). [15] The Bureau of Economic Analysis ranked the county as having the 11th-highest per capita income of all 3,113 counties in the United States (and the highest in New Jersey) as of 2009. [16]
In 2012, 49.8 percent of Somerset County residents were college graduates, the highest percentage in the state. [17] Somerset County was recently ranked number 3 of 21 NJ counties as one of the healthiest counties in New Jersey, according to an annual report by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. [18] Somerset County was created on May 14, 1688, from portions of Middlesex County. [1]
Somerset County is one of America's oldest counties, and is named after the English county of Somerset.
The area was first settled in 1681, in the vicinity of Bound Brook, and the county was established by charter on May 22, 1688. Most of the early residents were Dutch.
During the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington and his troops marched through the county on several occasions and slept in many of the homes located throughout the area. Somerset County also played an important part during both World War I and World War II. Weapons depots were established here, and factories manufactured the army's woolen blankets.
For much of its history, Somerset County was primarily an agricultural county. In the late 19th century, the Somerset Hills area of Somerset County became a popular area for country homes built by wealthy industrialists. Into the 21st century, the area is still the home of wealthy businessmen. [19]
In 1917, Somerset County, in cooperation with Rutgers University, hired its first agricultural agent to connect local farmers with expert advice. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County, located in Bridgewater, serves residents in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, and family and community health sciences. [20]
In the 1960s, townships that were once exclusively agricultural were quickly developed as suburban residential communities. Examples include Bridgewater Township [21] and the Watchung Hills communities of Watchung, Green Brook and Warren Township. [22] [23] [24] This growth was aided by the development of the county's very strong pharmaceutical and technology presence. Warren Township used to be considered "the greenest place in New Jersey." [22] More recently, there has been an influx of New York City commuters who use NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line and Gladstone Branch or use Interstate 78.
In 1996, Nicholas L. Bissell Jr., then county prosecutor, was charged with embezzlement, tax fraud, and abuse of power. He fled to Laughlin, Nevada, near Las Vegas, and killed himself when the federal authorities attempted to arrest him. [25]
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 304.95 square miles (789.8 km2), of which 301.87 square miles (781.8 km2) was land (99%) and 3.09 square miles (8.0 km2) was water (1%). [4]
The high point is on Mine Mountain in Bernardsville, at approximately 860 feet (260 m) above sea level. [27] The lowest point is just above sea level on the Raritan River at the Middlesex County line.
In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Somerville have ranged from a low of 18 °F (−8 °C) in January to a high of 85 °F (29 °C) in July, although a record low of −16 °F (−27 °C) was recorded in January 1984 and a record high of 105 °F (41 °C) was recorded in August 1955. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.84 inches (72 mm) in February to 4.83 inches (123 mm) in July. [26]
The county has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa) except in lower areas along the Raritan River from Bound Brook downstream where the climate is now humid subtropical (Cfa). The hardiness zone is 7a except in a few small higher areas in the north which are 6b.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 12,296 | — | |
1800 | 12,815 | 4.2% | |
1810 | 14,725 | 14.9% | |
1820 | 16,506 | 12.1% | |
1830 | 17,689 | 7.2% | |
1840 | 17,455 | * | −1.3% |
1850 | 19,692 | 12.8% | |
1860 | 22,057 | 12.0% | |
1870 | 23,510 | 6.6% | |
1880 | 27,162 | 15.5% | |
1890 | 28,311 | 4.2% | |
1900 | 32,948 | 16.4% | |
1910 | 38,820 | 17.8% | |
1920 | 47,991 | 23.6% | |
1930 | 65,132 | 35.7% | |
1940 | 74,390 | 14.2% | |
1950 | 99,052 | 33.2% | |
1960 | 143,913 | 45.3% | |
1970 | 198,372 | 37.8% | |
1980 | 203,129 | 2.4% | |
1990 | 240,279 | 18.3% | |
2000 | 297,490 | 23.8% | |
2010 | 323,444 | 8.7% | |
2020 | 345,361 | 6.8% | |
2023 (est.) | 348,842 | [5] [7] | 1.0% |
Historical sources: 1790–1990 [28] 1970-2010 [10] 2010 [9] 2020 [5] [6] * = Lost territory in previous decade. |
As of the 2020 United States census, the county's had 345,361 people, 122,606 households, and 88,540 families. [29] The population density was 1,144.3 inhabitants per square mile (441.8/km2). There were 131,822 housing units at an average density of 436.77 per square mile (168.6/km2). [30] The racial makeup was 61.0% White, 10.0% African American, 0.2% Native American, 18.5% Asian, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 15.2% of the population. [31]
Of the 122,606 households, of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present and 27.8% were non-families, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.16.
About 21.5% of the population was under age 18, 8.4% was from age 18 to 24, 36.3% was from age 15 to 44, and 16.2% was age 65 or older. The median age was 42.2 years. The gender makeup was 49.2% male and 50.8% female. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. [32]
The median household income was $111,587, and the median family income was $135,129. About 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over. [33] [34]
The 2010 United States census counted 323,444 people, 117,759 households, and 84,669 families in the county. The population density was 1,071.7 per square mile (413.8/km2). There were 123,127 housing units at an average density of 408 per square mile (158/km2). The racial makeup was 70.06% (226,608) White, 8.95% (28,943) Black or African American, 0.17% (556) Native American, 14.11% (45,650) Asian, 0.03% (94) Pacific Islander, 4.13% (13,360) from other races, and 2.55% (8,233) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.01% (42,091) of the population. [9]
Of the 117,759 households, 35.9% had children under the age of 18; 58.8% were married couples living together; 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.1% were non-families. Of all households, 23.3% were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.22. [9]
25% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91.8 males. [9]
The Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated that the county's gross domestic product was $39.8 billion in 2021, which was ranked sixth in the state and was a 5.6% increase from the prior year. [35]
Based on IRS data for the 2004 tax year, Somerset County taxpayers had the ninth-highest average federal income tax liability per return in the country. Average tax liability was $16,502, representing 16.8% of adjusted gross income. [36]
The Somerset Patriots are a professional baseball team that plays at the 6,100-seat TD Bank Ballpark, located on the border of Bridgewater and Bound Brook. They played in the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball until they became the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees in 2021. [37]
Somerset County parks are under the administration of the Somerset County Parks Commission. [38] General parks are Natirar, Duke Island Park, Lord Stirling Park (part of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge), Colonial Park, North Branch Park, Skillman Park, East County Park and a park in development called Raritan River Greenway. Leonard J. Buck Garden is a botanical garden of the county. In addition, the Commission manages natural parks such as the Washington Valley Park (with biking and hiking trails) and the Sourland Mountain Preserve (hiking and mountain biking trails). [38]
The southeastern portion of Somerset County in Franklin Township also includes the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which provides hiking, biking and boating. [39]
The Parks Commission operates five public golf courses. [38] Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, an exclusive golf club owned by Donald Trump, [40] that he used as a Summer White House during his presidency. [41]
Somerset County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners, whose members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held on the first Friday of January, the board selects a Director and Deputy Director from among its members. [42] In 2016, commissioners (then known as freeholders) were paid $21,902 and the commissioner director was paid an annual salary of $22,902. [43] The Commissioners employ a full-time County Administrator who manages the day-to-day operations of the county government. The County Administrator is Colleen Mahr. [44] The Clerk of the County Commissioners oversees the work of their offices. Department heads are appointed in accordance with statute and by resolution of the board. Somerset County currently has approximately 1,100 full-time and 130 part-time employees in 52 divisions (including the Library System). [45]
As of 2024 [update] , Somerset County's County Commissioners are (with terms for director and deputy director ending every December 31): [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51]
Commissioner | Party, residence, term |
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Director Shanel Robinson | D, Franklin Township, 2024 [52] |
Deputy Director Sara Sooy | D, Bernards Township, 2024 [53] |
Paul Drake | D, Hillsborough Township, 2026 [54] |
Melonie Marano | D, Green Brook Township, 2025 [55] |
Douglas Singleterry | D, North Plainfield, 2026 [56] |
Democrats captured their first countywide office in 2018 since 1979, and in 2019 won a majority on the county commission for the first time since 1964. Republicans have not won a county-wide office since 2017. [57] Pursuant to Article VII Section II of the New Jersey State Constitution, each county in New Jersey is required to have three elected administrative officials known as "constitutional officers." These officers are the County Clerk and County Surrogate (both elected for five-year terms of office) and the County Sheriff (elected for a three-year term). [58] Constitutional officers, elected on a countywide basis, are: [48]
Title | Representative |
---|---|
County Clerk | Steve Peter (D, Somerville, 2027) [59] [60] |
Sheriff | Darrin Russo (D, Franklin Township, 2025) [61] [62] |
Surrogate | Bernice "Tina" Jalloh (D, Franklin Township, 2025) [63] [64] |
The Somerset County Prosecutor is Michael H. Robertson of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, who was nominated by the Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie in September 2016. [65] [66] Somerset County is a part of Vicinage 13 of the New Jersey Superior Court (along with Hunterdon County and Warren County), which is seated at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville; the Assignment Judge for Vicinage 15 is Thomas C. Miller. [67]
The 7th and 12th Congressional Districts cover the county. [68] [69] For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. ( R , Westfield ). [70] For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman ( D , Ewing Township ). [71] [72]
The 21 municipalities of Somerset County are represented by five legislative districts.
As of October 1, 2021, there were a total of 262,410 registered voters in Somerset County, of whom 92,921 (35.4%) were registered as Democrats, 66,455 (25.3%) were registered as Republicans and 100,367 (38.2%) were registered as unaffiliated. There were 2,667 voters (1.0%) registered to other parties. [74] Among the county's 2010 Census population, 67.1% were registered to vote, including 75.% of those ages 18 and over. [75] [76]
In the 2008, Barack Obama became the first Democratic presidential nominee to carry the county since Lyndon Johnson in 1964, and only the second since 1936. Obama won Somerset by a 6.1% margin over John McCain, with Obama carrying the state by 15.5% over McCain. [77] Somerset's growing Democratic trend at the presidential level has largely been spurred by the rapid growth of the overwhelmingly Democratic Franklin Township in the county's southeast corner. In the 2012 presidential election, the county was carried by Barack Obama, winning 52.8% of the vote to Mitt Romney's 47.2%, a 5.6% gap that represented a 0.5% drop off for Obama from his 2008 margin of victory in the county. [78] [79] In 2016, the county voted as Democratic as the state, and in 2020, Joe Biden won the largest share of the vote in the county for a Democrat since 1964, as the county voted more Democratic than the state as a whole for the first time since 1912.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
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No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 71,996 | 38.52% | 111,173 | 59.49% | 3,722 | 1.99% |
2016 | 65,505 | 41.70% | 85,689 | 54.55% | 5,898 | 3.75% |
2012 | 66,603 | 46.52% | 74,592 | 52.10% | 1,985 | 1.39% |
2008 | 70,085 | 46.28% | 79,321 | 52.38% | 2,024 | 1.34% |
2004 | 72,508 | 51.69% | 66,476 | 47.39% | 1,295 | 0.92% |
2000 | 59,725 | 49.61% | 56,232 | 46.71% | 4,420 | 3.67% |
1996 | 51,869 | 45.93% | 50,673 | 44.87% | 10,387 | 9.20% |
1992 | 56,044 | 46.39% | 42,867 | 35.48% | 21,902 | 18.13% |
1988 | 67,658 | 63.71% | 37,406 | 35.22% | 1,129 | 1.06% |
1984 | 66,303 | 66.77% | 31,924 | 32.15% | 1,069 | 1.08% |
1980 | 52,591 | 57.21% | 29,470 | 32.06% | 9,867 | 10.73% |
1976 | 51,260 | 57.15% | 36,258 | 40.43% | 2,173 | 2.42% |
1972 | 56,524 | 66.03% | 26,537 | 31.00% | 2,544 | 2.97% |
1968 | 42,459 | 54.11% | 27,580 | 35.14% | 8,436 | 10.75% |
1964 | 28,416 | 39.32% | 43,659 | 60.41% | 195 | 0.27% |
1960 | 36,200 | 55.81% | 28,489 | 43.92% | 174 | 0.27% |
1956 | 37,930 | 71.85% | 14,529 | 27.52% | 330 | 0.63% |
1952 | 31,239 | 63.34% | 18,007 | 36.51% | 74 | 0.15% |
1948 | 22,034 | 59.77% | 14,104 | 38.26% | 724 | 1.96% |
1944 | 20,266 | 58.29% | 14,467 | 41.61% | 37 | 0.11% |
1940 | 20,169 | 54.87% | 16,490 | 44.86% | 96 | 0.26% |
1936 | 15,806 | 49.57% | 15,987 | 50.14% | 94 | 0.29% |
1932 | 15,317 | 54.18% | 12,345 | 43.66% | 611 | 2.16% |
1928 | 16,386 | 66.66% | 8,120 | 33.03% | 74 | 0.30% |
1924 | 12,986 | 71.12% | 4,143 | 22.69% | 1,131 | 6.19% |
1920 | 10,962 | 71.02% | 4,192 | 27.16% | 281 | 1.82% |
1916 | 4,707 | 55.70% | 3,653 | 43.23% | 91 | 1.08% |
1912 | 2,068 | 27.94% | 3,146 | 42.50% | 2,188 | 29.56% |
1908 | 5,045 | 59.46% | 3,269 | 38.53% | 170 | 2.00% |
1904 | 4,633 | 57.57% | 3,195 | 39.70% | 219 | 2.72% |
1900 | 4,437 | 56.32% | 3,184 | 40.42% | 257 | 3.26% |
1896 | 4,388 | 60.18% | 2,608 | 35.77% | 295 | 4.05% |
In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 56% of the vote, defeating Democrat Jon Corzine, who received around 34%. In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Governor Chris Christie received 67.6% (58,981 votes) to Democrat Barbara Buono's 30.8% (26,913 votes). In the 2017 gubernatorial election, Republican Kim Guadagno received 47.9% of the vote (44,231 ballots cast) to Democrat Phil Murphy with 49.8% (45,935 votes), marking the first Democratic win in the county since 1989. [81] In the 2021 gubernatorial election, Republican Jack Ciattarelli received 47.7% of the vote (54,264 ballots cast) to Democrat Phil Murphy's 51.5% (58,585 votes), this made Somerset, along with neighboring Hunterdon, the only county to shift to the left in this election, despite Ciattarelli representing the county in the state assembly.
Year | Republican | Democratic |
---|---|---|
2021 | 47.7% 54,264 | 51.5%58,585 |
2017 | 47.9% 44,231 | 49.8%45,935 |
2013 | 67.6% 58,981 | 30.8% 26,913 |
2009 | 56.2% 57,481 | 34.3% 35,089 |
2005 | 52.7%49,406 | 43.3% 40,459 |
2001 | 52.2%44,815 | 45.6% 39,110 |
1997 | 57.3% 51,465 | 32.4% 29,089 |
1993 | 59.3% | 38.6% |
1989 | 47.1% 34,815 | 50.5% 37,159 |
1985 | 75.6% 44,502 | 23.1% 13,601 |
1981 | 62.5%43,697 | 35.9% 25,121 |
1977 | 56.1%40,164 | 40.9% 29,286 |
1973 | 32.9% 20,933 | 62.7% 39,864 |
School districts include: [83] [84] [85] [86]
Somerset County is home to two colleges:
Alma White College (which operated from 1921 to 1978) was a private college located in Zarephath. [90] Beginning in 1931 the college operated WAWZ 1380 on the AM radio dial. The station continued to 1984 after the school closed. The building is now occupied by Somerset Christian College.
Private schools in the county include Gill St. Bernard's School (in Gladstone), Immaculata High School (Somerville), Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung), Pingry School, Martinsville), Purnell School, Pottersville) and *Rutgers Preparatory School (Somerset). [91]
Somerset Hills Learning Institute, founded in 1998 and located in Bedminster Township, educates children on the autism spectrum by utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis. [92] In 2024, a local ShopRite store started selling salads grown by and packed by students in the school's hydroponics career training program. [93]
The 21 municipalities in Somerset County (with 2010 Census data for population, housing units, and area) are listed below. [94] Other unincorporated communities in the county are listed alongside their parent municipality (or municipalities, as the case may be). These areas include census-designated places (CDPs), which the United States Census Bureau created for enumeration purposes within a township. [10] Other communities, historical areas, unincorporated areas, and enclaves that exist within a municipality are also listed.
Municipality (with map key) | Map key | Mun. type | Pop. | Housing units | Total area | Water area | Land area | Pop. density | Housing density | School district | Communities [95] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bedminster Township | 21 | township | 8,067 | 4,349 | 26.30 | 0.22 | 26.08 | 313.1 | 166.8 | Somerset Hills (9-12) (S/R) Bedminster Township (PK-8) | Lamington Pluckemin Pottersville |
Bernards Township | 20 | township | 26,652 | 10,103 | 24.06 | 0.13 | 23.93 | 1,113.6 | 422.1 | Bernards Township | Basking Ridge Liberty Corner Lyons |
Bernardsville | 1 | borough | 7,707 | 2,871 | 12.98 | 0.08 | 12.91 | 597.2 | 222.5 | Somerset Hills | |
Bound Brook | 6 | borough | 10,402 | 3,816 | 1.69 | 0.04 | 1.66 | 6,269.6 | 2,300.0 | Bound Brook | |
Branchburg Township | 16 | township | 14,459 | 5,419 | 20.28 | 0.24 | 20.04 | 721.4 | 270.4 | Somerville (9-12) (S/R) Branchburg (PK-8) | Neshanic Station North Branch |
Bridgewater Township | 17 | township | 44,464 | 16,657 | 32.51 | 0.47 | 32.04 | 1,387.9 | 519.9 | Bridgewater-Raritan | Bradley Gardens CDP (14,206) Finderne CDP (5,600) Green Knoll CDP (6,200) Martinsville CDP (11,980) |
Far Hills | 3 | borough | 919 | 418 | 4.88 | 0.08 | 4.80 | 191.6 | 87.1 | Somerset Hills | |
Franklin Township | 14 | township | 62,300 | 24,426 | 46.85 | 0.70 | 46.15 | 1,350.0 | 529.3 | Franklin Township | Blackwells Mills CDP (803) Clyde CDP (213) East Franklin CDP (8,669) East Millstone CDP (579) East Rocky Hill CDP (469) Franklin Center CDP (4,460) Franklin Park CDP (13,295) Griggstown CDP (819) Kingston CDP (part; 271) Middlebush CDP (2,326) Pleasant Plains CDP (922) Rockingham Six Mile Run CDP (3,184) Somerset CDP (22,083) Ten Mile Run CDP (1,959) Voorhees CDP (976) Weston CDP (1,235) Zarephath CDP (37) |
Green Brook Township | 19 | township | 7,203 | 2,448 | 4.48 | 0.01 | 4.47 | 1,610.5 | 547.3 | Watchung Hills (9-12) Green Brook (PK-8) | |
Hillsborough Township | 15 | township | 38,303 | 14,030 | 55.00 | 0.47 | 54.54 | 702.3 | 257.3 | Hillsborough | Amwell Cloverhill Flagtown Neshanic South Branch Zion |
Manville | 8 | borough | 10,344 | 4,277 | 2.45 | 0.09 | 2.36 | 4,382.0 | 1,811.9 | Manville | |
Millstone | 11 | borough | 418 | 167 | 0.76 | 0.02 | 0.74 | 566.5 | 226.3 | Hillsborough (S/R) | |
Montgomery Township | 13 | township | 22,254 | 7,902 | 32.48 | 0.17 | 32.31 | 688.8 | 244.6 | Montgomery | Amwell Belle Mead CDP (216) Blawenburg CDP (280) Dutchtown Harlingen CDP (297) Skillman CDP (242) Stoutsburg Zion |
North Plainfield | 5 | borough | 21,936 | 7,848 | 2.81 | 0.01 | 2.79 | 7,850.0 | 2,808.5 | North Plainfield | |
Peapack-Gladstone | 2 | borough | 2,582 | 949 | 5.85 | 0.04 | 5.81 | 444.5 | 163.4 | Somerset Hills | Gladstone |
Raritan | 10 | borough | 6,881 | 2,847 | 2.04 | 0.04 | 1.99 | 3,452.2 | 1,428.3 | Bridgewater-Raritan | |
Rocky Hill | 12 | borough | 682 | 292 | 0.62 | 0.00 | 0.62 | 1,101.4 | 471.6 | Montgomery (S/R) | |
Somerville | 9 | borough | 12,098 | 4,951 | 2.36 | 0.03 | 2.33 | 5,189.5 | 2,123.8 | Somerville | |
South Bound Brook | 7 | borough | 4,563 | 1,865 | 0.75 | 0.10 | 0.66 | 6,933.8 | 2,834.0 | Bound Brook (9-12) (S/R) South Bound Brook (PK-8) | |
Warren Township | 18 | township | 15,311 | 5,258 | 19.64 | 0.08 | 19.57 | 782.5 | 268.7 | Watchung Hills (9-12) Warren Township (PK-8) | |
Watchung | 4 | borough | 5,801 | 2,234 | 6.05 | 0.03 | 6.03 | 962.7 | 370.7 | Watchung Hills (9-12) Watchung (PK-8) | |
Somerset County | county | 323,444 | 123,127 | 304.86 | 3.04 | 301.81 | 1,071.7 | 408.0 |
Somerset County is served by a number of different routes. As of May 2010 [update] , the county had a total of 1,714.99 miles (2,760.01 km) of roadways, of which 1,370.80 miles (2,206.09 km) were maintained by the local municipality, 234.23 miles (376.96 km) by Somerset County and 109.96 miles (176.96 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. [96]
Major county roads that pass through include County Route 512, County Route 514, County Route 518, County Route 523, County Route 525, County Route 527, County Route 529, County Route 531 and County Route 533.
The only two state routes that traverse through the county are Route 27 (only in Franklin) and Route 28.
U.S. Routes include U.S. Route 22, U.S. Route 202 and U.S. Route 206.
The two Interstates that pass through Somerset County are Interstate 78 and Interstate 287.
Interstate 95 was planned to run along the Somerset Freeway from its proposed southern end in Hopewell Township, Mercer County to Franklin Township at I-287 in the 1960s. However, this plan was cancelled in 1983.
Route 18 runs at the New Brunswick border of Somerset.
NJ Transit provides train service on the Gladstone Branch and the Raritan Valley Line. [97] [98] Public bus transportation is provided by several transit agencies. [99]
NJ Transit provides bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, as well as service to major cities in New Jersey and within Somerset County. [100] Ridewise provides three SCOOT shuttles [101] as well as DASH buses and CAT buses. [102] [103]
Hunterdon County is a county located in the western section of the U.S. state of New Jersey. At the 2020 census, the county was the state's 4th-least populous county, with a population of 128,947, an increase of 598 (+0.5%) from the 2010 census count of 128,349. Its county seat is Flemington. The county is part of the Central Jersey region of the state.
Bloomsbury is a borough in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 792, a decrease of 78 (−9.0%) from the 2010 census count of 870, which in turn reflected a decline of 16 (−1.8%) from the 886 counted in the 2000 census.
Clinton is a town in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located on the South Branch of the Raritan River in the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the town's population was 2,773, an increase of 54 (+2.0%) from the 2010 census count of 2,719, which in turn reflected an increase of 87 (+3.3%) from the 2,632 counted in the 2000 census. Despite its relatively small population, Clinton is the predominant control city for Interstate 78 traveling westbound from Newark.
Clinton Township is a township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 13,505, an increase of 27 (+0.2%) from the 2010 census count of 13,478, which in turn reflected an increase of 521 (+4.0%) from the 12,957 counted in the 2000 census.
Delaware Township is a township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Part of the township is on the Hunterdon Plateau, while the southern portions are in the Amwell Valley. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 4,560, a decrease of three people (−0.1%) from the 2010 census count of 4,563, which in turn reflected an increase of 85 (+1.9%) from the 4,478 counted in the 2000 census.
East Amwell Township is a township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 3,917, a decrease of 96 (−2.4%) from the 2010 census count of 4,013, which in turn reflected a decline of 442 (−9.9%) from the 4,455 counted in the 2000 census.
Flemington is a borough in and the county seat of Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Most of the borough is located in the Amwell Valley, a low-lying area of the Newark Basin, and the Raritan Valley, the South Branch of the Raritan River, which flows through the center of Flemington. Northwestern portions of the borough sit on the Hunterdon Plateau. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 4,876, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 295 (+6.4%) from the 2010 census count of 4,581, which in turn reflected an increase of 381 (+9.1%) from the 4,200 counted in the 2000 census.
Lebanon Township is the northernmost township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 6,195, a decrease of 393 (−6.0%) from the 2010 census count of 6,588, which in turn reflected an increase of 772 (+13.3%) from the 5,816 counted in the 2000 census.
Raritan Township is a township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 23,447, an increase of 1,262 (+5.7%) from the 2010 census count of 22,185, which in turn reflected an increase of 2,376 (+12.0%) from the 19,809 counted in the 2000 census. The township is located within the heart of the Amwell Valley and Raritan Valley regions, as the South Branch of the Raritan River flows through the center of the township. The northwestern portion of the township is located on the Hunterdon Plateau.
Readington Township is a township located in the easternmost portion of Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 16,128, an increase of two people (+0.0%) from the 2010 census count of 16,126, which in turn reflected an increase of 323 (+2.0%) from the 15,803 counted in the 2000 census.
Stockton is a borough in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The borough sits on the Delaware River at the western end of Amwell Valley. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 495, a decrease of 43 (−8.0%) from the 2010 census count of 538, which in turn reflected a decline of 22 (−3.9%) from the 560 counted in the 2000 census.
Tewksbury Township is a township located in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey and is located within the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 5,870, a decrease of 123 (−2.1%) from the 2010 census count of 5,993, which in turn reflected an increase of 452 (+8.2%) from the 5,541 counted in the 2000 census.
Union Township is a township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The southwest half of the township lies on what is known as the Hunterdon Plateau, the northwest corner consists of the Musconetcong Ridge and the northeast section is part of the lower-lying Newark Basin around Spruce Run Reservoir. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 6,507, its highest ever decennial count and an increase of 599 (+10.1%) from the 2010 census count of 5,908, which in turn reflected a decline of 252 (−4.1%) from the 6,160 counted in the 2000 census.
West Amwell Township is a township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 3,005, a decrease of 835 (−21.7%) from the 2010 census count of 3,840, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,457 (+61.1%) from the 2,383 counted in the 2000 census.
Bridgewater Township is a township in Somerset County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located within the heart of the Raritan Valley region. Situated within Central New Jersey and crisscrossed by several major highways, the township is known for being both the regional commercial hub for Somerset County and as a suburban bedroom community of New York City within the New York Metropolitan Area. The township is located roughly 32 miles (51 km) away from Manhattan and about 20 miles (32 km) away from Staten Island.
Green Brook Township is a township in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is centrally located within the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 7,281, an increase of 78 (+1.1%) from the 2010 census count of 7,203, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,549 (+27.4%) from the 5,654 counted in the 2000 census.
North Plainfield is a borough in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located within the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 22,808, an increase of 872 (+4.0%) from the 2010 census count of 21,936, which in turn reflected an increase of 833 (+3.9%) from the 21,103 counted in the 2000 census.
Raritan is a borough in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 7,835, its highest decennial census count ever and an increase of 954 (+13.9%) from the 2010 census count of 6,881, which in turn had reflected an increase of 543 (+8.6%) from the 6,338 counted at the 2000 census.
Warren Township is a township in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The township is a bedroom suburb of New York City in the much larger New York metropolitan area, located within the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 15,923, an increase of 612 (+4.0%) from the 2010 census count of 15,311, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,052 (+7.4%) from the 14,259 counted in the 2000 census. Warren is situated in northeastern Somerset County bordering both Morris and Union counties.
Watchung is a borough in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located approximately 29 miles (47 km) west of New York City. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 6,449, an increase of 648 (+11.2%) from the 2010 census count of 5,801, which in turn reflected an increase of 188 (+3.3%) from the 5,613 counted in the 2000 census. It is located within the Raritan Valley region.