New Jersey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids New Jersey
State
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  The Garden State
Motto(s):  Liberty and prosperity
Location of New Jersey within the United States
Country	United States
Before statehood	Province of New Jersey
Admitted to the Union	December 18, 1787 (3rd)
Capital	Trenton
Largest city	Newark
Largest county or equivalent	Bergen
Largest metro and urban areas	New York
Legislature	New Jersey Legislature
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	General Assembly
Judiciary	Supreme Court of New Jersey
U.S. senators	Cory Booker (D) Andy Kim (D)
U.S. House delegation	9 Democrats 3 Republicans (list)
Area
• Total	8,722.58 sq mi (22,591.38 km2)
• Land	7,354.22 sq mi (19,047.34 km2)
• Water	1,368.36 sq mi (3,544.04 km2)  15.7%
Area rank	47th
Dimensions
• Length	170 mi (273 km)
• Width	70 mi (112 km)
Elevation	250 ft (80 m)
Highest elevation (High Point)	1,803 ft (549.6 m)
Lowest elevation (Atlantic Ocean)	0 ft (0 m)
Population  (2024)
• Total	9,500,851
• Rank	11th
• Density	1,291.9/sq mi (498.8/km2)
• Density rank	1st
• Median household income	$99,800 (2023)
• Income rank	3rd
Demonym(s)	New Jerseyan (official), New Jerseyite
Language
• Official language	None
• Spoken language	English (only) 69.4% Spanish 15.9% Indo-Aryan 2.7% Chinese 1.5% Korean 1.1% French 0.97% Tagalog 0.94% Portuguese 0.91% Italian 0.83% Arabic 0.76% Polish 0.72% Russian 0.57%
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (EDT)
USPS abbreviation	NJ
ISO 3166 code	US-NJ
Traditional abbreviation	N.J.
Latitude	38°56′ N to 41°21′ N
Longitude	73°54′ W to 75°34′ W

New Jersey, often called "The Garden State," is a state in the Mid-Atlantic part of the United States. It shares borders with New York to the north and east. To its east, southeast, and south is the Atlantic Ocean. The Delaware River and Pennsylvania are to its west. Finally, Delaware Bay and Delaware are to its southwest.

The state capital is Trenton. The largest city in New Jersey is Newark.

History of New Jersey

Washington Crossing the Delaware shows George Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776 before the Battle of Trenton.

Washington Rallying the Americans at the Battle of Princeton shows George Washington leading troops at the Battle of Princeton in 1777.

People called Paleo-Indians lived in New Jersey as far back as 13,000 B.C.E. When Europeans arrived in the early 1600s, the Lenape were the main Indigenous group. Dutch and Swedish settlers created the first European towns. Later, the British took control and named the area the Province of New Jersey. It was named after the largest of the Channel Islands.

New Jersey's good farmland and religious freedom attracted many different people. It was one of the Thirteen Colonies that supported the American Revolution. Many important battles of the American Revolutionary War happened here. On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to approve the United States Constitution. This made it an official state. It was also the first state to approve the U.S. Bill of Rights on November 20, 1789.

New Jersey stayed with the Union during the American Civil War. It provided soldiers, supplies, and leaders to help the Union Army. After the war, New Jersey became a big center for manufacturing. Many immigrants came to the state, helping the Industrial Revolution grow in the U.S.

New Jersey was a place for many new ideas and inventions. For example, Roselle was the first town lit by electricity. The first light bulb and steam locomotive were also invented here. Many important Americans from New Jersey have made a difference around the world.

New Jersey's location in the busy Northeast helped it grow quickly. Many suburbs appeared in the second half of the 1900s. Since the 2000s, the state's economy has become very varied. Important industries now include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, finance, and tourism.

Geography and Regions

Sunrise at Spring Lake on the Jersey Shore (top) and sunset at Sunset Beach in Cape May County (bottom).

The Hudson Palisades in Englewood Cliffs. It overlooks the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and Manhattan skyscrapers.

The Delaware Water Gap is shared by Warren County and Pennsylvania.

The Raritan River is New Jersey's longest river. It flows from Raritan Valley near Clinton to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson became a U.S. National Historical Park in 2009.

New Jersey is in the middle of the Northeast megalopolis. This is the most populated urban area in America. New York borders it to the north and northeast. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east. Delaware is to the southwest across Delaware Bay. Pennsylvania is to the west across the Delaware River.

New Jersey is usually split into three main areas: North, Central, and South Jersey. Some people do not think Central Jersey is a separate region. Within these regions are five different areas based on natural features and how many people live there.

Northeastern New Jersey is called the Gateway Region. It is very close to Manhattan in New York City. Many people travel to New York City for work every day. The Jersey Shore is along the Atlantic Coast. It has its own special nature and culture because it is by the ocean. South Jersey is the southernmost part of the northeastern United States. The Delaware Valley includes the southwestern counties. These counties are around Philadelphia.

Even though New Jersey has many cities and a long history of factories, about 45 percent of its land is covered by forests. This is about 2.1 million acres. Northwestern New Jersey, known as the Skylands Region, has more woods, farms, and mountains. The main tree in the northern forests is the oak. The New Jersey Pine Barrens is in the southern part of New Jersey. It is mostly covered by pine and oak trees. Fewer people live here than in most of the state.

High Point in Montague Township is the state's highest spot. It is 1,803 feet (550 m) above sea level. The Palisades are steep cliffs on the west side of the Hudson River. Major New Jersey rivers include the Hudson, Delaware, and Raritan. Because New Jersey is a peninsula, you can see both sunrise and sunset over the water from different spots on the Jersey Shore.

Key Geographic Features

The Jersey Shore has many inlets, like Manasquan Inlet. This photo shows a sunset from the jetty at Manasquan.

• Meadowlands
• New Jersey Pine Barrens
• Delaware Water Gap
• Great Bay
• Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
• Highlands
• Hudson Palisades
• Jersey Shore
  • New Jersey has the most oceanside boardwalks in the world.
• Ramapo Mountain
• South Mountain

Climate and Weather

New Jersey has two climate zones. The very southern parts have a humid subtropical climate. This means hot, humid summers and mild winters. The rest of the state has a humid continental climate. This means warm to hot summers and cold winters. New Jersey gets between 2,400 and 2,800 hours of sunshine each year.

Summers are usually hot and humid. High temperatures are typically between 82–87 °F (28–31 °C). Lows are between 60–69 °F (16–21 °C). Winters are generally cold. High temperatures are around 34–43 °F (1–6 °C). Lows are about 16 to 28 °F (−9 to −2 °C) for most of the state. Spring and autumn can have big temperature changes. They are also less humid than summer.

The state gets between 43 to 51 inches (1,100 to 1,300 mm) of rain or snow each year. This amount is spread evenly throughout the year. Average snowfall in winter ranges from 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) in the south and near the coast. It is 15–30 inches (38–76 cm) in the northeast and central areas. In the northwestern highlands, it can be about 40–50 inches (1.0–1.3 m). It rains or snows about 120 days a year. There are 25 to 30 thunderstorms, mostly in the summer.

In winter and early spring, New Jersey can have nor'easters. These storms can bring blizzards or floods to the northeastern U.S. Hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes are rare.

Major Cities and Towns

New Jersey has many interesting cities and towns. Let's look at a few:

• Trenton: This is the state capital. It's on the Delaware River and has a long history. The New Jersey State House, where important laws are made, is located here.

• Newark: This is the state's largest city. It's a big place for transportation and has many different cultures. Newark has a lively arts and culture scene.

• Jersey City: Located across the Hudson River from New York City, Jersey City has amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. It's a busy city with old and new architecture.

• Atlantic City: This famous coastal city is known for its casinos and boardwalk. It's a popular place for tourists, especially in the summer.

• Princeton: Home to Princeton University, a famous university, Princeton is a charming town with a rich history of learning.

Economy and Jobs

Sunset on the beach at Atlantic City. This city is a beach resort known for its gambling industry.

New Jersey has a varied economy. Farming is important, but the state also has strong factories. They make many different products. Pharmaceuticals (medicines), chemicals, and food processing are big industries. Many people also work in finance, technology, and tourism.

The state is home to many large companies and businesses. This creates lots of jobs for people who live in New Jersey.

Natural Resources and Energy

Some mining of zinc, iron, and manganese still happens. This is in and around the Franklin Furnace in Sussex County.

New Jersey uses a lot of energy for its industries. However, its total energy use is only 2.7% of the U.S. total. Its carbon dioxide emissions are only 0.8% of the U.S. total. New Jersey gets most of its electricity from natural gas and nuclear power. The state is seventh in the nation for solar power setups. This is thanks to good policies that support renewable energy. New Jersey has over 140,000 solar installations.

Transportation System

New Jersey has a very good transportation system. It has many highways. These make it easy to travel around the state and to nearby states. New Jersey connects to New York City with important bridges and tunnels. The George Washington Bridge has two levels. It carries more car traffic than any other bridge in the world. About 102 million vehicles use it each year.

The state also has a strong public transportation system. This includes buses and trains. It helps people get around without needing a car. The Port of New Jersey is a major port. It handles a large amount of goods.

Government and Laws

The New Jersey State House in Trenton has a dome. Its design is different from most other U.S. state houses.

Like all states, New Jersey has its own government. It has a governor, who leads the executive branch. The governor's home is Drumthwacket, located in Princeton.

The state legislature makes the laws. It is made up of the Senate and the General Assembly. New Jersey is one of only five states that elects its state officials in odd-numbered years. These elections happen every four years. They are in the year after each federal Presidential election.

The judicial branch explains what the laws mean. The state government works to provide services for its citizens. These services include education, healthcare, and public safety.

Administrative Divisions

The U.S. Census Bureau divides New Jersey's 21 counties into seven metropolitan areas. Most counties are part of the New York City or Philadelphia combined statistical areas. Warren County is part of the Pennsylvania-based Lehigh Valley metro area.

Counties of New Jersey

Here are the 21 counties in New Jersey. They are listed by how many people live in them (as of the 2020 census):

• Bergen County: 955,732 people
• Essex County: 863,728 people
• Middlesex County: 863,162 people
• Hudson County: 724,854 people
• Monmouth County: 643,615 people
• Ocean County: 637,229 people
• Union County: 575,345 people
• Passaic County: 524,118 people
• Camden County: 523,485 people
• Morris County: 509,285 people
• Burlington County: 461,860 people
• Mercer County: 387,340 people
• Somerset County: 345,361 people
• Gloucester County: 302,294 people
• Atlantic County: 274,534 people
• Cumberland County: 154,152 people
• Sussex County: 144,221 people
• Hunterdon County: 128,947 people
• Warren County: 109,632 people
• Cape May County: 95,263 people
• Salem County: 64,837 people

Municipalities by Area

New Jersey has many towns and cities. But it doesn't have many very large cities compared to its population. This is especially true in Bergen County, which has the most people. Its 955,732 residents in 2020 lived in 70 towns. The largest of these is Hackensack, with 46,030 residents. Many city areas spread out far beyond one main city. This is because New Jersey towns tend to be small in size. Most of the largest cities by population have less than 20 square miles (52 km²) of land. As of 2020, seven towns had over 100,000 residents.

People and Population

New Jersey's population density in 2020.

Ethnic origins of people in New Jersey.

People from New Jersey are usually called New Jerseyans. Sometimes they are called New Jerseyites. In 2020, the state had 9,288,994 people. This was a 5.7% increase since 2010. New Jersey is the eleventh most populated state. It is also the most crowded state, with 1,185 people per square mile.

New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the country. In 2022, over one-fifth of its residents were Hispanic or Latino (21.5%). Also, 15.3% were Black, and one-tenth were Asian.

Map of counties in New Jersey by racial group, based on the 2020 census.

Legend

Non-Hispanic White      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Black or African American      40–50% Hispanic or Latino      40–50%

Culture and Fun Activities

New Jersey has many ways to have fun. From its beautiful beaches to its state parks and forests, there's something for everyone. Many people enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

The state also has a lively arts and culture scene. There are many museums, theaters, and music places. Many festivals and events happen all year. They celebrate the state's diverse heritage.

New Jersey Cuisine

New Jersey is known for several foods. These foods were created in the region. They include Taylor Ham (also called pork roll), sloppy joe sandwiches, tomato pies, salt water taffy, and Texas wieners. Just as New York City's food affects North Jersey, Philadelphia's food affects South Jersey.

New Jersey's third-largest industry is food and farming. It is just behind medicines and tourism. New Jersey is one of the top 10 producers of blueberries, cranberries, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, apples, spinach, squash, and asparagus in the United States. Many restaurants in the state use ingredients grown locally because of this.

Campbell's Soup Company has been in Camden since 1869. Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., has an office in Jersey City. Mars Wrigley Confectionery's U.S. headquarters has been in Hackettstown and Newark since 2007.

Several states with many Italian American people claim to have invented submarine sandwiches. New Jersey is one of them.

Places to Visit

Boardwalks for Fun

The Atlantic City boardwalk, seen from Caesars Atlantic City. It opened in 1870 as the world's first boardwalk. At 5+1⁄2 miles (8.9 km) long, it is also the world's longest and busiest. New Jersey has the most boardwalks in the world.

New Jersey has the most boardwalks in the world. Many towns along the Jersey Shore have boardwalks. They offer attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining, arcades, water parks, and amusement parks. The Atlantic City boardwalk opened in 1870. It was the world's first boardwalk. At 5+1⁄2 miles (8.9 km) long, it is also the world's longest and busiest.

Museums to Explore

National Park Areas

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Crossroads of the American Revolution
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
• Gateway National Recreation Area
• Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River
• Morristown National Historical Park
• New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve
• Patterson Great Falls National Historical Park
• Statue of Liberty National Monument (with Ellis Island)
• Thomas Edison National Historical Park
• Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route

Entertainment and Concert Venues

Visitors and residents enjoy many music, theater, and dance shows. These happen at places all over the state. Some of these venues include:

Theme Parks for Adventure

The skyline of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township. As of 2013, it was the world's largest theme park. On the far left is Kingda Ka, the world's tallest roller coaster.

Stadiums and Arenas

Other Sports Venues

• Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
• Trenton Speedway
• Atlantic City Race Course
• Freehold Raceway
• Garden State Park Racetrack
• Monmouth Park Racetrack
• Meadowlands Sports Complex
  • Meadowlands Arena
  • Meadowlands Racetrack
  • Meadowlands Grand Prix

Interesting Facts About New Jersey

• New Jersey is the fifth-smallest state in land area.
• It is one of the most educated, wealthy, healthy, diverse, and developed states in the U.S.
• New Jersey has more scientists and engineers per square mile than anywhere else in the world.
• It has the highest number of millionaires compared to its population among all states.
• In 2024, New Jersey was ranked as having the second-healthiest population overall.
• Diners are very famous in New Jersey. The state has many diner makers and over 600 diners. This is more than any other place in the world.
• It is the only state that has never had an official state song.
• New Jersey is where many modern inventions were born. These include FM radio, the motion picture camera, the lithium battery, the light bulb, transistors, and the electric train. Other New Jersey creations include: the drive-in movie, the cultivated blueberry, cranberry sauce, the boardwalk, the zipper, the phonograph, saltwater taffy, the dirigible, the seedless watermelon, the first use of a submarine in warfare, and the ice cream cone.

Images for kids

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  A map of New Netherland and New Sweden in New Jersey during the colonial era.

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  Map of the 107-mile-long (172 km) Morris Canal across North Jersey.

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  India Square in Jersey City has the most Asian Indians in the Western Hemisphere.

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  Koreatown, Bergen County, across the George Washington Bridge from New York City.

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  Metropolitan statistical areas and divisions of New Jersey. Blue areas are part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Green areas belong to the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area.

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  Employment by industries in New Jersey. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates New Jersey's gross state product was $753 billion in late 2022.

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  A map showing median income distribution in New Jersey by county.

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  Cranberry harvest.

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  New Jersey's telephone area codes.

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  The Downtown Jersey City waterfront skyline is called Wall Street West.

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  Old Queens at Rutgers University, New Jersey's largest state university system.

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  Nassau Hall at Princeton University, an Ivy League university. It was briefly the U.S. Capitol in the 1700s.

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  Map of New Jersey's major transportation networks and cities.

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  The George Washington Bridge connects Fort Lee (foreground) to New York City (background). It is the world's busiest motor vehicle bridge.

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  A NJ Transit train on the Northeast Corridor in Rahway.

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  Two Hudson–Bergen Light Rail trains in Jersey City.

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  Cape May–Lewes Ferry connects New Jersey and Delaware across Delaware Bay.

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  New Brunswick, known as the Hub City and Healthcare City. It is a key city for learning, healthcare, and culture in New Jersey.

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  A 1950s-style diner in Orange.

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  MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. It is one of only two NFL stadiums shared by two teams. It is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets.

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  Prudential Center in Newark, home of the NHL's New Jersey Devils.

See also

In Spanish: Nueva Jersey para niños