Middlesex, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Middlesex, New Jersey
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Borough
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Victor Crowell Park, featuring the duck pond
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Location of Middlesex in Middlesex County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Middlesex County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
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Census Bureau map of Middlesex, New Jersey
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 Middlesex, New Jersey
Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Middlesex, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Middlesex, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  New Jersey |
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| County | Middlesex | |
| Incorporated | April 9, 1913 | |
| Named for | Middlesex, England | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Borough | |
| • Body | Borough Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 3.51 sq mi (9.09 km2) | |
| • Land | 3.49 sq mi (9.03 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2) 0.63% | |
| Area rank | 315th of 565 in state 16th of 25 in county |
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| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 14,636 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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14,461 | |
| • Rank | 181st of 565 in state 18th of 25 in county |
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| • Density | 4,196.1/sq mi (1,620.1/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 147th of 565 in state 12th of 25 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
08846
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| Area code(s) | 732 | |
| FIPS code | 3402345900 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0885299 | |
| Website | ||
Middlesex is a borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is part of the Raritan Valley region. In 2020, the borough had a population of 14,636 people. This was the highest number of people ever counted in Middlesex.
Middlesex officially became a borough on April 9, 1913. This happened after people in the area voted for it. The borough was named after Middlesex, England.
Contents
History of Middlesex
Middlesex has a long history, especially with its schools and emergency services.
Early Schools in Middlesex
The Harris Lane School was one of the oldest schools in Middlesex County. It was a one-room schoolhouse built in the 1790s. The original Pierce School was known as the East Bound Brook School House. The Parker House was also used for teaching before it became a home. As the borough grew, new schools were built for more students. Our Lady of Mt. Virgin School was the first private school, built in 1954.
Starting the Fire Department
In 1905, the Lincoln area of Middlesex started a volunteer fire company. This led to the creation of four more fire companies in the borough. These volunteers help keep the community safe.
Becoming a Borough
Middlesex used to be part of Piscataway Township. On May 6, 1913, it became its own separate borough. This happened after a vote by the local people. George Harris was elected as the first mayor. The first borough council was also elected at the same time. At first, two constables were in charge of law enforcement. Later, five marshals were added to help them.
Geography of Middlesex
Middlesex covers about 3.51 square miles (9.09 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Nearby Towns and Cities
Middlesex borders several other towns. In Middlesex County, it borders Dunellen and Piscataway Township. In Somerset County, it borders Bound Brook, Bridgewater Township, Green Brook Township, and South Bound Brook.
Middlesex is located in the central part of the Raritan Valley. This area includes other towns like Dunellen, Bound Brook, and South Bound Brook.
Population of Middlesex
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 1,852 | — | |
| 1930 | 3,504 | 89.2% | |
| 1940 | 3,763 | 7.4% | |
| 1950 | 5,943 | 57.9% | |
| 1960 | 10,520 | 77.0% | |
| 1970 | 15,038 | 42.9% | |
| 1980 | 13,480 | −10.4% | |
| 1990 | 13,055 | −3.2% | |
| 2000 | 13,717 | 5.1% | |
| 2010 | 13,635 | −0.6% | |
| 2020 | 14,636 | 7.3% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 14,461 | 6.1% | |
| Population sources: 1920 1920–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020 |
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Middlesex in 2010
In 2010, there were 13,635 people living in Middlesex. There were almost 5,000 households. The population density was about 3,876 people per square mile. Most residents were White (81.24%). Other groups included Black or African American (5.13%) and Asian (6.00%). About 16.47% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average household had 2.73 people. The average family had 3.22 people. About 22.5% of the population was under 18 years old. The median age was 40.7 years.
Education in Middlesex
The Middlesex Board of Education manages the public schools in the borough. Students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade attend these schools. In the 2020–21 school year, there were 2,018 students across five schools. There was about one teacher for every 11 students.
Schools in the District
- Hazelwood Elementary School: Serves students in Pre-K to 3rd grade.
- Parker Elementary School: Serves students in Kindergarten to 3rd grade.
- Watchung Elementary School: Serves students in Kindergarten to 3rd grade.
- Woodland Intermediate School: This school was created in 2020–2021.
- Von E. Mauger Middle School: Serves students in 4th to 8th grade.
- Middlesex High School: Serves students in 9th to 12th grade.
The superintendent of the district is Roberta Freeman.
County Vocational Schools
Eighth-grade students in Middlesex County can apply to special high school programs. These are offered by the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools. These schools provide career and technical education. They have campuses in Edison, Woodbridge Township, East Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and Piscataway. Students do not have to pay tuition to attend these schools.
Parks in Middlesex
Middlesex Borough has many parks for everyone to enjoy.
Victor Crowell Park (Duck Pond)
Victor Crowell Park is often called the Duck Pond. It has playground equipment for kids. There is also a walking trail and small docks with benches. You can sit and watch the water there. In August 2023, there was a report of an alligator in the pond. It was not caught at that time.
Mountain View Park
Mountain View Park is a large open space in the middle of the borough. It has many things to do and offers a nice view of the Watchung Mountains.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is where the old Central Railroad of New Jersey train station used to be. This station served the community, which was once called Lincoln. A statue of Abraham Lincoln was placed in the park in 1898. This statue was made by Alfonso Pelzer.
Transportation in Middlesex
Middlesex has a network of roads and public transportation options.
Roads and Highways
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As of 2010, Middlesex had about 54.86 miles of roads. Most of these roads are maintained by the borough itself. New Jersey Route 28 is the main highway that goes through Middlesex. Route 28 connects to Interstate 287. Also, U.S. Route 22 is just north of the borough.
Public Transportation
NJ Transit provides bus service for Middlesex residents. You can take buses to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan on the 114 route. Buses also go to Newark on the 65 and 66 routes. In the past, there was a train station in the Lincoln neighborhood. Today, a public park with a statue of Abraham Lincoln marks its location.
Notable People from Middlesex
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Middlesex:
- Tige Andrews (1920–2007), an actor known for The Mod Squad.
- Margaret Bourke-White (1904–1971), a famous photo-journalist. Her childhood home is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
- Mary Mohler (born 1984), a former competitive swimmer. She once held a world record in the Women's 200-meter butterfly.
- Rocco Rock (1953–2002), a professional wrestler. He was part of the tag team The Public Enemy.
- Tom Scharpling (born 1969), host of the internet radio show and podcast The Best Show with Tom Scharpling.
- Charlie Weis (born 1956), a former head coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. He graduated from Middlesex High School.
See also
In Spanish: Middlesex (Nueva Jersey) para niños
