Edison
RANK #533 / 996 NAT · #9 / 21 NJ · POP 860,147
1YR FORECAST: +1.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
Middlesex County, New Jersey, is often recognized for its central location and the presence of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, a hub for sciences, arts, and culture. Situated between New York City and Philadelphia, the county offers a balance of suburban and urban experiences. Commuters have access to NJ Transit and Amtrak services, with major roadways like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway intersecting within its borders. The county also features an extensive public park system, including Roosevelt Park in Edison and Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and various sports.
Life in Middlesex County appeals to families and professionals seeking suburban comfort with urban accessibility. The county's economy is driven by sectors such as life sciences, food innovation, and autonomous technology, with significant investments in research and development. Educational institutions like Rutgers University and the Middlesex County Magnet Schools contribute to a skilled workforce. The area maintains a relatively low crime rate and offers diverse communities with various cultural backgrounds.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
HELIX Complex (Morris Cancer Center, NJ Innovation Hub, Nokia Bell Labs HQ, Mixed-Use Development)
New Brunswick Development Corporation, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health, Nokia Bell Labs, SJP Properties, NJEDA
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Woods Landing Storage LLC Battery Storage Project (200 MW)
Woods Landing Storage LLC
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Middlesex County Utilities Authority (MCUA) Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Production Facility
Middlesex County Utilities Authority (MCUA)
|
$165M | Under Construction |
|
South River Battery Energy Storage System (10MW/15MWh)
OnSite Partners
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan (Middlesex College Student Center, Multipurpose Community Venue, Innovation Magnet School)
Middlesex County, Middlesex College, Rutgers Athletics
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Middlesex County scores 46/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#533). Median household income is $105,206 and job growth is running at +0.2%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Middlesex County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $411,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $1,739/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Middlesex County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs +0.2%. Home values shifted +3.8% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.63% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Middlesex County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.