Elizabeth
RANK #496 / 996 NAT · #7 / 21 NJ · POP 572,079
1YR FORECAST: +1.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
Union County, New Jersey, distinguishes itself with towns like Cranford, often called the "Venice of New Jersey" due to its proximity to the Rahway River, offering paddle boating and scenic parks. Located in northeastern New Jersey, the county is about 20-25 miles west of New York City, making it a commuter-friendly area with various train and bus options. The community feel varies from upscale suburbs to vibrant urban centers, all while providing access to over 6,200 acres of parkland, including the 2,000-acre Watchung Reservation with hiking trails and a nature center.
Life in Union County attracts families and professionals, many of whom commute to nearby New York City or Newark. The county's public school systems are above average, with institutions like Union County Magnet High School ranking highly. The economy is diverse, with major investments in commercial and residential developments, industrial and logistics facilities, and infrastructure upgrades, including significant enhancements at Newark Liberty International Airport. Healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and transportation and warehousing are notable employment sectors.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.3x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Terminal A Redevelopment
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
|
$2,700M | Completed |
|
Former General Motors Plant Redevelopment (Retail & Industrial/Warehousing)
Undisclosed Developers
|
$550M | Under Construction |
|
L'Oreal Research and Development Center
L'Oreal
|
$200M | Under Construction |
|
Sullivan Chevrolet Site Redevelopment (Residential & Retail) - Phase I
Undisclosed Developer
|
$140M | Under Construction |
|
Union Public Library
Union Township
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., Navisun LLC)
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Union County scores 50/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#496). Median household income is $95,000 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.
Union County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $458,000 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.21 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,570/month on average.
Population and employment in Union County are both close to flat — population +0.0% YoY and jobs +0.2%. Home values shifted +3.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.91% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Union County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.