New Jersey State Facts & Information

As of July 1, 2024, New Jersey's population reached 9,500,851, representing a 1.3% increase (121,209 people) from 2023 and a 2.3% increase since April 2020. New Jersey ranks first in the Northeast for year-over-year growth, outpacing every other state in the region. With approximately 1,263 residents per square mile, New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States.

Phil Murphy (Democratic Party) is the 56th Governor of New Jersey, serving since January 16, 2018. He was re-elected in November 2021, making history as the first Democratic Governor in New Jersey to be elected to a second term in more than 40 years. Murphy currently serves as Finance Chair of the Democratic Governors Association and previously served as Chair of both the National Governors Association and Democratic Governors Association simultaneously.

Trenton is the capital city of New Jersey, having been designated on November 25, 1790. With a 2020 population of 90,871, Trenton is the 10th-most populous municipality statewide. Newark is New Jersey's largest city with over 311,000 residents (305,344 in 2020 census), known for its cultural diversity and vibrant history.

New Jersey's economy has a GDP of approximately $846 billion (2024), ranking 11th highest per capita among all 50 states. Aggregate personal income grew at a 5.5% annual rate, higher than the nation's 5.3%, ranking New Jersey 12th in the country. The second quarter 2024 estimate showed personal income edged past $800 billion annually. New Jersey is kicking off 2025 with record-level growth including the largest number of jobs and employers to date.

New Jersey's official nickname is "The Garden State," recognizable from the iconic Garden State Parkway. The nickname reflects New Jersey's agricultural heritage and productivity. Despite being the most densely populated state, New Jersey maintains significant agricultural areas and gardens throughout the state.

New Jersey's state bird is the Eastern Goldfinch (also called American Goldfinch), adopted in 1935. The state flower is the Violet (officially adopted 1971, though considered the state flower since 1913), representing innocence, modesty, and spirituality. The state tree is the Red Oak (adopted 1950), the state animal is the Horse (1977), and the state fruit is the Blueberry (2003). The state motto is "Liberty and Prosperity."

Trenton was chosen as New Jersey's capital in 1790 due to its equal proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, two major hubs of transport and business. Trenton was seen as such an important, well-located city that it was even made capital of the newly formed American nation for two months in 1784. Given its historical significance and the fact that important governmental meetings were already being held there, Trenton was the obvious choice. Only a minority of state capitals are in their states' most populous city, as it makes sense to separate the functions of government and commerce.

Yes, New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States with approximately 1,263 residents per square mile as of 2024. This high population density, combined with the state's 9.5 million residents, makes New Jersey unique in balancing urban development with its "Garden State" agricultural heritage.