New Jersey is home to approximately 9.26 million residents, making it the 11th most populous state in the U.S. Its defining demographic characteristic is its population density; averaging roughly 1,263 people per square mile, it is the most densely populated state in the nation.
The state boasts an incredibly diverse population. According to recent census data, the demographic breakdown is approximately 53% non-Hispanic White, 21% Hispanic or Latino, 15% Black or African American, and 10% Asian. New Jersey has some of the highest concentrations of Indian Americans, Korean Americans, and Italian Americans in the country.
New Jersey residents are highly educated, consistently ranking among the top U.S. states for the percentage of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This high level of education translates into a robust workforce and one of the highest median household incomes in the United States. A variety of faiths are practiced freely here, with Catholicism being the largest single religious group, alongside substantial Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities.