New Jersey
“The Garden State”
What Makes New Jersey Beautiful
New Jersey earns its Garden State name with surprising natural beauty, from the Pine Barrens' vast preserved wilderness to the pristine beaches of the Jersey Shore. The Delaware Water Gap cuts dramatically through the Appalachian Ridge, while the rolling horse country of Hunterdon County and the farmlands of the Garden State's interior offer pastoral tranquility.
Key Metrics
9.3M
Population
$724.5B
GDP
+4.8%
GDP Growth (5yr)
$93.8K
Median Income
12.2%
Tax Burden
History
Washington crosses the Delaware for the Battle of Trenton
Third state to ratify the Constitution
Thomas Edison invents the practical light bulb in Menlo Park
Hindenburg disaster at Lakehurst Naval Air Station
New Jersey Turnpike opens, becoming a major East Coast artery
Top Cities
Newark
311K
Largest city; major port and transportation hub
Jersey City
292K
NYC waterfront; booming finance and tech scene
Paterson
159K
Silk City; Alexander Hamilton's industrial vision
Elizabeth
137K
Port Elizabeth; major shipping terminal
Trenton
90K
State capital; Washington Crossing landmark
Economy & Industry
Core Industries
Natural Resources
Energy Portfolio
Budget & Fiscal Health
$56.8B
State Budget
$55.2B
State Revenue
$-1.6B
Fiscal Balance
Social Indicators
9.4%
Poverty Rate
41.2%
College Degree
6.4%
Uninsured
195/100K
Crime Rate
Where is New Jersey Headed?
GDP Projections ($B)
| Scenario | 1yr | 5yr | 10yr | 25yr | 50yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimistic | $734B | $771B | $820B | $988B | $1347B |
| Baseline | $731B | $760B | $797B | $920B | $1168B |
| Pessimistic | $729B | $746B | $767B | $836B | $966B |
Political Landscape
D+6