South Brunswick, Nj: Population Trends

South Brunswick, New Jersey, has a population of around 46,700-47,000 people, according to the 2020 United States census. It is a township in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in the state. The township is an outer-ring suburb of New York City and offers a dense suburban feel, with a lot of parks and highly-rated public schools. South Brunswick has seen extensive transformation over the years, with the impact of changes in transportation technology and an increasing population.

Population and demographics

South Brunswick Township is a suburb of New York City in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It has a population of around 46,700 to 55,000 people, depending on the source. The township is one of the best places to live in New Jersey and offers a dense suburban feel. Most residents own their homes.

The racial/ethnic makeup of South Brunswick is predominantly Asian (48.3%), followed by White (35.2%), and Hispanic (7.9%). The median age for South Brunswick residents is 41.5 years, and the median household income is $139,975. The township has a good sense of community, with 67% of residents agreeing there is a strong sense of community.

In terms of education, 95% of South Brunswick residents have a high school degree or higher, and 68.7% have a bachelor's degree or higher. The public schools in South Brunswick are highly rated.

The township has a total area of 41.02 square miles, including 40.61 square miles of land and 0.40 square miles of water. South Brunswick is served by several different zip codes, and there are unincorporated communities and census-designated places located within the township, such as Dayton, Heathcote, Kendall Park, Kingston, and Monmouth Junction.

South Brunswick has seen significant population growth over the years, with the 2020 census count being the township's highest ever decennial census count. The township's population approached 18,000 in 1980 and reached 25,792 in 1990. By 2020, South Brunswick had over 47,000 residents, reflecting an increase in population density.

Employment and income

South Brunswick, New Jersey, has a population of around 40,000 people, with a median age of 41.5 to 42 years old. The racial/ethnic makeup of the township is primarily Asian (48.3%), followed by White (35.2%) and Hispanic (7.9%).

In terms of employment, South Brunswick has a diverse range of workers, including white-collar, blue-collar, entrepreneurs, and those employed in private companies or governmental institutions. The breakdown of the workforce is as follows:

• White-collar workers: 86.67%
• Blue-collar workers: 13.33%
• Entrepreneurs: 8.54% (1,749 people)
• Private company employees: 70.15% (14,367 people)
• Governmental institution employees: 14.36% (2,941 people)

The average annual household income in South Brunswick is approximately $144,209, while the median household income is around $115,180 to $139,975. The per capita income is $64,530. The income varies with age, with residents aged 25 to 44 earning a median of $124,186, and those between 45 and 64 earning $150,346. Those under 25 and over 65 earn less, at $39,318 and $72,741, respectively.

The median value of owner-occupied housing units in South Brunswick is $510,900, with housing costs reaching $2,006 per month. The poverty rate in South Brunswick is relatively low, with 3.8% to 4% of families living below the poverty line.

Housing

South Brunswick, New Jersey, has a population of 46,719 people, with a median household income of $139,975. The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $510,900, and there are 17,164 housing units in total. The Fair Housing Act of 1986 requires that every municipality in the state of New Jersey must provide affordable housing opportunities. This has resulted in the establishment of the Affordable Housing Office in South Brunswick, which offers income-restricted housing units for low and moderate-income households. These units are typically rented or sold only to income-qualified households, with rents and sales prices controlled by approved median income guidelines.

The Township of South Brunswick's Affordable Housing Office defines affordable housing as housing that is available to households with a total gross annual income below 80% of an authorized median income guideline. To be eligible for these affordable housing units, applicants must provide complete income information, including wages, salaries, overtime pay, tips, commissions, alimony, child support, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, pensions, business income, and earnings from assets such as bank accounts, stocks, and real estate. Credit background reports are also required to document creditworthiness.

The application process for affordable housing in South Brunswick involves submitting a preliminary application, which includes income information and household member details. Only those households whose income has been certified will be referred to the developer, seller, or landlord for final negotiations. It is important to note that households who buy or rent an affordable unit are required to use it as their primary residence. Additionally, applicants seeking to purchase a home must be able to qualify for a mortgage and make a reasonable down payment, while those renting must be able to provide a security deposit.

South Brunswick offers a range of housing options, from cozy 1-bedroom houses to larger 3-4 bedroom homes suitable for families. The average lease agreement term is 12 months, but lease terms can range from six to 24 months. The town also has low-income apartments and affordable housing options for seniors or persons with disabilities. These housing opportunities are based on income and household needs, ensuring that residents can find suitable accommodations within their financial means.

Education

South Brunswick in New Jersey is home to 46,719 people, with a median age of 41.5 years. The racial/ethnic makeup of the township is 48.3% Asian, 35.2% White, and 7.9% Hispanic. The median household income is $139,975, with 3.8% of families living in poverty.

The South Brunswick School District is a top-rated public school district located in North Brunswick, New Jersey. It serves approximately 8,000 students across 10 schools, from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, lower than the state average of 13:1. The district's minority enrollment stands at 80%, with 7.2% of students considered economically disadvantaged. The student body is diverse, with a significant Asian population (61.3%) and a large number of Hispanic/Latino students (9.7%). The district also has a slightly higher proportion of male students (52%) compared to female students (48%).

The academic performance of the district is commendable, with 54% of elementary students proficient in reading and 52% in math. In middle school, 64% of students are proficient in reading, and 40% in math. For high school students, the proficiency rates are 71% in reading and 33% in math. The district offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, emphasising practical and visual/performing arts, along with Personal Financial Literacy. South Brunswick High School, a part of this district, has received recognition for its academic excellence, including the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 1990-91, and consistently ranks among the top schools in the state.

The district spends $18,977 per student annually, with a total annual revenue of $174,794,000. This budget is allocated across various categories, with $88.9 million spent on instruction, $58.8 million on support services, and $641.1 million on other expenses. The district also employs 10 full-time counselors to support the students' academic and personal needs.

Some reviews of the district highlight issues related to large class sizes, which may hinder teachers' ability to give individual attention to students. However, overall, the South Brunswick School District provides a well-rounded and academically rigorous education, ensuring students are prepared for their future endeavours.

Transportation

South Brunswick, New Jersey, is home to 46,719 people, making it the 44th most populous city in the state. The township offers a well-developed transit system, including local shuttles, buses, and train services, which makes travelling within the city convenient for its residents. Here is an overview of the transportation options in South Brunswick:

Local Shuttles

The city operates a free curb-to-curb transportation service called Dial-A-Ride for its elderly (60+), disabled, and low-income residents. This service provides transportation to non-emergency medical, mental health, and physical therapy appointments, as well as visits to social service agencies. Interested individuals must qualify for the service and book their ride at least two business days in advance.

Bus Services

New Brunswick benefits from an extensive bus network, including the Rutgers Campus Buses, NJ Transit Bus, and MCAT Shuttles. Rutgers Campus Buses are free and connect all campuses, as well as downtown New Brunswick. NJ Transit operates five bus routes through New Brunswick: 810, 811, 814, 815, and 818. The MCAT Shuttles, operated by Middlesex County, offer two routes: M1 New Brunswick – Jamesburg – Exit 8A and M5 Jersey Ave – Commercial Ave.

Train Services

New Brunswick is served by two train stations: New Brunswick Station in the heart of downtown, and Jersey Avenue in the southern part of the city. Over 90 NJ Transit trains stop in New Brunswick each day, providing convenient rail transportation options for residents and commuters alike.

Commuter Bus Services

CoachUSA/Suburban operates three commuter bus routes in New Brunswick, with services into NYC and intermediate points. These routes are Lines 100, 500, and 600.

Parking Services

The New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) manages parking services in the city, operating parking decks in the downtown area and offering on-street metered parking. The NBPA also provides a mobile app, ParkMobile, for convenient access to parking information and services.

Bicycles

Bicycles are also a viable transportation option in New Brunswick, with designated bike lanes, roads, and sharrows. Additionally, scooters are available for rent through a Rutgers agreement, providing another eco-friendly transportation alternative.

With its range of transportation options, South Brunswick offers its residents and visitors a variety of ways to navigate the city and surrounding areas efficiently.

Frequently asked questions