List of Counties in New Jersey

New Jersey has 21 counties. The most populous counties are Bergen County, Middlesex County, Essex County, Hudson County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Union County, Camden County, Passaic County, and Morris County. Bergen County, located in the northern part of the state, is the largest by population and is part of the greater New York City metropolitan area. Essex County, home to Newark, the state’s largest city, is also highly populated.

Counties in New Jersey

List of All Counties in New Jersey

  1. Atlantic County, New Jersey
  2. Bergen County, New Jersey
  3. Burlington County, New Jersey
  4. Camden County, New Jersey
  5. Cape May County, New Jersey
  6. Cumberland County, New Jersey
  7. Essex County, New Jersey
  8. Gloucester County, New Jersey
  9. Hudson County, New Jersey
  10. Hunterdon County, New Jersey
  11. Mercer County, New Jersey
  12. Middlesex County, New Jersey
  13. Monmouth County, New Jersey
  14. Morris County, New Jersey
  15. Ocean County, New Jersey
  16. Passaic County, New Jersey
  17. Salem County, New Jersey
  18. Somerset County, New Jersey
  19. Sussex County, New Jersey
  20. Union County, New Jersey
  21. Warren County, New Jersey

Largest Counties in New Jersey

1. Burlington County

Overview

Burlington County is the largest county by land area in New Jersey, covering 819 square miles. It is located in the southwestern part of the state, bordered by Mercer County to the north, Ocean County to the east, and Camden County to the west. Established in 1694, Burlington County has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. The county seat is Mount Holly, a historic town known for its well-preserved architecture. Burlington County’s economy is diverse, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county is also home to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a major military installation. The county’s location near Philadelphia and proximity to the Jersey Shore have contributed to its growth in both suburban development and tourism.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 461,000
  • County Seat: Mount Holly
  • Major Airports: Philadelphia International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 295, New Jersey Turnpike, U.S. Highway 130

2. Ocean County

Overview

Ocean County is located in the eastern part of New Jersey and spans 636 square miles. It is bordered by Burlington County to the west, Monmouth County to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The county was established in 1850 and named after its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The county seat is Toms River, which serves as a key commercial and administrative center. Ocean County is known for its beautiful shoreline, including popular tourist destinations like Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, and Long Beach Island. The county’s economy is largely driven by tourism, with a significant portion of the population residing in coastal communities. In addition to tourism, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing are important sectors.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 648,000
  • County Seat: Toms River
  • Major Airports: Atlantic City International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Garden State Parkway, U.S. Highway 9, New Jersey Route 37

3. Cumberland County

Overview

Cumberland County is located in the southern part of New Jersey and covers 677 square miles. It is bordered by Salem County to the northwest, Cape May County to the southeast, and Delaware Bay to the west. Established in 1748, the county was named after William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland. The county seat is Bridgeton, a town known for its historic district and agricultural markets. Cumberland County’s economy is heavily based on agriculture, particularly fruits, vegetables, and poultry. The county is also home to a thriving glass manufacturing industry, with companies producing glassware and containers. Additionally, its coastline along Delaware Bay supports a small but important fishing industry.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 150,000
  • County Seat: Bridgeton
  • Major Airports: Millville Executive Airport
  • Major Highways: New Jersey Route 47, New Jersey Route 55, U.S. Highway 49

4. Atlantic County

Overview

Atlantic County is located in southeastern New Jersey, covering 671 square miles. It is bordered by Cape May County to the south, Ocean County to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The county was established in 1837 and named after the Atlantic Ocean, which forms its eastern boundary. The county seat is Mays Landing, a historic town along the Great Egg Harbor River. Atlantic County is most famous for Atlantic City, a major resort city and one of the largest gambling destinations in the U.S. The county’s economy is dominated by tourism, gaming, and entertainment, particularly in Atlantic City. In addition to tourism, Atlantic County also has a strong healthcare and education sector, with institutions like Stockton University playing a key role.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 265,000
  • County Seat: Mays Landing
  • Major Airports: Atlantic City International Airport
  • Major Highways: Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway, U.S. Highway 30

5. Salem County

Overview

Salem County is located in the southwestern part of New Jersey and covers 372 square miles. It is bordered by Gloucester County to the northeast, Cumberland County to the south, and Delaware to the west across the Delaware River. Established in 1694, it is one of the oldest counties in New Jersey. The county seat is Salem, which is known for its historic architecture and its role in early colonial history. Salem County’s economy is based on agriculture, with the county being known for its fertile soil and production of crops like soybeans, corn, and fruits. The county also benefits from its strategic location along the Delaware River, with port facilities playing a role in local commerce. The Salem Nuclear Power Plant, one of the largest nuclear facilities in the region, is also located here.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 62,000
  • County Seat: Salem
  • Major Airports: Philadelphia International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 295, U.S. Highway 40, New Jersey Route 49

6. Gloucester County

Overview

Gloucester County is located in the southwestern part of New Jersey, covering 337 square miles. It is bordered by Camden County to the north, Salem County to the south, and Pennsylvania to the west across the Delaware River. The county was established in 1686 and named after the English city of Gloucester. The county seat is Woodbury, a historic town with deep roots in the American colonial era. Gloucester County has experienced significant suburban growth due to its proximity to Philadelphia, with many residents commuting to the city for work. The county’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Rowan University, a major educational institution, is located in Glassboro, further boosting the county’s economic and cultural presence.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 302,000
  • County Seat: Woodbury
  • Major Airports: Philadelphia International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 295, U.S. Highway 322, New Jersey Route 55

7. Cape May County

Overview

Cape May County is located in the southernmost part of New Jersey, covering 620 square miles. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, and Cumberland County to the west. Established in 1692, the county was named after the Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobsen Mey. The county seat is Cape May Court House, a small town with a central location on the peninsula. Cape May County is famous for its beaches, including the resort towns of Wildwood and Cape May, which attract millions of visitors each year. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism, with hotels, restaurants, and seasonal businesses driving much of the local economy. In addition to tourism, the county also has a commercial fishing industry and a growing retirement community due to its attractive seaside location.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 95,000
  • County Seat: Cape May Court House
  • Major Airports: Cape May County Airport
  • Major Highways: Garden State Parkway, U.S. Highway 9, New Jersey Route 47

8. Monmouth County

Overview

Monmouth County is located in central New Jersey, spanning 665 square miles. It is bordered by Ocean County to the south, Middlesex County to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Established in 1675, Monmouth County was one of the four original counties of New Jersey and has a rich colonial history. The county seat is Freehold, a town known for its Revolutionary War history and its role as the birthplace of musician Bruce Springsteen. Monmouth County is a mix of suburban and rural communities, with a strong focus on education, healthcare, and technology. Its proximity to New York City has made it a popular area for commuters, and its scenic coastline, including beaches like Asbury Park and Long Branch, draws many visitors.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 620,000
  • County Seat: Freehold
  • Major Airports: Newark Liberty International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Garden State Parkway, Interstate 195, U.S. Highway 9

9. Middlesex County

Overview

Middlesex County is located in central New Jersey, covering 322 square miles. It is bordered by Somerset County to the north, Monmouth County to the southeast, and Mercer County to the southwest. The county was established in 1683 and named after the county of Middlesex in England. The county seat is New Brunswick, home to Rutgers University, which is a major contributor to the local economy and culture. Middlesex County is one of the most densely populated counties in the state, with a strong economic base centered around technology, pharmaceuticals, and education. The county’s location between New York City and Philadelphia, along with its access to major highways and railroads, has made it an important transportation and logistics hub.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 860,000
  • County Seat: New Brunswick
  • Major Airports: Newark Liberty International Airport
  • Major Highways: New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Interstate 287

10. Camden County

Overview

Camden County is located in southern New Jersey and spans 222 square miles. It is bordered by Burlington County to the north, Gloucester County to the south, and Pennsylvania to the west across the Delaware River. Established in 1844, the county was named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, a British judge and politician. The county seat is Camden, a city with a long industrial history that has transitioned in recent years toward education and healthcare. Camden County’s economy is diverse, with healthcare, education, and retail being key sectors. The county is home to the Camden Waterfront, Cooper University Hospital, and Rutgers University-Camden, all of which contribute significantly to the local economy.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 523,000
  • County Seat: Camden
  • Major Airports: Philadelphia International Airport (nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 295, U.S. Highway 130, New Jersey Route 42