There were 7,115 fewer people living in Essex County in 2021 compared to 2020, according to population estimates from the US Census Bureau.
This is less than a one percent fall in Essex County’s population, from 862,032 in 2020 to 854,917 in 2021.
Essex County had the third largest population in New Jersey in 2021.
The US Census Bureau found more than 73 percent of counties in the US saw a natural decrease in population in 2021. This is up from a 55.5 percent increase in 2020.
The Midwest suffered the most sustained population decreases, with many counties along the US East Coast and through the Rocky Mountains seeing increases.
The US population continues to grow, though at a slower rate than before.
New Jersey Counties By Population Change from 2020 to 2021
| County | 2020 Estimated Population | 2021 Estimated Population | % Change in Population From Year to Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean County | 638,824 | 648,998 | 1.6% |
| Warren County | 109,595 | 110,731 | 1% |
| Sussex County | 144,082 | 145,543 | 1% |
| Hunterdon County | 128,839 | 129,924 | 0.8% |
| Gloucester County | 302,607 | 304,477 | 0.6% |
| Cape May County | 95,077 | 95,661 | 0.6% |
| Burlington County | 461,862 | 464,269 | 0.5% |
| Morris County | 509,001 | 510,981 | 0.4% |
| Monmouth County | 643,163 | 645,354 | 0.3% |
| Salem County | 64,859 | 65,046 | 0.3% |
| Atlantic County | 274,191 | 274,966 | 0.3% |
| Somerset County | 345,014 | 345,647 | 0.2% |
| Camden County | 523,204 | 523,771 | 0.1% |
| Bergen County | 954,774 | 953,819 | -0.1% |
| Middlesex County | 861,908 | 860,807 | -0.1% |
| Cumberland County | 153,848 | 153,627 | -0.1% |
| Mercer County | 386,759 | 385,898 | -0.2% |
| Union County | 574,349 | 572,114 | -0.4% |
| Essex County | 862,032 | 854,917 | -0.8% |
| Passaic County | 523,100 | 518,117 | -1% |
| Hudson County | 722,655 | 702,463 | -2.8% |
