New Jersey Towns Face Population Decline as Residents Seek Affordable Living Elsewhere

Census data shows major cities like Jersey City and Newark losing residents, with smaller towns seeing even steeper drops as people move to Florida, Texas, and other states.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Recent census data shows New Jersey's population decline in cities like Jersey City and Newark, with residents seeking more affordable living in places like Florida and Texas. While the state's overall population has climbed slightly, a cluster of towns have quietly shrunk, sometimes sharply. Smaller towns are facing even steeper population drops, with the highest percentage declines seen in places like Maurice River Township. The outmigration trend is driven by New Jersey's high cost of living, taxes, and housing costs, as well as the rise of remote work allowing people to live further from their jobs.

Why it matters

The population decline in New Jersey towns, especially the state's largest cities, reflects broader demographic shifts and economic challenges facing the region. As residents leave for more affordable areas, it raises questions about the future of these communities and the state's overall growth and development.

The details

Census estimates show Jersey City shed more residents than any other New Jersey municipality between 2020 and 2023, with Newark following closely behind. Other major cities like Union City, North Bergen, and Bayonne also saw significant population losses. Smaller towns faced even steeper percentage declines, led by a 17.4% drop in Maurice River Township. Migration studies show New Jersey ranking as one of the states with the highest out-of-state moves, with Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina emerging as popular destinations for former residents seeking more affordable housing and lower costs of living.

  • Between 2020 and 2023, New Jersey saw population declines in several major cities and smaller towns.
  • The United Van Lines National Movers Study in 2023 ranked New Jersey as the #1 state for outbound household moves, with 62% of moves from the state headed out-of-state.

The players

Jersey City

Once one of the fastest-growing cities in the Northeast, Jersey City has seen the largest population decline of any New Jersey municipality between 2020 and 2023 according to census estimates.

Newark

The second largest city in New Jersey, Newark has also experienced significant population losses in recent years, following closely behind Jersey City in terms of overall decline.

Maurice River Township

A small town in South Jersey that led the state with a staggering 17.4% loss of residents between 2020 and 2023, deepening a long-term trend of population decline.

United Van Lines

The moving company that conducts the annual National Movers Study, which ranked New Jersey as the #1 state for outbound household moves in 2023.

Florida

The perennial top destination for former New Jersey residents, drawing people seeking warmer weather, no state income tax, and a more affordable lifestyle.

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What’s next

As New Jersey towns continue to grapple with population decline, policymakers and community leaders will likely need to address the underlying economic and cost-of-living challenges driving residents to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The takeaway

The population exodus from New Jersey's cities and towns, driven by high costs and the rise of remote work, underscores the need for the state to tackle affordability issues and provide more attractive options for residents to stay and thrive within its borders.