Unlike the 2000 Census, the 2010 Census was conducted using only the short form.  Because the long form was discontinued, the Summary File 3 (SF 3) data set is not available for the 2010 Census.  Much of the social, economic and housing characteristics data formerly obtained through the SF 3 is now available through the American Community Survey (ACS), which is conducted by the US Census Bureau on an annual basis.  Although the American Community Survey is produced on a more timely basis than the decennial census, the sample size is smaller which reduces reliability and increases the margin of error.  Whereas the long form was mailed to approximately one in six households during the 2000 Census, the ACS is mailed annually to about one in 39 households.

Although one-year ACS estimates are the most current, they are the least reliable.  Because the Census Bureau only publishes data in the one- and three-year series that meet minimum reliability standards, not all data is available at the county or municipal levels for these series.  The one-year series is available for areas with populations over 60,000.  To increase reliability and permit the publication of more data, the Census Bureau also produces three-year and five-year ACS series which combine several years of responses.  The three-year series is published for areas with populations over 20,000.  The five-year series is published for all levels of geography.

The one-year series, three-year series and five-year series are not comparable with each other.  Thus, when comparing different levels of geography such as the state, counties and municipalities, the series that accommodates the area with the lowest population should be used to analyze all the areas examined.  The income data presented below is provided at the one-year, three-year and five-year levels for the state and counties.  Municipal data is only provided at the five-year level.

For more information on the differences between one-, three-, and five-year data, please check out this summary page on the US Census Bureau website.  For detailed information on appropriate data usage and ACS methodology, please consult the General Data Users Handbook, also published by the US Census Bureau.

For more information on the Census 2000 income data, contact Paul Bieksza (609)984-7349.

County and Municipal Poverty Status Data:

American Community Survey 5-year estimates:

Poverty Status for ALL Persons:


Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months by Age by County, Municipality and Legislative District: New Jersey, 2006-2010 

Poverty Status by Age in the Past 12 Months: New Jersey and Counties (Excel)

Poverty Status by Age and Sex in the Past 12 Months: New Jersey and Counties (Excel)

Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months of Households by Household Type by Age of Householder: New Jersey and Counties (Excel)

Ratio of Income to Poverty in the Past 12 Months: New Jersey, Counties and Municipalities  (Excel)

Poverty Status by Age in the Past 12 Months:  New Jersey, Counties and Municipalities  (Excel)

Poverty Status by Age and Sex in the Past 12 Months: New Jersey, Counties and Municipalities  (Excel)

Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months of Households by Household Type by Age of Householder: New Jersey, Counties and Municipalities  (Excel)