Middlesex, New Jersey | |
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 Victor Crowell Park, featuring the duck pond | |
 logo | |
 Location of Middlesex inMiddlesex County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Middlesex County inNew Jersey highlighted in orange (right). | |
 Census Bureau map of Middlesex, New Jersey | |
  Middlesex Location in the United States Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates:40°34′29″N74°29′54″W / 40.574627°N 74.498259°W /40.574627; -74.498259[1][2] | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Middlesex |
| Incorporated | April 9, 1913 |
| Named after | Middlesex, England |
| Government | |
| • Type | Borough |
| • Body | Borough Council |
| • Mayor | Jack Mikolajczyk (R, term ends December 31, 2027)[3][4] |
| • Administrator | Matthew Geist (interim)[5] |
| • Municipal clerk | Kelsey Meixner[6] |
| Area | |
• Total | 3.51 sq mi (9.09 km2) |
| • Land | 3.49 sq mi (9.03 km2) |
| • Water | 0.023 sq mi (0.06 km2) 0.63% |
| • Rank | 315th of 565 in state 16th of 25 in county[1] |
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 14,636 |
| 14,461 | |
| • Rank | 181st of 565 in state 18th of 25 in county[13] |
| • Density | 4,196.1/sq mi (1,620.1/km2) |
| • Rank | 147th of 565 in state 12th of 25 in county[13] |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| ZIP Code | |
| Area code | 732[16] |
| FIPS code | 3402345900[1][17][18] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0885299[1][19] |
| Website | www |
Middlesex is aborough inMiddlesex County, in theU.S. state ofNew Jersey. It is located within theRaritan Valley region. As of the2020 United States census, the borough's population was 14,636,[10][11] its highestdecennial count and an increase of 1,001 (+7.3%) from the2010 census count of 13,635,[20][21] which in turn reflected a decline of 82 (−0.6%) from the 13,717 counted in the2000 census.[22]
Middlesex was incorporated as a borough by an act of theNew Jersey Legislature on April 9, 1913, from portions ofPiscataway, based on the results of areferendum held on May 6, 1913.[23] The borough was named afterMiddlesex, England.[24][25]
The Harris Lane School was a one-room schoolhouse that was the oldest school in Middlesex County, dating back to its construction in the 1790s.[26] The original Pierce School was known as the East Bound Brook School House and The Parker House was also used for education until it was converted into a two-family house. As the Borough grew new schools were constructed to accommodate many more students. Our Lady of Mt. Virgin School was the first parochial school built in 1954.
In 1905, the Lincoln section of Middlesex organized a volunteer fire company and that set the organization of four other fire companies in the borough.
Middlesex was a portion ofPiscataway Township, until May 6, 1913, when it was incorporated as a separate entity through the action of the state legislature and local referendum.[23][27] George Harris was elected as the first mayor and the first borough council was elected at the same time. Two constables were the law enforcement officers and were soon assisted by five appointed marshals.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 3.51 square miles (9.09 km2), including 3.49 square miles (9.03 km2) of land and 0.02 square miles (0.06 km2) of water (0.63%).[1][2]
Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include East Bound Brook and Lincoln.[28]
The borough borders the Middlesex County municipalities ofDunellen andPiscataway Township in Middlesex County; andBound Brook,Bridgewater Township,Green Brook Township andSouth Bound Brook inSomerset County.[29][30][31]
Middlesex is in the central division of theRaritan Valley (a line of cities in central New Jersey), along withDunellen,Bound Brook, andSouth Bound Brook.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 1,852 | — | |
| 1930 | 3,504 | 89.2% | |
| 1940 | 3,763 | 7.4% | |
| 1950 | 5,943 | 57.9% | |
| 1960 | 10,520 | 77.0% | |
| 1970 | 15,038 | 42.9% | |
| 1980 | 13,480 | −10.4% | |
| 1990 | 13,055 | −3.2% | |
| 2000 | 13,717 | 5.1% | |
| 2010 | 13,635 | −0.6% | |
| 2020 | 14,636 | 7.3% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 14,461 | [10][12] | −1.2% |
| Population sources: 1920[32] 1920–1930[33] 1940–2000[34] 2000[35][36] 2010[20][21] 2020[10][11] | |||
The2010 United States census counted 13,635 people, 4,984 households, and 3,633 families in the borough. Thepopulation density was 3,876.2 per square mile (1,496.6/km2). There were 5,148 housing units at an average density of 1,463.5 per square mile (565.1/km2). The racial makeup was 81.24% (11,077)White, 5.13% (699)Black or African American, 0.18% (24)Native American, 6.00% (818)Asian, 0.07% (10)Pacific Islander, 5.37% (732) fromother races, and 2.02% (275) from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.47% (2,246) of the population.[20]
Of the 4,984 households, 32.0% had children under the age of 18; 56.0% were married couples living together; 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 27.1% were non-families. Of all households, 22.2% were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.22.[20]
22.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.7 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91.8 males.[20]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010American Community Survey showed that (in 2010inflation-adjusted dollars)median household income was $80,338 (with a margin of error of +/− $7,790) and the median family income was $93,817 (+/− $13,746). Males had a median income of $55,248 (+/− $7,439) versus $46,447 (+/− $5,086) for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $34,607 (+/− $3,321). About 0.6% of families and 2.1% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.[37]
As of the2000 United States census[17] there were 13,717 people, 5,048 households, and 3,740 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,921.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,513.9/km2). There were 5,130 housing units at an average density of 1,466.5 per square mile (566.2/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 87.26%White, 3.36%African American, 0.13%Native American, 4.16%Asian, 0.02%Pacific Islander, 3.21% fromother races, and 1.86% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 9.00% of the population.[35][36]
There were 5,048 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% weremarried couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.17.[35][36]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.[35][36]
The median income for a household in the borough was $60,723, and the median income for a family was $70,343. Males had a median income of $47,446 versus $34,232 for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $27,834. About 2.4% of families and 3.6% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.[35][36]
Middlesex is governed under theborough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[38] The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a borough council, with all positions electedat-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[7] The borough form of government used by Middlesex is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor canveto ordinances subject to anoverride by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[39][40]
The seven-member governing body is empowered to enact local ordinances, to levy municipal taxes and conduct the affairs of the community. In almost all cases, it can review and approve the actions of other Middlesex Borough committees and agencies. The mayor and Borough Council conduct all of their business during monthly meetings open to the public. All legislative powers of the borough are exercised by the mayor and council. These powers can take the form of a resolution, ordinance or proclamation.
As of 2026[update], themayor of Middlesex isRepublican John "Jack" Mikolajczyk, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of the Middlesex Borough Council are Council President Michael Conahan (R, 2026), Jennifer Clock (R, 2028), Joseph DeScenza (R, 2027), Kevin Dotey (R, 2026), Kenneth Griggs Jr. (R, 2027) and Shannon Quinn (R, 2028)).[3][41][42][43][44]
In July 2022, the borough council appointed Michael Conahan to fill the seat expiring in December 2023 that had been held by Amy Flood. Conahan served on an interim basis until the November 2022 election when he was elected to serve the balance of the term.[45]
In January 2020, the borough council appointed Amy Flood to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that was vacated by John L. Madden when he took office as mayor.[46][47]
Until his selection in early 2006 to serve as borough administrator, Ron Dobies had been one of the longest-tenured mayors in New Jersey, with 26 years of service to Middlesex. Dobies left his position as mayor in 2006 and took a position as the borough's administrator. After being fired in 2008, he was successful in his suit against the borough and was restored to his position. In 2011 he ran for mayor again and won a four-year term that ended in 2015.[48]
Middlesex is located in the 12th Congressional District[49] and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.[50]
For the119th United States Congress,New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented byBonnie Watson Coleman (D,Ewing Township).[51][52] New Jersey is represented in theUnited States Senate byDemocratsCory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) andAndy Kim (Moorestown, term ends 2031).[53]
For the2026–2027 session, the21st legislative district of theNew Jersey Legislature is represented in theState Senate byJon Bramnick (R,Westfield) and in theGeneral Assembly byVincent Kearney (D,Garwood) andAndrew Macurdy (D,Summit).[54]
Middlesex County is governed by aBoard of County Commissioners, whose seven members are electedat-large on a partisan basis to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in January, the board selects from among its members a commissioner director and deputy director.[55] As of 2025[update], Middlesex County's Commissioners (with party affiliation, term-end year, and residence listed in parentheses) are:
Director Ronald G. Rios (D,Carteret, 2027),[56]Deputy Director Shanti Narra (D,North Brunswick, 2027),[57]Claribel A. "Clary" Azcona-Barber (D,New Brunswick, 2025),[58]Charles Kenny (D,Woodbridge Township, 2025),[59]Leslie Koppel (D,Monroe Township, 2026),[60]Chanelle Scott McCullum (D,Piscataway, 2025)[61] andCharles E. Tomaro (D,Edison, 2026).[62][63]
Constitutional officers are:ClerkNancy Pinkin (D, 2025,East Brunswick),[64][65]Sheriff Mildred S. Scott (D, 2025, Piscataway)[66][67] andSurrogate Claribel Cortes (D, 2026; North Brunswick).[68][69][70]
As of March 2011, there were a total of 8,366 registered voters in Middlesex, of which 2,094 (25.0%) were registered asDemocrats, 1,605 (19.2%) were registered asRepublicans and 4,662 (55.7%) were registered asUnaffiliated. There were 5 voters registered asLibertarians orGreens.[71]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 3,709 | 53.64% | 3,050 | 44.11% | 156 | 2.26% |
| 2020 | 3,608 | 50.19% | 3,460 | 48.14% | 120 | 1.67% |
| 2016 | 3,257 | 52.84% | 2,696 | 43.74% | 211 | 3.42% |
| 2012 | 2,645 | 47.71% | 2,819 | 50.85% | 80 | 1.44% |
| 2008 | 3,185 | 52.16% | 2,837 | 46.46% | 84 | 1.38% |
| 2004 | 3,202 | 53.23% | 2,755 | 45.80% | 58 | 0.96% |
In the2012 presidential election, DemocratBarack Obama received 50.8% of the vote (2,819 cast), ahead of RepublicanMitt Romney with 47.7% (2,645 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (80 votes), among the 5,587 ballots cast by the borough's 8,481 registered voters (43 ballots werespoiled), for a turnout of 65.9%.[73][74] In the2008 presidential election, RepublicanJohn McCain received 51.6% of the vote (3,185 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 45.9% (2,837 votes) and other candidates with 1.4% (84 votes), among the 6,177 ballots cast by the borough's 8,612 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.7%.[75] In the2004 presidential election, RepublicanGeorge W. Bush received 53.0% of the vote (3,202 ballots cast), outpolling DemocratJohn Kerry with 45.6% (2,755 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (58 votes), among the 6,040 ballots cast by the borough's 8,376 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 72.1.[76]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2025 | 2,565 | 48.07% | 2,736 | 51.27% | 35 | 0.66% |
| 2021 | 2,401 | 57.22% | 1,751 | 41.73% | 44 | 1.05% |
| 2017 | 2,022 | 55.61% | 1,524 | 41.91% | 90 | 2.48% |
| 2013 | 2,478 | 69.43% | 1,045 | 29.28% | 46 | 1.29% |
| 2009 | 2,410 | 58.79% | 1,307 | 31.89% | 382 | 9.32% |
| 2005 | 1,878 | 48.28% | 1,802 | 46.32% | 210 | 5.40% |
In the2013 gubernatorial election, RepublicanChris Christie received 69.4% of the vote (2,478 cast), ahead of DemocratBarbara Buono with 29.3% (1,045 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (46 votes), among the 3,617 ballots cast by the borough's 8,552 registered voters (48 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 42.3%.[78][79] In the2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 58.2% of the vote (2,410 ballots cast), ahead of DemocratJon Corzine with 31.6% (1,307 votes), IndependentChris Daggett with 8.1% (336 votes) and other candidates with 1.1% (46 votes), among the 4,142 ballots cast by the borough's 8,374 registered voters, yielding a 49.5% turnout.[80]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 3,326 | 51.53% | 2,950 | 45.70% | 179 | 2.77% |
| 2018 | 2,699 | 53.95% | 2,128 | 42.53% | 176 | 3.52% |
| 2012 | 2,341 | 45.62% | 2,698 | 52.58% | 92 | 1.79% |
| 2006 | 1,686 | 49.78% | 1,587 | 46.86% | 114 | 3.37% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2020 | 3,463 | 49.27% | 3,384 | 48.15% | 181 | 2.58% |
| 2014 | 1,449 | 52.50% | 1,266 | 45.87% | 45 | 1.63% |
| 2013 | 1,443 | 63.82% | 790 | 34.94% | 28 | 1.24% |
| 2008 | 2,926 | 52.31% | 2,541 | 45.42% | 127 | 2.27% |
TheMiddlesex Board of Education serves public school students inpre-kindergarten throughtwelfth grade.[83] As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of five schools, had an enrollment of 2,018 students and 182.2 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 11.1:1.[84] Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from theNational Center for Education Statistics[85]) areHazelwood Elementary School[86] with 189 students in grades Pre-K–3, Parker Elementary School[87] with 178 students in grades K–3, Watchung Elementary School[88] with 256 students in grades K–3, Woodland Intermediate School[89] was split off of the middle school starting in 2020–2021, Von E. Mauger Middle School[90] with 759 students in grades 4–8 andMiddlesex High School[91] with 619 students in grades 9–12.[92][93] The district's superintendent is Roberta Freeman.[94]
Eighth grade students from all of Middlesex County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by theMiddlesex County Magnet Schools, a county-wide vocational school district that offers full-time career and technical education at its schools inEast Brunswick,Edison,Perth Amboy,Piscataway andWoodbridge Township, with no tuition charged to students for attendance.[95][96]
There are many parks scattered throughout Middlesex Borough.
Victor Crowell Park, commonly known as Duck Pond, offers park equipment for kids, awalking trail, and small docks with benches to view the water. In August 2023, there was an alligator that was reported to be in the pond, with police discharging their weapon and failing to stop the alligator. Eventually the alligator was caught approximately two miles away off Possumtown Road in neighboring Piscataway Township.[97][98]
Mountain View Park is a large open space in the center of the borough. It has many amenities and offers a view of the first range of the Watchung Mountains.
Lincoln Park is located at the site of the Central Railroad of New Jersey train station that served the community, originally known as Lincoln, for many years. The statue of Abraham Lincoln by Alfonso Pelzer, his original work which was copied after his death, was installed in the park in 1898.
_at_Harris_Avenue%2c_Shepherd_Avenue_and_Grant_Avenue_in_Middlesex%2c_Middlesex_County%2c_New_Jersey.jpg)
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 54.86 miles (88.29 km) of roadways, of which 48.23 miles (77.62 km) were maintained by the municipality, 3.49 miles (5.62 km) by Middlesex County and 3.14 miles (5.05 km) by theNew Jersey Department of Transportation[99]
New Jersey Route 28 is the main highway passing through Middlesex.[100] Route 28 provides access toInterstate 287;U.S. Route 22 lies just north of the borough.[101]
NJ Transit provides service to and from thePort Authority Bus Terminal inMidtown Manhattan on the114 route and toNewark on the65 and66 routes.[102] Historically there was a railroad station in the Lincoln neighborhood, whose is marked by a public park with a statue of Abraham Lincoln at its center.[citation needed]
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Middlesex include:
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