Edison
cityEdison, New Jersey, located in Middlesex County, is a dynamic commercial hub and residential community within the Raritan Valley region. As of 2024, the estimated population is around 110,002, making it one of the state's most populous municipalities. Edison is known for its diverse population, with a significant Asian American presence, particularly Indian and Chinese communities. Edison's economy is robust and expanding, featuring healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, retail, and warehousing/distribution industries. Major employers include Hackensack Meridian Health, AT&T, and other large corporations. The township's location provides access to major transportation routes, contributing to its economic vitality. What makes Edison distinctive is its rich history, cultural diversity, and the legacy of Thomas Edison. Originally named Raritan Township, it was renamed in honor of the inventor who established his main laboratory in Menlo Park. Today, Edison is celebrated for its quality of life, community feel, and status as one of America's safest cities.
Edison, New Jersey
- Classification
- Township
- FIPS Code
- 34-21750
- Country
- United States
- County
- Middlesex County
- Region
- Central New Jersey, Raritan Valley
- Elevation
- 150 ft
- Total Area
- 30.69 sq mi
- Land Area
- 30.06 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.63 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.5189
- Longitude
- -74.3423
- Climate
- Humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Average highs in summer range from 82-86°F (28-30°C), and average lows in winter around 23°F (-5°C).
- Notable Features
- Raritan River · Perth Amboy Moraine · Robinsons Branch of the Rahway River
- Neighboring Areas
- East Brunswick · Highland Park · New Brunswick · Piscataway · Sayreville · South Plainfield · Woodbridge Township · Clark · Plainfield · Scotch Plains
- Population (2020)
- 107,588
- Est. Population (2024)
- 110,002
- Median Age
- 39.9
- Median Income
- $125,145
- Poverty Rate
- 4.72%
- Family Households
- 75.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- Diverse; approximately 52.83% Asian, 25.88% White, 8.2% Black or African American, 7.77% Two or more races, 5.06% Other Race.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- Township Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Edison Township Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Recreation · Library · Water and Sewer
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.2%
- Economic Profile
- Commercial hub · Residential/suburban · Industrial
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Manufacturing · Professional Services · Retail · Warehousing/Distribution
- Major Employers
- Hackensack Meridian Health · AT&T · Nielsen · Delta Dental of New Jersey · Verizon Wireless
- Schools
- 19
- Students
- 16,812
- Teachers
- 1,247
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.4:1
- Graduation Rate
- 93%
- School Districts
- Edison Township Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Middlesex College · Rutgers University (Livingston Campus)
- Transportation
- Interstate 95 (New Jersey Turnpike) · I-287 · U.S. Route 1 · Route 27 · Route 440 · NJ Transit rail service · Bus service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- JFK Medical Center · New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Roosevelt Park · Papaianni Park · Middlesex Greenway · Waterside Park
- Parks & Trails
- Roosevelt Park · Papaianni Park · Minnie B. Veal Community Center · Yelencsics Park
- Founded
- 1870
- Incorporated
- 1870
- Named After
- Thomas Edison
- Historical Significance
- Known for Thomas Edison's Menlo Park laboratory, where he invented the first commercially practical light bulb and the phonograph.
- Key Events
- Settled by the Raritan people of the Lenape Native Americans · Originally incorporated as Raritan Township · Thomas Edison established his research laboratory in Menlo Park in 1876 · Name changed to Edison Township in 1954