Mercer County, New Jersey

Mercer County, New Jersey
source
County	Mercer County
State	New Jersey
Founded	1838
Seat	Trenton
Largest city	Hamilton Township
Area total sq mi	229
Population as of	2020
Population total	387340

Mercer County, New Jersey is a US county located in the Delaware Valley region, bordered by Somerset County to the north, Middlesex County to the east, Monmouth County to the southeast, Burlington County to the south, and Bucks County and Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania to the west. The county is home to Princeton University, Rider University, and The College of New Jersey. Mercer County is also the location of the New Jersey State House, the New Jersey State Library, and the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, the state capital. The county is part of the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area and is adjacent to the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Division.

Geography

Mercer County is situated in the western part of New Jersey, with the Delaware River forming its western border, where it meets Pennsylvania. The county's terrain is characterized by the Delaware and Raritan Canal, which runs along the Delaware River and passes through Trenton and Princeton. The Stony Brook and Millstone River also flow through the county, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. Mercer County is home to several parks, including Mercer County Park, Princeton Battlefield State Park, and Washington Crossing State Park, which offer hiking, biking, and picnic areas. The county's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia makes it an attractive location for residents and businesses, with easy access to Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.

History

Mercer County was formed in 1838 from parts of Hunterdon County, Middlesex County, and Burlington County. The county was named after Hugh Mercer, a Continental Army general who died during the Battle of Princeton in 1777. The county played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, with the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton taking place within its borders. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built in the 19th century, connecting the Delaware River to the Raritan River and facilitating trade and commerce in the region. The county is also home to the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, which showcases the history of the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Mercer County was approximately 387,340, with a diverse range of residents, including those of Italian-American, Irish-American, and African American descent. The county is home to several urban centers, including Trenton, Hamilton Township, and Lawrence Township. The median household income in Mercer County is around $73,000, with a median home value of over $270,000. The county has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher, with many attending institutions such as Princeton University, Rider University, and The College of New Jersey. The county is also served by several hospitals, including Capital Health Medical Center and St. Francis Medical Center.

Government

Mercer County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget, infrastructure, and services. The county is also home to the New Jersey State House, the New Jersey State Library, and the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. The county has several municipal courts, including the Trenton Municipal Court and the Hamilton Township Municipal Court. The county is part of the New Jersey's 12th congressional district and is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Shirley Turner and Linda Greenstein. The county is also served by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and the New Jersey State Police.

Economy

Mercer County has a diverse economy, with major industries including Healthcare, Education, and Technology. The county is home to several major employers, including Princeton University, Capital Health System, and St. Francis Medical Center. The county is also a hub for Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical companies, with Bristol-Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson having facilities in the area. The county's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia makes it an attractive location for businesses and residents, with easy access to Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. The county is also served by the New Jersey Transit system, which provides bus and rail service to New York City and Philadelphia.

Education

Mercer County is home to several institutions of higher education, including Princeton University, Rider University, and The College of New Jersey. The county is also served by the Mercer County Vocational School District, which provides vocational training and education to students. The county has several public school districts, including the Trenton Public Schools and the Hamilton Township School District. The county is also home to several private schools, including The Lawrenceville School and The Hun School of Princeton. The county's residents have access to several libraries, including the Trenton Free Public Library and the Princeton Public Library. The county is also served by the Mercer County Library System, which provides library services to residents throughout the county.

Category:New Jersey counties