(Kathryn Brenzel | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Hudson County is the fastest growing county in the state, according to new U.S. Census data.
The county saw an estimated .8 percent increase–5,209 people–from July 2013 to July 2014, according to data released on Thursday. Bergen and Middlesex counties saw estimated .7 percent increases, followed by Union and Ocean counties, which respectively saw .6 and .5 percent jumps. As of July 2014, Hudson County had an estimated population of 669,115.
A possible factor in the growth is the influx of new residential projects throughout the county. Jersey City has been a hotspot for new construction, leading the state in the number of new proposed housing projects last year. Through December 2014, the county issued permits for 4,681 new units, according to Census data. Jersey City issued permits for 2,180 of those units.
Transit experts have pointed out that increased interest in the so-called Gold Coast is putting a strain on mass transit. Earlier this month, panelists at the New Jersey Gold Coast & Spring Multifamily Summit said the state needs to catch up with the growing volume of riders.
The latest population estimates for individual towns and cities are scheduled to be released in May.
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