Population
Trenton is the capital city of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. As of the 2020 United States Census, Trenton had a population of 83,387, making it the state’s 10th-largest municipality. The population density was 11,101.9 inhabitants per square mile (4,283.8/km2).
Trenton’s population peaked at 129,000 residents in the 1950s and has declined significantly since then due to suburbanization and loss of industrial jobs. However, the city has seen a small rebound in recent years with aggressive revitalization efforts downtown.
The racial makeup of the city was 20.2% White, 52.8% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 21.2% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 32.3% of the population. The largest Hispanic group was Puerto Ricans, who made up 29.5% of the population.
There were 29,722 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18; 25.1% were married couples living together; 28.1% had a female householder with no husband present and 38.5% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.37.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 106.7 males.
For more details on Trenton’s demographics, check out its Wikipedia page.
Economy
Historically, Trenton was a major manufacturing center and home to many factories and industrial sites. Major manufacturers included Roebling Steel Company, American Standard Companies, RCA, and Taynton Mills. However, like many northeastern cities, Trenton suffered from industrial decline and the loss of tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, Trenton’s economy is more diverse with a mix of some remaining manufacturing, government administration and services, healthcare, and retail. Top employers in Trenton include the state government, Thomas Edison State University, Capital Health Systems, St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton Public Schools, and Verizon Communications.
Despite some economic challenges, Trenton has worked to revitalize its downtown and riverfront area in recent years to attract new businesses. There have been efforts to promote technology startups and green manufacturing. Trenton’s median household income and per capita income are quite low compared to national and state averages, however.
For more economic data and information on major employers, visit the City of Trenton’s website.
Landmarks
As the state capital, Trenton is home to many notable government and historic buildings. The New Jersey State House dates back to 1792 and is the second-oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States after Maryland’s. Other landmarks include:
- The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Cadwalader Park
- The historic Old Barracks
- The Trenton Transit Center
- The College of New Jersey campus
- The Trenton Battle Monument
- The Trenton War Memorial (“Lady Liberty”)
- The historic First Baptist Church of Trenton
The city is also just across the river from Pennsylvania’s state capital, Harrisburg.
Sports
Trenton was formerly home to two minor league baseball teams – the Trenton Giants (which became the Trenton Thunder) and the Trenton Senators. The Thunder played from 1994 to 2020 and were the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. However, in 2021, the team was rebranded as the Somerset Patriots and relocated.
The Trenton Freedom of the Professional Indoor Football League also played at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton from 2001 to 2015.
Today, Trenton’s main sports team is the Trenton Titans ice hockey team of the North Eastern Hockey League which plays at the Mercer County Ice Rink.
The City of Trenton maintains an active Facebook page to keep residents informed of news, events, and local government services and announcements.
Conclusion
From its early industrial history to its role as a state capital, Trenton has played an important part in New Jersey’s development over the centuries. While the city has faced challenges in recent decades, revitalization efforts are helping to bring new energy and economic diversity. With its wealth of historic and cultural attractions, Trenton continues to tell the ongoing story of New Jersey.