Politics & Government

Census Data Shows NJ Will Lose House Seat

State's population growth slowed to 4.5 percent over the past 10 years according to bureau.

New Jersey's population growth has slowed significantly since the last census, according to information released by the United States Census Bureau. That, coupled with growth in the south and west of the country, will result in the loss of one of the state's seats in the House of Representatives.

Data from the bureau released Tuesday showed New Jersey's population increased by only 4.5 percent from 2000 to 2010. As a result, the state's total seats in the House will drop from 13 to 12.

Census data is used every 10 years to divide, or apportion, the House's 435 seats among the 50 states. In 2011, a state commission of 13 appointed members will chose one of New Jersey's 13 districts to eliminate. An election in 2013, likely between incumbents, will decide who wins the consolidated seat.

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In 2000, according to census data, New Jersey's population increased by 8.9 percent and its total seats in the House remained unchanged at 13. However, this isn't the first time New Jersey has lost a seat. The data showed the state's population increase of only 5 percent in 1990 and 2.7 percent in 1980 each caused a loss of a seat. That makes three lost seats in the past 30 years. Before 1980, according to the data, New Jersey hadn't lost a seat during the century, and actually gained one after the 1960 census, and two after the 1930 and 1910 censuses.

In all, 12 seats will be reassigned across the country. Garden State neighbors Pennsylvania (1) and New York (2) will be losing seats, as well. Also losing seats, according to the bureau, are Massachusetts (1), Ohio (2), Michigan (1), Illinois (1), Missouri (1), Iowa (1) and Louisiana (1). Eight states will gain seats. They are Washington (1), Nevada (1), Utah (1), Arizona (1), Texas (2), Florida (2), Georgia (1) and South Carolina (1).

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The census showed New Jersey remained the most densely populated state, with only Washington, D.C., having a greater density overall. Puerto Rico came in third per square mile, and Rhode Island was fourth, coming in as the second most densely populated state. Massachusetts was next on the list. New York was ninth.

New Jersey went from having the ninth largest population in 2000 to the 11th in 2010, according to the data. California easily remained the most populated state with 37,253,956 people, according to the bureau.

New Jersey's total population, according to the bureau, was 8,791,894. That was an increase from 2000, when it was reported as 8,414,350. The total population in the United States, according to the census, is 308,745,538. That was a 9.8 percent increase from 2000, which represents the smallest increase since the 7.3 percent reported in 1940, a measurement which was taken during the Great Depression.

For more information, visit the United States Census website here.


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