What to Know About Paramus: Population Culture Laws Politics Business and Healthcare

Paramus is a suburban borough within Bergen County, New Jersey’s most populous county with approximately 955,000 residents, situated in America’s most densely populated state at 1,263 people per square mile (US Census Bureau, 2021). The municipality exemplifies New Jersey’s demographic characteristics where 100% of residents live in metropolitan areas and benefit from the nation’s highest median household income of $97,126 (US Census Bureau, 2023). Paramus operates within New Jersey’s cultural landscape as the “Garden State,” home to pioneering innovations including the first officially recorded baseball game in Hoboken (1846) and the world’s first drive-in movie theater in Camden (1933), according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (2021) and Smithsonian Magazine (2018). The borough’s political environment reflects New Jersey’s Democratic trifecta governance structure, where Democrats control the Governor’s office and both legislative chambers, while its business climate benefits from the state’s position as a pharmaceutical industry hub hosting 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical companies (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021). Healthcare access in Paramus aligns with New Jersey’s progressive policies including 12 weeks of paid family leave at 85% wage replacement and comprehensive Medicaid coverage for approximately 2.1 million residents (24% of the state population), reflecting the intersection of suburban prosperity and progressive governance that defines modern New Jersey living (NJ Department of Labor, 2020).

What is Paramus’s Population and Demographics?

Paramus’s population is approximately 26,900 residents as of 2023, representing a key suburban municipality within Bergen County, New Jersey’s most populous county with 955,000 residents (US Census Bureau, 2023). The borough demonstrates typical Bergen County demographic patterns, with a population density reflecting the county’s position as part of New Jersey’s highly urbanized landscape where 100% of residents live in metropolitan areas (US Census Bureau, 2012). Paramus serves as a microcosm of New Jersey’s broader demographic trends, particularly regarding age distribution and educational attainment levels across the state’s 21 counties and 565 municipalities (NJ Department of State, 2023).

The demographic composition of Paramus mirrors New Jersey’s statewide characteristics, including the state’s median age of 40.2 years, which exceeds the national median of 38.8 years (US Census Bureau, 2020). Educational achievement levels in the borough align with New Jersey’s status as having 47% of adults with associate degrees or higher, significantly above the national rate of 42% (US Census Bureau, 2022). The following demographic indicators reflect both local and statewide patterns:

Foreign-born population comprising 23.2% of New Jersey residents

Residents speaking languages other than English at home totaling 32.2%

Senior population aged 65 and older representing 17% of the state

Non-Hispanic white residents making up 52.0% of New Jersey’s population

Paramus’s demographic profile contributes to Bergen County’s distinction as New Jersey’s population center, contrasting with less populated areas like Salem County with only 64,000 residents (US Census Bureau, 2021). The borough’s residents benefit from New Jersey’s economic advantages, including the state’s median household income of $97,126, one of the highest among all states and far exceeding the national median of $70,000 (US Census Bureau, 2023). Population growth patterns in Paramus reflect New Jersey’s overall 5.7% growth rate from 2010 to 2020, slightly below the national average but demonstrating continued residential appeal within the state’s dense metropolitan framework (US Census Bureau, 2021).

How does Paramus fit within New Jersey’s Dense Population Distribution?

Paramus functions as a critical component within New Jersey’s record-breaking population density framework of 1,263 people per square mile, which exceeds the national average by over 13 times (US Census Bureau, 2021). The borough exemplifies New Jersey’s unique metropolitan coverage system, where 100% of residents live within designated metropolitan statistical areas across all 21 counties (US Census Bureau, 2012). Bergen County, which houses Paramus, contains approximately 955,000 residents, making it New Jersey’s most populous county and demonstrating concentrated population distribution patterns (US Census Bureau, 2021).

New Jersey’s dense population structure accommodates 9.27 million residents across 7,354 square miles, establishing it as the 11th-most populous state despite its compact geographic footprint (US Census Bureau, 2023). Paramus residents contribute to this metropolitan concentration through participation in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, reflecting statewide urbanization trends. The state’s population growth of 5.7% between 2010-2020 demonstrates continued densification patterns that directly impact communities like Paramus (US Census Bureau, 2021).

The borough’s location within Bergen County places Paramus residents among New Jersey’s 565 municipalities, representing one of the highest municipal densities relative to state size in America (NJ Department of State, 2023). Paramus exemplifies New Jersey’s distinction as the only state where every resident lives within metropolitan boundaries, contrasting sharply with rural states where significant populations exist outside metropolitan designations. This comprehensive metropolitan coverage enables coordinated regional planning and resource distribution across densely populated areas including Paramus.

What are the Age and Education Characteristics of Paramus Residents?

Paramus residents reflect New Jersey’s demographic profile with a median age of 40.2 years, positioning the community slightly above the national median of 38.8 years (US Census Bureau, 2020). The aging population structure shows 17% of residents aged 65 or older, demonstrating the generational shifts occurring across Bergen County communities (US Census Bureau, 2022). This age distribution creates a mature residential base that supports local educational institutions and workforce development initiatives throughout the region.

Educational attainment in Paramus mirrors New Jersey’s exceptional academic achievements, with 47% of adults holding associate degrees or higher compared to the national rate of 42% (US Census Bureau, 2022). This educational concentration reflects Bergen County’s status as New Jersey’s most populous county with approximately 955,000 residents, creating dense networks of educated professionals (US Census Bureau, 2021). The combination of higher education levels and demographic stability positions Paramus within New Jersey’s broader identity as having the highest concentration of scientists and engineers among U.S. states at 505 per 10,000 workers (National Science Board, 2020).

What Cultural Heritage and Traditions Define Paramus?

Paramus’s cultural heritage reflects New Jersey’s “Garden State” identity, a title dating back to the 19th century that honors the region’s rich agricultural history (NJ State Library, 2017). The municipality inherits New Jersey’s distinction as the “diner capital of the world”, historically home to hundreds of diners – though about 150 diners have closed in the past decade as the industry adapts (NPR, 2024). This culinary tradition shapes local identity through community gathering spaces that preserve American dining culture. The area benefits from being part of a state where 32.2% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating diverse cultural exchanges within traditional frameworks (US Census Bureau, 2023).

Cultural innovations throughout New Jersey directly influence Paramus’s heritage landscape. The world’s first drive-in movie theater opened in 1933 in Camden, New Jersey, introducing a new American pastime that spread nationwide (Smithsonian Magazine, 2018). Baseball’s origins trace to June 19, 1846, when the first officially recorded baseball game in U.S. history was played in Hoboken, New Jersey (National Baseball Hall of Fame, 2021). These pioneering entertainment forms became integral to American culture, with Paramus residents participating in traditions that originated within their home state.

The municipality’s traditions connect to New Jersey’s broader cultural significance, including landmarks like Atlantic City’s Monopoly board game properties and the state’s designation of Hadrosaurus foulkii as the official state fossil (Rutgers University, 2022). Nearly a quarter of New Jersey’s population (23.2%) is foreign-born, one of the highest proportions among states, enriching local heritage through immigrant contributions (US Census Bureau, 2023). This demographic diversity creates cultural fusion within Paramus’s community traditions, blending Garden State history with contemporary multicultural influences that define modern New Jersey identity.

How does New Jersey’s Historical Significance Impact Paramus?

New Jersey’s historical significance directly enhances Paramus residents’ quality of life through educational opportunities, cultural pride, and economic advantages stemming from the state’s 25 documented historical firsts (National Archives, 2014). Paramus benefits from New Jersey’s pioneering legacy as the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights on November 20, 1789, establishing foundational constitutional protections that influence local governance structures (National Archives, 2014). The state’s innovation heritage, including Thomas Edison’s first practical electric light bulb development at Menlo Park in 1879, attracts technology companies and research institutions that provide high-paying employment opportunities within commuting distance of Paramus (Thomas Edison Museum, 2019). Alexander Hamilton’s creation of Paterson as America’s first planned industrial city in 1791 established New Jersey’s manufacturing foundation, contributing to the state’s current status as a major pharmaceutical industry hub hosting 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharma companies (Paterson Museum, 2021; NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021).

Paramus residents experience cultural distinction through New Jersey’s unique historical markers that foster state identity and tourism revenue. The state maintains its individuality as the only U.S. state without an official state song despite its rich musical legacy, creating a distinctive cultural characteristic that residents embrace (Philadelphia Inquirer, 2023). New Jersey’s Sandy Hook Lighthouse, built in 1764 as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the United States, attracts historical tourism that generates economic activity benefiting Bergen County communities like Paramus through increased visitor spending (National Park Service, 2020). The state’s historical significance in entertainment innovation, including the world’s first drive-in movie theater opening in Camden in 1933, reinforces New Jersey’s cultural importance and attracts media industry investments (Smithsonian Magazine, 2018).

Historical preservation efforts create educational resources and property value advantages for Paramus families through proximity to nationally significant sites. New Jersey’s documented role in sports history, including hosting the first officially recorded baseball game in Hoboken on June 19, 1846, contributes to the state’s sports tourism industry that supports local businesses (National Baseball Hall of Fame, 2021). The state’s paleontological significance, marked by the designation of Hadrosaurus foulkii as the official state fossil discovered in Haddonfield in 1858, provides educational opportunities for Bergen County schools and families (Rutgers University, 2022). These historical assets combine with New Jersey’s top-ranked K-12 education system, consistently rated at or near #1 nationally, ensuring Paramus residents access superior educational resources that incorporate the state’s rich historical heritage (Education Week, 2021).

What Dining and Entertainment Culture Exists in Paramus?

Paramus participates in New Jersey’s dining culture as part of the state’s national reputation as the “diner capital of the world” (NPR, 2024). The diner tradition faces challenges with 150 diner closures statewide over the past decade (NPR, 2024). Local dining establishments reflect this cultural heritage while entertainment opportunities center on proximity to major regional attractions.

Entertainment culture in Paramus benefits from access to MetLife Stadium in nearby East Rutherford, which hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and maintains capacity for 82,500 spectators (Associated Press, 2024). The stadium previously hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 (NFL, 2014). Regional entertainment extends to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, opened in 1870 as America’s first boardwalk and ranked the #1 attraction in New Jersey (TripAdvisor, 2025).

Dining options reflect New Jersey’s cultural diversity with 32.2% of residents speaking languages other than English at home (US Census Bureau, 2023). Tourism spending reached $49.1 billion statewide in 2023, supporting entertainment infrastructure (NJ Department of State, 2025). The state’s 953,000 small businesses include numerous dining and entertainment establishments serving Bergen County’s 955,000 residents (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022).

What Laws and Regulations Apply to Paramus Residents?

Paramus residents operate under New Jersey’s comprehensive legal framework that includes several unique state regulations not found elsewhere in the United States. A 1949 New Jersey law prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas, making New Jersey the only state that bans self-service gasoline at stations (Axios, 2022). The state’s legal environment reflects progressive social policies, with New Jerseyans voting 67% in favor of a 2020 constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana, leading to regulated cannabis sales throughout the state (NJ Division of Elections, 2020).

New Jersey’s reproductive rights legislation provides comprehensive protections through the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act enacted in 2022, codifying abortion rights in state law and protecting access even after federal changes (Associated Press, 2022). The state pioneered LGBTQ protections by banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors in 2013, becoming the second state after California to outlaw the discredited practice (NJ General Assembly, 2013). Additional regulatory measures include raising the legal smoking age to 21 in 2017, positioning New Jersey among early adopter states prohibiting tobacco sales to younger adults (NJ Legislature, 2017).

Gun safety regulations in New Jersey earn recognition as among the nation’s strongest, with the Giffords Law Center rating the state’s firearm laws an “A” grade and ranking New Jersey #1 for gun safety laws in 2023 (Giffords Law Center, 2023). The state provides extensive worker protections through 12 weeks of paid family leave at up to 85% wage replacement, representing one of the most comprehensive state family leave programs in the country (NJ Department of Labor, 2020). New Jersey’s minimum wage increased to $15.13 per hour on January 1, 2024, indexed for inflation under a 2019 law that phased in increases from $8.60 in 2018 (NJ Department of Labor, 2023).

How do New Jersey’s Gun Laws and Safety Regulations Affect Paramus?

New Jersey’s comprehensive firearm regulations directly reduce gun violence in Paramus through the state’s A-grade ranking from the Giffords Law Center for gun safety legislation (Giffords Law Center, 2023). These stringent gun safety measures contribute to New Jersey achieving the nation’s lowest firearm mortality rate at 4.1 gun deaths per 100,000 people in 2024, representing approximately one-third of the national average (US CDC/NCHS, 2024). Paramus residents benefit from these protective regulations through reduced community gun violence and enhanced public safety protocols.

The state’s gun control framework encompasses multiple safety requirements that strengthen firearm oversight across all 21 counties including Bergen County, where Paramus operates within New Jersey’s regulatory structure (NJ Department of State, 2023). New Jersey’s firearm licensing system requires background checks, permits for purchases, and safe storage mandates that prevent unauthorized access. These gun safety protocols operate alongside Bergen County’s local law enforcement initiatives, creating layered protection for Paramus’s approximately 26,700 residents within the broader metropolitan safety network.

Gun violence prevention measures in New Jersey include enhanced penalties for illegal firearms possession and mandatory reporting requirements for lost weapons. The state’s assault weapon restrictions and high-capacity magazine prohibitions further limit access to dangerous firearms in communities like Paramus. New Jersey’s violent crime rate of 195 per 100,000 people remains significantly below the national average of 398 per 100,000, demonstrating how effective gun regulations complement overall public safety strategies (FBI, 2021).

What Progressive Social Laws Impact Paramus Families?

Progressive social legislation transforms family life in Paramus through 3 landmark laws that establish comprehensive protections for residents. New Jersey implements 12 weeks of paid family leave at 85% wage replacement, creating one of the most generous family support programs nationally (NJ Department of Labor, 2020). The state raised the smoking age to 21 in 2017, joining early adopter states in prohibiting tobacco sales to younger adults (NJ Legislature, 2017).

LGBTQ+ minor protections advance through New Jersey’s 2013 conversion therapy ban, making it the second state after California to outlaw the discredited practice (NJ General Assembly, 2013). These progressive policies benefit Paramus families within Bergen County’s 955,000 residents, where social legislation creates supportive environments for diverse households (US Census Bureau, 2021). Family leave policies support working parents during critical bonding periods, while tobacco age restrictions reduce youth access to harmful substances.

Additional family-centered laws include the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act enacted in 2022, codifying abortion rights in state law and protecting reproductive access (Associated Press, 2022). New Jersey’s firearm safety measures earn an “A” grade ranking #1 nationally for gun safety laws, creating secure communities for Paramus families (Giffords Law Center, 2023). The state’s Democratic trifecta government continues advancing progressive legislation that prioritizes family welfare and social protection (Ballotpedia, 2023).

What is the Political Landscape Surrounding Paramus?

The political landscape surrounding Paramus operates within New Jersey’s Democratic trifecta government structure, where Democrats control the Governor’s office and majorities in both the state Senate and Assembly as of 2023 (Ballotpedia, 2023). New Jersey has voted Democratic in every U.S. presidential election since 1992 – a streak of eight consecutive elections (Federal Election Commission, 2021). About 77% of eligible New Jersey voters cast a ballot in the high-turnout 2020 presidential election, one of the highest state turnout rates that year (NJ Division of Elections, 2021). Registered Democrats in New Jersey outnumber registered Republicans by roughly 2 to 1, with about 2.6 million vs 1.4 million as of 2023 (NJ Division of Elections, 2023).

Political dominance in the Garden State extends to federal representation, where Democrats hold 9 of New Jersey’s 12 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2022 elections (NJ Division of Elections, 2023). No Republican has won a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey in over 50 years – the last was elected in 1972, reflecting the state’s Democratic lean in federal races (Politico, 2018). New Jersey holds its state-level general elections in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023), one of only a few states to elect governors and legislators in off-years rather than the federal cycle (Ballotpedia, 2023). U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s 2013 election made him the first Black senator in New Jersey’s history (U.S. Senate, 2013).

How do State and Federal Elections Impact Paramus?

State and federal elections significantly impact Paramus through New Jersey’s unique odd-numbered year electoral cycle, which separates state-level contests from federal elections (Ballotpedia, 2023). Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by 2-to-1 margins statewide, with approximately 2.6 million Democratic voters versus 1.4 million Republican registrants as of 2023 (NJ Division of Elections, 2023). This Democratic advantage creates substantial influence over state policies affecting Bergen County municipalities like Paramus. An additional 2.4 million unaffiliated voters comprise the remaining electorate, often determining electoral outcomes in competitive races.

Federal electoral patterns demonstrate New Jersey’s consistent Democratic lean, with the state voting Democratic in every presidential election since 1992 – representing eight consecutive cycles (Federal Election Commission, 2021). No Republican has secured a U.S. Senate seat in over 50 years, with the last Republican senator elected in 1972 (Politico, 2018). U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s 2013 election marked him as the first Black senator in New Jersey history (U.S. Senate, 2013). Following 2022 elections, Democrats control 9 of New Jersey’s 12 House seats, reinforcing the party’s federal representation dominance (NJ Division of Elections, 2023).

Voter participation rates directly affect Paramus through high statewide engagement levels. New Jersey achieved a 77% eligible voter turnout during the 2020 presidential election, ranking among the highest state participation rates nationally (NJ Division of Elections, 2021). The state government operates as a Democratic trifecta, with party control over the Governor’s office and both legislative chambers as of 2023 (Ballotpedia, 2023). Bergen County’s status as New Jersey’s most populous county with approximately 955,000 residents amplifies Paramus’s electoral influence within state and federal representation frameworks (US Census Bureau, 2021).

What Business Environment and Economy Exists in Paramus?

Paramus operates within New Jersey’s $679.0 billion GDP economy, which ranks as the nation’s 10th largest by economic output (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). The business climate surrounding Paramus benefits from the state’s position as a major pharmaceutical industry hub, hosting 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharma companies with significant facilities or headquarters (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021). New Jersey maintains the highest concentration of scientists and engineers among U.S. states at approximately 505 per 10,000 workers, creating an innovation-driven economic environment that supports business development in pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and research sectors (National Science Board, 2020).

The economic environment supporting Paramus businesses reflects New Jersey’s small business dominance, with approximately 953,000 small businesses comprising 99.6% of all state businesses and employing 1.9 million people (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022). New Jersey’s GDP per capita reached about $71,500 in 2024, placing the state among the top 15 in economic output per person (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). The business climate operates within a high-income market where the median household income stands at $97,126, significantly above the national median of approximately $70,000 (US Census Bureau, 2023).

Paramus businesses function within New Jersey’s competitive economic landscape where the statewide minimum wage rose to $15.13 per hour on January 1, 2024, indexed for inflation from $8.60 in 2018 (NJ Department of Labor, 2023). The state’s unemployment rate averaged 4.5% in 2024, slightly higher than the U.S. average of 4.0%, while business operations must navigate the nation’s highest property taxes with average annual bills around $9,400 per household (BLS, 2025; Associated Press, 2023). New Jersey’s economy accounts for roughly 3% of U.S. GDP, providing Paramus businesses access to substantial market opportunities within this large-scale economic framework (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024).

What are the Income and Employment Opportunities in Paramus?

Income and employment opportunities in Paramus reflect New Jersey’s position as one of America’s highest-earning states, with median household earnings reaching $97,126 in 2023 (US Census Bureau, 2023). The state maintains a 4.5% unemployment rate in 2024, slightly above the national average of 4.0% (BLS, 2025). Employment prospects benefit from New Jersey’s status as a major pharmaceutical industry hub, hosting 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical companies (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021).

Wage opportunities improved significantly with New Jersey’s minimum wage increase to $15.13 per hour in January 2024, up from $8.60 in 2018 (NJ Department of Labor, 2023). The state’s economy generates a gross domestic product of $679.0 billion in 2024, ranking as the nation’s 10th largest economy (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). Small business employment dominates the landscape, with approximately 953,000 small businesses comprising 99.6% of all businesses and employing 1.9 million people (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022).

Economic stability indicators show exceptionally low poverty rates at 9.7% compared to national averages of 11-12% (US Census Bureau, 2023). Professional opportunities concentrate in high-skill sectors, as New Jersey boasts the highest concentration of scientists and engineers among U.S. states at 505 per 10,000 workers (National Science Board, 2020). The tourism industry alone sustained over 500,000 jobs in 2023, contributing $5.2 billion in state and local taxes (NJ Department of State, 2025).

How do Property Taxes and Cost of Living Affect Paramus Residents?

Property taxes in Paramus cost residents approximately $9,400 per household annually, reflecting New Jersey’s position as the state with the highest property tax burden nationwide (Associated Press, 2023). This substantial tax obligation affects household budgets significantly, yet Paramus residents benefit from New Jersey’s robust economic foundation with a GDP per capita of $71,500 in 2024 (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). The state’s median household income of $97,126 helps offset these elevated property tax costs, positioning New Jersey among the highest-earning states nationally (US Census Bureau, 2023). Living costs in Paramus are balanced by access to high-paying employment opportunities across multiple thriving sectors.

New Jersey’s pharmaceutical industry provides substantial employment stability, with 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical companies maintaining significant facilities or headquarters within the state (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021). The state employs the highest concentration of scientists and engineers nationally, with approximately 505 professionals per 10,000 workers in these specialized fields (National Science Board, 2020). Tourism contributes $49.1 billion annually to the state economy while sustaining over 500,000 jobs, demonstrating the diverse economic opportunities available to Paramus residents (NJ Department of State, 2025). Technology sectors complement these industries, creating a multi-faceted job market that supports higher wages.

The state’s unemployment rate of 4.5% in 2024 remains manageable despite being slightly above the national average of 4.0% (BLS, 2025). New Jersey’s minimum wage increased to $15.13 per hour as of January 2024, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain wage competitiveness amid rising living costs (NJ Department of Labor, 2023). Small businesses comprise 99.6% of all New Jersey enterprises, employing 1.9 million people across the state’s diversified economy (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022). Only 9.7% of New Jersey residents live below the poverty line, significantly lower than the national rate of 11-12%, indicating that higher wages effectively counterbalance elevated property tax burdens (US Census Bureau, 2023).

What Tourism and Recreation Industries Benefit Paramus?

Tourism and recreation industries benefit Paramus through New Jersey’s record-breaking 120.5 million visitors in 2023, generating $49.1 billion in visitor spending and supporting over 500,000 jobs statewide (NJ Department of State, 2025). The recreational sector contributed $5.2 billion in state and local taxes while sustaining approximately 1 in 12 New Jersey jobs through direct and indirect economic impacts. Paramus benefits from its strategic location near premier tourist destinations including Atlantic City Boardwalk, ranked as New Jersey’s #1 attraction on TripAdvisor (TripAdvisor, 2025).

Recreation-based businesses in Paramus capitalize on proximity to 5 top-rated New Jersey attractions that draw millions of visitors annually. Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton holds the #2 TripAdvisor ranking as a 42-acre sculpture park, while Liberty State Park ranks #5 with panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (TripAdvisor, 2025). Tourism enterprises benefit from New Jersey’s 100% metropolitan population across all 21 counties, creating concentrated consumer markets for recreational services (US Census Bureau, 2012).

Hospitality and entertainment sectors leverage New Jersey’s position as America’s most densely populated state with 1,263 people per square mile, over 13 times the national average (US Census Bureau, 2021). Recreation industries serve a demographic with median household income of $97,126, significantly above the national median of $70,000 (US Census Bureau, 2023). The state’s tourism growth represents a $3.7 billion increase from 2022 to 2023, establishing an all-time high for visitor spending in New Jersey.