A new Rutgers Regional Report published in April finds that New Jersey is on track to build about 45 percent more houses in the 2020s than were constructed in the previous decade. The report, authored by James W. Hughes and Connie Hughes, highlights nearly 180,000 housing units produced from 2020 to 2024—the strongest five-year period since the 1980s.
The findings are significant as they provide context for ongoing policy discussions about housing supply and demand in New Jersey, which remains the most densely populated state in the country. “New Jersey’s housing production rollercoaster has been defined by long-term crests and falls since the 1940s – from the postwar golden age of home building in the 1950s and 1960s to the prolonged slowdown that followed,” James W. Hughes said. “The increase in construction during the 2020s so far suggests a potential turning point that adds important context to ongoing policy discussions about housing supply in New Jersey.”
Connie Hughes added: “A key question going forward is whether this production uptrend can be sustained or expanded, and whether it will be sufficient to meet growing housing demand in the state. Public policy discussions benefit from recognizing the long‑term economic and demographic forces that have consistently shaped housing production in New Jersey.” The report also examines how economic cycles, demographic shifts, and changing development patterns have influenced where homes are built across decades.
For instance, after years of suburban growth, urban redevelopment gained momentum during the early 2000s—particularly with Hudson County increasing its share of statewide construction compared with prior decades. As James W. Hughes said: “Altogether, these economic, demographic, and geographic factors provide a broader framework for understanding recent housing production trends within the state’s evolving economic and population landscape.” The study was released by Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation within its School of Engineering.
According to the official website, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy operates as part of Rutgers University—the State University of New Jersey—and focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive communities at all levels while advancing social impact through research centers dedicated to community development, transportation, health, workforce development and energy policy.
The school has received national recognition for its programs; it ranks third nationally for graduate urban planning programs and fourth for undergraduate public health programs according to its official website. Stuart Shapiro assumed his role as dean at Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy in 2023 according to its official website. Since establishing a Hall of Fame program honoring distinguished alumni beginning in 2013—and annual achievement awards dating back to 1994—the school continues contributing expertise relevant not only locally but also nationally.