Lakewood Township continues to be among the fastest-growing municipalities in the state of New Jersey and remains closely followed by several neighboring communities, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to newly released Census estimates, Lakewood’s population reached 143,765 residents as of July 1, 2025, an increase of approximately 8,607 residents, or 6.4%, since the April 2020 Census count of 135,158.

The updated figures further cement Lakewood’s status as one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing municipalities and the fourth-largest municipality in the state, ahead of Elizabeth, which has an estimated population of roughly 141,000 residents.

Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson remain the three most populous municipalities in the state.

Lakewood’s explosive growth — fueled largely by the thousands of births recorded annually in the township — also appears to be contributing to rising populations in neighboring municipalities.

Among surrounding communities, Toms River now has an estimated population of 100,899, reflecting 5.7% growth since 2020. Jackson Township saw its population increase by 4.6% to 61,281 residents, while Howell Township grew by 3.2% to 55,156 residents. Manchester Township experienced 3.1% growth, bringing its estimated population to 46,556.

The latest figures build on the dramatic population surge revealed by the 2020 Census, which showed Lakewood’s population skyrocketed by 46% between 2010 and 2020, growing from 92,843 residents to 135,158.