Middlesex County is a major transportation corridor of the state, and for this reason, has experienced continued increases in population and economic activity. The county estimates that more than 7,000 new jobs have been created each year since 1980, and people have come to Middlesex County, and Metuchen to fill them.

Metuchen, a desirable small town convenient to many major employers in the region, is within two miles of several of the state's major transportation arteries; the NJ Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, Interstate 287, U.s. Highway 1 and State Highway 27. Also, Metuchen's direct and convenient railroad service to New York City (and to New Brunswick & Trenton) has attracted many commuters.

For years, the area has had major employers in pharmaceuticals, health care, financial services and higher education (Rutgers University). In addition, a high-tech corridor" has developed in recent years along Route 1, between New Brunswick & Princeton, and many people living in Metuchen work there.

Metuchen's population in the 1990 census was 12,804, within the borough's roughly 2.8 square miles. Population jumps to 91,676 (or 33,539 households) within a mere three-mile radius, making the area the sixth largest population center in the state. Middlesex County is the third largest county in the state, with 671,000 people, and that figure is projected to grow about 750,000 by the year 2000.

According to 1990 census data, about half of Metuchen's residents are between 25 and 59 years old, with a median age of 37.9. Metuchen has a highly skilled and productive labor force; 34% in sales & administration, 23% in trade, production or self-employed. An unskilled labor pool is available nearby.

The median family income in Metuchen in 1990 was $61,046, with more than 50% of the households earning more than $50,000. Disposable family income was estimated at nearly $38,000, which is 20% higher than the county average. Within a three-mile radius, just about 50% of the households earn more than $50,000.