To be designated as an urban center, a community must have a population of at least:

To be officially designated as an urban center, a community's population must meet specific criteria that reflect its size and capacity to support urban infrastructure and services. In New Jersey, the designation of an urban center typically requires a population threshold that indicates a certain level of density and urban character.

Having a population of at least 10,000 is significant because it suggests enough residents to foster a diverse range of services, amenities, and economic activities that contribute to urban life. Furthermore, having a larger population of 40,000 enhances this designation, as it provides a more robust platform for promoting development strategies that can accommodate larger residential and commercial needs.

By allowing for both the lower threshold of 10,000 and the higher threshold of 40,000 as criteria for urban center status, the designation provides flexibility to recognize various levels of urbanity across different communities. This dual requirement ensures that urban centers can cater to varying needs and encourage growth in line with regional planning objectives.