Carteret, New Jersey, is situated within Middlesex County. Understanding municipal placement within county lines is fundamental for administrative, governmental, and geographical purposes. A county serves as a significant level of local government within a state, providing various services to its municipalities.
Knowing the county in which a town resides offers advantages regarding access to county-level services, such as courts, law enforcement, and social programs. It also provides a context for understanding regional demographic data, economic trends, and political affiliations. Historically, county boundaries have shaped the development and identity of communities within them.