Randolph is a township in southwestern Morris County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 26,504,
According to the 2020 Census, Randolph was the 3rd most-populous municipality in Morris County
In 2013, in the Coldwell Banker edition of “Best Places to Live in New Jersey for Booming Suburbs,” Randolph was the number one ranked town in Morris County and fourth overall in the state citing "job growth, high percentage of home ownership, good schools, access to local shopping and community safety." Niche.com ranked Randolph amongst the Top 50 in its 2019 rankings of the "Best Places to Live" in New Jersey.
Established in 1968, the County College of Morris is located on more than in the northern part of the township along Route 10.
History
thumb|right|Entering Randolph on Patriots Path
The earliest known inhabitants of what is now Randolph were the Lenni Lenape Native Americans. The earliest European settlers of what is now Randolph were Quakers and one of the pioneering landowners was Hartshorne Fitz-Randolph, who purchased of what would become the township in the Mine Hill area in 1753, later becoming the namesake of the township. New Jersey's first iron mine was established in Randolph in 1713, and for hundreds of years the mines fostered the development of the township, providing the raw materials for weapons used by the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Portions of the township were taken on April 1, 1869, to create Dover Town within the township, which became an independent municipality as of March 5, 1896. Other portions of the township were taken to create Port Oram (June 26, 1895, now Wharton), Mine Hill Township (March 2, 1923) and Victory Gardens (June 20, 1951). The creation of Victory Gardens created a small triangular exclave of the township, surrounded by Victory Gardens to the southeast and Dover to the northwest.
Randolph became a vacation haven in the early part of the 20th century, known for its woods, ponds, lakes and air. Through the 1950s, farms, large hotels and bungalow colonies dotted the community. Performers such as Phil Silvers, and Frank Sinatra appeared at the hotels. Boxers Max Baer, Floyd Patterson, James J. Braddock and Rocky Marciano trained or fought at the Saltz Hotel. The Liberty Tree (which dated back to 1720) was also one of the town landmarks until its removal due to deterioration on August 31, 2018.
The Randolph Historical Society has preserved the township's historical heritage in the Museum of Old Randolph. One of Randolph's oldest streets, Gristmill Road, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 21.16 square miles (54.81 km<sup>2</sup>), including 20.91 square miles (54.14 km<sup>2</sup>) of land and 0.26 square miles (0.67 km<sup>2</sup>) of water (1.22%).
Situated upstream of the Black River, the South Branch of the Raritan River, the Whippany River and the Rockaway River, the hills of Randolph attracted settlers and its streams provided power for industry.
Geology
The township is located within the New Jersey Highlands, one of New Jersey's four major physiographic provinces. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, the Highlands are characterized by alternating flat-topped ridges and deep-striking valleys.
Climate
On average, the warmest month is July. The highest recorded temperature was 102 °F in 1953. On average, the coolest month is January, while the maximum average precipitation occurs in September. The lowest recorded temperature was −24 °F in 1943.