Newark is a city located in Essex County New Jersey. With a 2023 population of 321,872, it is the largest city in New Jersey and the 62nd largest city in the United States.Newark is currently growing at a rate of 1.08% annually and its population has increased by 3.31% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 311,549 in 2020. Spanning over 26 miles, Newark has a population density of 13,332 people per square mile.
The average household income in Newark is $51,880 with a poverty rate of 31.70%. The median rental costs in recent years comes to - per month, and the median house value is -. The median age in Newark is 34.5 years, 33.3 years for males, and 35.8 years for females.
Newark is notable for many reasons, beginning with its history dating back to the 1600s. Newark is one of the oldest cities in the US. The city is also home to one of the busiest airports in the US and has a significant number of company headquarters and higher educations institutions that are known nationwide.
Newark Population Statistics
Despite revitalization, poverty remains a problem and has led to residents moving to other areas, resulting in population losses.
Newark Population Growth
Newark saw population growth through the 1800s into the 1930s. However, losses in the population were recorded during the 1940 census. Racial tensions contributed to further losses throughout the years, with the population dropping from over 442,000 in 1930 to over 281,000 today. Population losses have slowed in recent years, and growth was recorded between the 2000 and 2010 census, although it was just 1.3%. Since the last poll was taken, the numbers have increased by 1.7%, suggesting that perhaps the population is on an upswing again.
Newark is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was first settled by Puritans in 1666. In 1693, it was designated as a township. It was not incorporated as a city until 1836.
It is believed that the name was derived from “New Ark” or “New Work,” although others believe that the name was derived from the English city of Newark-on-Trent due to the influence of the pastor Abraham Pierson. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city saw explosive population growth. However, in the latter part of the 20th century, the Newark riots led to a decline in population. However, the city has since rebounded following its revitalization efforts that began during the 1990s.
The city is divided into five different political wards: East, West, North South and Central. There are multiple neighborhoods throughout each district showcasing the diversity of this city, which is home to the oldest county park in the nation and is also the location of headquarters of international corporations including Panasonic, Audible.com, IDT, and Prudential. The city is also known for its colleges and universities, including Rutgers and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.