Newark City Demographics

Newark, Essex County, NJ, had a 2020 population of 311,549. The median age is 34.1 years. Women make up 52%, men 48%. Racially, Newark is 50% Black or African American, 36% Hispanic or Latino, 11% White, and 2% Asian, with the remainder multiracial or other groups. Newark is New Jersey’s largest city, with a diverse and youthful population.

Newark City Housing

Newark, Essex County, NJ, has a homeownership rate of around 21%, with median home values at approximately $370,000 in 2024. Renters pay a median monthly rent of $1,500. Neighborhoods like Forest Hill offer historic homes, while the Ironbound is known for multifamilies and apartments. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. Housing types range from rowhouses to high-rises. Newark’s property tax rate is about 3.3%, higher than the national average. Popular areas include Downtown and University Heights, offering diverse amenities and housing options for buyers and renters alike.

Education in Newark City

Newark, Essex County, NJ, hosts over 60 public schools, including 13 high schools, and several charter/private options. The city’s high school graduation rate is approximately 77%, below the NJ state average of 91%. About 17% of Newark adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. SchoolDigger gives Newark Public Schools an average academic performance ranking in the lowest 10% statewide. Programs like adult education and GED prep are available. School safety remains a concern, though initiatives are underway to improve it. Newark also offers magnet schools and STEM-focused educational opportunities.

Transportation in Newark City

Newark, Essex, NJ, features robust transportation infrastructure, including Amtrak, NJ Transit, PATH trains, and a comprehensive bus network. Around 52% of employed residents use public transit, while 32% drive alone. The average commute time is 36 minutes, above the national average. Vehicle ownership is relatively low—34% of households lack a car. Newark Liberty International Airport and the downtown district are major employment hubs. Accessibility to highways like I-78 and the New Jersey Turnpike further connects residents to jobs across the NYC metropolitan area, supporting Newark’s role as a regional transit center.

Newark City Healthcare

Newark, NJ, hosts major hospitals such as University Hospital and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, with over 1,000 combined beds. The city features 10+ community clinics, though 13% of residents lack health insurance (US Census, 2022). Newark's population is 50% Black/African American and 36% Hispanic/Latino. Common health issues are asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, compounded by a poverty rate of 26%. Federally Qualified Health Centers and 1,400+ physicians serve the area. Access challenges persist, with lower healthcare provider density than national averages and 20% of adults reporting no usual source of care.

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