Newark, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Newark, New Jersey had a total population of 310,178, the 1st largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $52,060, which is 50% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Newark is the 1st largest city in New Jersey with a population of 310,178.
- Household income is 50% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.2x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 11.6% is notably above the national average.
Newark Quick Facts
How Newark Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 310,178 | +1.0% |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $52,060 | +7.5% |
| Median home value | $337,800 | $373,700 | +10.6% |
How Newark Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 66 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Newark Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Essex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Orange | 70,090 | $60,830 | 16.4% | $365,900 |
| Short Hills | 14,923 | $250,000+ | 2.3% | $1,674,100 |
| Upper Montclair | 12,457 | $250,000+ | 1.9% | $989,000 |
| Brookdale | 9,960 | $161,779 | 3.8% | $573,500 |
| Caldwell | 9,003 | $96,824 | 8.0% | $575,400 |
| Watsessing | 8,232 | $103,378 | 7.5% | $435,400 |
| Glen Ridge | 7,943 | $250,000+ | 1.1% | $836,600 |
| North Caldwell | 6,656 | $208,245 | 1.7% | $904,500 |
| Roseland | 6,268 | $164,458 | 2.5% | $665,700 |
| Vauxhall | 6,157 | $111,421 | 7.3% | $360,000 |
Cities Similar to Newark
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City | 294,078 | $97,710 | $566,900 | 54.8% | 15.6% |
| Paterson | 158,735 | $55,997 | $360,100 | 11.8% | 21.3% |
| Elizabeth | 137,302 | $66,555 | $449,300 | 14.6% | 15.8% |
| Trenton | 90,338 | $52,537 | $160,700 | 16.2% | 21.6% |
| Toms River | 94,956 | $100,137 | $403,600 | 36.4% | 5.8% |
Population Overview
Newark is a major urban center located in New Jersey, within Essex County. The total population is 310,178. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Newark is 34.7 years. This is 13% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Newark is $52,060. This is 50% lower than the state median of $103,556. It is also 36% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 23.4%. This is 141% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.7%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.6%. This is 83% higher than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $373,700. Housing costs are 18% lower than the state median of $454,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 24.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 62% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Newark is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 37.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (8.9%) is well below the state average of 50.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (44.8% vs 12.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (37.6% vs 22.5%). The Asian population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 10.1%.
Education
19.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 55% lower than the state rate of 43.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 78.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Newark, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Newark, New Jersey?
Newark, New Jersey has a population of 310,178 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Newark, NJ?
The median household income in Newark is $52,060, which is 36% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Newark, NJ?
The poverty rate in Newark is 23.4%. This means approximately 70,080 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Newark, New Jersey?
Newark's population is 8.9% White, 44.8% Black, 37.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Newark, NJ?
The median home value in Newark is $373,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x.
How educated is Newark, New Jersey?
19.7% of adults (25+) in Newark hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.