Newark city, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Newark city, New Jersey has a total population of 307,188, the 1st largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $48,416, which is 52% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Newark city is the 1st largest city in New Jersey with a population of 307,188.
- Household income is 52% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 10.9% is notably above the national average.
Newark city Quick Facts
How Newark city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Newark city Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Essex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Orange city | 69,183 | $59,872 | 17.6% | $315,500 |
| Caldwell borough | 8,898 | $101,196 | 5.9% | $563,000 |
| Glen Ridge borough | 7,827 | $248,016 | 1.0% | $730,600 |
| North Caldwell borough | 6,622 | $203,140 | 1.8% | $906,100 |
| Roseland borough | 6,211 | $160,644 | 2.3% | $640,600 |
| Essex Fells borough | 2,320 | $250,001 | 0.4% | $976,300 |
Cities Similar to Newark city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City city | 289,691 | $94,813 | $534,500 | 53.1% | 15.6% |
| Paterson city | 157,660 | $53,766 | $335,400 | 12.5% | 23.6% |
| Elizabeth city | 135,887 | $63,874 | $393,500 | 14.2% | 15.3% |
| Trenton city | 89,966 | $47,102 | $122,500 | 16.7% | 24.7% |
| Toms River CDP | 93,915 | $95,759 | $377,800 | 35.2% | 6.3% |
Population Overview
Newark city is a major urban center located in New Jersey, within Essex County. The total population is 307,188. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Newark city is 34.8 years. This is 13% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Newark city is $48,416. This is 52% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.7%. This is 152% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. 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 10.9%. This is 76% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $337,800. Housing costs are 21% lower than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 24.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 62% lower than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Newark city is Black or African American, making up 45.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 37.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (9.3%) is well below the state average of 51.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (45.5% vs 12.3%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (37.2% vs 21.9%). The Asian population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 9.8%.
Education
17.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 59% lower than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 77.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Newark city, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. 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. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Newark city, New Jersey?
Newark city, New Jersey has a population of 307,188 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Newark city, NJ?
The median household income in Newark city is $48,416, which is 38% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Newark city, NJ?
The poverty rate in Newark city is 24.7%. This means approximately 72,937 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Newark city, New Jersey?
Newark city's population is 9.3% White, 45.5% Black, 37.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Newark city, NJ?
The median home value in Newark city is $337,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x.
How educated is Newark city, New Jersey?
17.4% of adults (25+) in Newark city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.