Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, serves as the county seat of Essex County. Located 5 miles west of Manhattan and 2 miles north of Staten Island, Newark supports ports and the Newark Liberty International Airport.
Newark’s population is 273,546. Of these residents, 53.46% are African American, 26.52% are White, 1.19% are Asian, 0.37% are Native American, 0.05% are Pacific Islander, 14.05% are from other races, 4.36% are multiracial, and 29.47% are Hispanic.
A household’s median income in Newark was $26,913 while the median income for a family is $30,781. Newark’s per capita income is $13,009. In Newark, 28.4% of the population and 25.5% of families live below the poverty line.
Newark is consistently rated at the top of the list of most dangerous cities in the United States. Newark set a record of 161 murders in 1981.
Newark boasts over 300 different types of businesses. After New York City and Hartford, Newark is the third largest insurance center in the United States, hosting companies like Prudential Financial and Mutual Benefit Companies. International Discount Telecommunications, New Jersey Transit, Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G), and Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey all have their headquarters in Newark. The service industry is quickly replacing the manufacturing industry, which once served as Newark’s primary economy. Transportation has also grown in Newark’s economy. Newark is also home to eight major bank headquarters, 540 wholesale establishments, and 1,800 retail establishments.