Essex County

As of the 2020 Census, Essex County, NJ, has a population of approximately 863,728. The racial composition is 43.9% White, 39.4% Black or African American, 10.0% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 22.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Educational attainment shows 88.7% are high school graduates, and 40.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income is $63,368, with a poverty rate of 13.5%. The county spans 129.6 square miles and includes notable cities like Newark, which is the most populous, along with East Orange and Irvington.

As of 2023, Essex County, NJ has a median home value of approximately $415,000, with a median rent of around $1,500 per month. The homeownership rate is 43%, and rental occupancy is 57%. The average property tax rate is about 2.5%, resulting in annual taxes of approximately $10,375 for a median-priced home. The county's population stands at roughly 800,000, spread across cities like Newark, East Orange, and Montclair. Housing varies widely, with urban, suburban, and affluent neighborhoods. The market is competitive, with a low inventory of homes driving up prices and demanding quick decisions from buyers.

Essex County, NJ participates in various local, state, and federal elections. Key positions often include county executive, board of chosen freeholders, sheriff, register of deeds, and county surrogates.

In the 2022 elections, Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., a Democrat, was re-elected as County Executive with 72% of the vote. The board of chosen freeholders, which operates the county’s legislature, had 9 positions up for grabs. Democrats typically dominate, securing the majority of seats consistently.

Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, a Democrat, is one of the longest-serving sheriffs in New Jersey, holding his position since 1990.

Numerical values like voter turnout, candidate vote percentages, and exact win margins vary per election. For the latest and most specific information, consult the Essex County Clerk’s official website or the New Jersey Division of Elections.

Essex County, NJ, demonstrates strong educational attainment. Approximately 39% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing both the national average of around 33% and the New Jersey state average of about 38%. High school graduation rates also reflect this trend, with Essex County having an 89% rate, compared to the national average of 88% and the state average of 91%. Additionally, the county is home to several esteemed educational institutions, including Rutgers University-Newark and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, enhancing its academic profile.

As of the latest data, Essex County, NJ has an employment rate of approximately 59.6%. Key sectors include healthcare and social assistance (18.3%), educational services (13.9%), and administrative support and waste management (10.5%). Essex County's employment in healthcare and social assistance surpasses both New Jersey's average of 16% and the national average of 14%. Conversely, manufacturing holds 6%, lower than New Jersey's 8% and the national figure of 10%. The county's unemployment rate stands at about 6.8%, higher than both the state rate of 4.5% and the national rate of 6%. This data underscores the county's reliance on healthcare and education while highlighting areas lagging behind state and national trends.

As of the latest data, Essex County, NJ, has an average household income of approximately $75,000. This figure surpasses the national average household income, which is around $68,700, but lags behind the New Jersey state average of roughly $85,245.

Below is a comparison table of average household incomes:

The income in Essex County reflects its diverse economic landscape, although it does not reach the higher state average, indicating variability within New Jersey itself.

As of recent data, Essex County, NJ has a crime rate of 34 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the US average. Violent crime rates are notably high, impacting the overall safety perception. Here's a breakdown of crime statistics in Essex County:

These figures indicate a need for ongoing efforts to improve public safety. Comparatively, Essex County faces significant challenges, especially in violent and property crimes.