Newark, NJ Economic Overview
The most populous city in New Jersey and one of the nation’s largest air, shipping, and rail stations, Newark is a city connected to well-established economic networks that make it a great fit for businesses. Home to numerous corporations, businesses both large and small, universities, and cultural attractions, Newark is one of the lower-cost business environments on the NYC metropolitan area. With these benefits, and an economy still looking to grow after the 2008 economic downturn, the Newark commercial real estate market is and will be picking up speed.
Newark’s economy is largely diversified, having progressed from its past as an industrial center of the east coast. Daily, 100,000 white collars come to the city to work, with jobs in insurance, finance, government, and others. Newark is also a major university city, with upwards of 50,000 students living and studying in the city. The economy is also boosted by the legal sector, due to the large number of courthouses in the area.
On top of these white-collar jobs, Newark is also home to the busiest trans-shipment port in the Eastern United States. This is largely due to the connections between the Newark Port, the airport, and the rail and highway routes that run into and out of the city. At the same time, though it is no longer an industrial powerhouse, it is still home to many manufacturing factories that help boost the economy.
Newark, NJ Commercial Real Estate Market
With its connections to New York City, the country’s largest retail market, Newark has also grown to be a major U.S. retail, office, and industrial market. Its transportation infrastructure from the port, to the Newark airport, to the highways and railroads make it a location where any business can thrive.
Downtown Newark real estate accommodates legal, financial, and insurance offices, as well as retail space. Downtown Newark currently has thousands of square feet of commercial space that is being re-developed.
Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal port and rail facilities, as well as industrial space, is a great location to take part in the booming regionaltrade sector. For companies involved in trade, transportation, and logistics, the Port is a prime location to set up a business.
South Ironbound and North Ironbound commercial, retail, and industrial real estate market is growing in demand. Once home to the brunt of Newark’s industrial manufacturing, it is now a shopping, dining, and nightlife destination. Industry is still operating in the area as well, though it has come to be known for its large-scale Portuguese population, which has imparted its culture on the neighborhood. Together with the Portuguese and other immigrant groupsand a superfund established in the 1980s to clean up chemicals associated with the production of Agent Orange, Ironbound is on the rebound.
Newark, NJ Office Sales Volume
Data provided by Yardi Matrix, for properties larger than 50K SF, which sold at over $5M.
Newark, NJ Office Transactions
Data provided by Yardi Matrix, for properties larger than 50K SF, which sold at over $5M.
Newark, NJ Commercial Inventory Breakdown
Office Spaces
Total: 17,772,808 SF
By square footage range:
- 50k to 100k SF: 549,243 SF / 3.09% of total office
- 100k to 500k SF: 6,773,831 SF / 38.11% of total office
- 500k to 1M SF: 8,449,734 SF / 47.54% of total office
- > 1M SF: 2,000,000 SF / 11.25% of total office
By class:
- Class A: 9,814,630 SF / 55.22% of total office
- Class B: 5,880,083 SF / 33.08% of total office
- Class C: 78,095 SF / 0.44% of total office
Industrial
Total: 14,993,869 SF
By square footage range:
- 50k to 100k SF: 2,072,097 SF / 13.82% of total industrial
- 100k to 500k SF: 5,523,525 SF / 36.84% of total industrial
- 500k to 1M SF: 3,104,715 SF / 20.71% of total industrial
- > 1M SF: 4,293,532 SF / 28.64% of total industrial
By class:
- Class A: 2,908,859 SF / 19.4% of total industrial
- Class B: 9,949,653 SF / 66.36% of total industrial
- Class C: 2,135,357 SF / 14.24% of total industrial
Office Spaces with Retail
Total: 411,382 SF
By square footage range:
- 50k to 100k SF: 193,081 SF / 46.93% of total office with retail
- 100k to 500k SF: 218,301 SF / 53.07% of total office with retail
Employment in Newark, NJ
While exact numbers are difficult to find on Newark’s employment, statistics are well known for the industries that are the largest in Newark. By far, the insurance industry is the largest in the area, with numerous Fortune 500 insurance companies—notably Prudential—headquartered here. The second-largest employing industry is education, particularly universities. Newark is home to multiple large universities, including Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Newark Campus of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, and Seton Hall University School of Law.
Education in Newark, NJ
The largest school system in the area is the Newark Public School District, which is a state-operated school district. Responsible for 80 schools, Newark Public Schools was the recipient of numerous grants (including one given by Mark Zuckerberg for $100 million) and also contains Science Park High School, which was ranked as one of the best high schools in the state.
Moreover, several charter and private schools operate in the area. The largest and most well-known of the former is the Robert Treat Academy Charter School, a National Blue Ribbon recipient. The Archdiocese of Newark operates three Catholic high schools in the area.
Commuting Time in Newark, NJ
Newark, like every other part of the New York metropolitan area, can have nasty traffic jams. On average, commute time is 30 minutes. Newark is serviced by a light rail that helps decongest traffic, while the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), I-280, I-78, and the Garden State Parkway, amongst others, keep traffic moving at a rapid pace.
Newark Demographics
Population
- Total Population281,054
- Male Population(48.8 %) 137,136
- Female Population(51.2 %) 143,918
- Median Age34.40
Income/Financial
- Average Household Income$51,876
- Median Household Income$35,199
- Median Income Under 25$21,835
- Median Income 25-44$38,317
- Median Income 45-64$40,424
- Median Income Over 65$23,763