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Coordinates: 40°39′N 74°17′W / 40.65°N 74.29°W / 40.65; -74.29
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update freeholders as of 2014, with sources; restore standard wording for municipalities and address overlinking
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|footnote=Historical sources: 1790-1990<ref>Forstall, Richard L. [http://books.google.com/books?id=sezaSI_LPA8C&pg=PA108 ''Population of states and counties of the United States: 1790 to 1990 from the Twenty-one Decennial Censuses''], pp. 108-109. [[United States Census Bureau]], March 1996. ISBN 9780934213486. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><br>1970-2010<ref name=CPH232>[http://web.archive.org/web/20130731080619/http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf#page=32 ''New Jersey: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts; 2010 Census of Population and Housing''], p. 6, CPH-2-32. [[United States Census Bureau]], August 2012, backed up by the [[Internet Archive]] as of July 31, 2013. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref> 2000<ref name=Census2000/> 2010<ref name=Census2010/> 2000-2010<ref name=Census2010Press>[http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/2010_census/cb11-cn15.html U.S. Census Bureau Delivers New Jersey's 2010 Census Population Totals], [[United States Census Bureau]], February 3, 2011. Accessed February 5, 2011.</ref>
|footnote=Historical sources: 1790-1990<ref>Forstall, Richard L. [http://books.google.com/books?id=sezaSI_LPA8C&pg=PA108 ''Population of states and counties of the United States: 1790 to 1990 from the Twenty-one Decennial Censuses''], pp. 108-109. [[United States Census Bureau]], March 1996. ISBN 9780934213486. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><br>1970-2010<ref name=CPH232>[http://web.archive.org/web/20130731080619/http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf#page=32 ''New Jersey: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts; 2010 Census of Population and Housing''], p. 6, CPH-2-32. [[United States Census Bureau]], August 2012, backed up by the [[Internet Archive]] as of July 31, 2013. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref> 2000<ref name=Census2000/> 2010<ref name=Census2010/> 2000-2010<ref name=Census2010Press>[http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/2010_census/cb11-cn15.html U.S. Census Bureau Delivers New Jersey's 2010 Census Population Totals], [[United States Census Bureau]], February 3, 2011. Accessed February 5, 2011.</ref>
}}
}}
⚫
Union County is diverse ethnically. [[Berkeley Heights, New Jersey|Berkeley Heights]], [[Clark, New Jersey|Clark]], [[Cranford, New Jersey|Cranford]], [[Kenilworth, New Jersey|Kenilworth]], [[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], [[New Providence, New Jersey|New Providence]], [[Scotch Plains, New Jersey|Scotch Plains]], [[Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey|Springfield Township]], [[Summit, New Jersey|Summit]], [[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union]] and [[Westfield, New Jersey|Westfield]] have high percentages of [[Italian American]] residents. [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], [[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], [[Plainfield, New Jersey|Plainfield]], [[Rahway, New Jersey|Rahway]], [[Roselle, New Jersey|Roselle]] and Union Township all have large [[African American]] communities. [[Roselle Park]] has a notably large [[Indian American]] community, while Roselle Park, Linden, Rahway, Plainfield and particularly Elizabeth have fast-growing [[Hispanic]] and [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] populations. There are [[Jewish-American]] communities in Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Springfield, Summit and Westfield.{{citation needed|date=September 2011}}

⚫
Union County is extremely diverse ethnically. [[Berkeley Heights, New Jersey|Berkeley Heights]], [[New Providence, New Jersey|New Providence]], [[Westfield, New Jersey|Westfield]], [[Summit, New Jersey|Summit]], [[Cranford, New Jersey|Cranford]], [[Kenilworth, New Jersey|Kenilworth]], [[Clark, New Jersey|Clark]], [[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], [[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union]], [[Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey|Springfield]] and [[Scotch Plains]] have a very high number of [[Italian American]] residents, as well as a large number of [[Irish Americans]] and residents of Northern European descent in general. [[Plainfield, New Jersey|Plainfield]], [[Roselle, New Jersey|Roselle]], [[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], [[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union]], [[Rahway, New Jersey|Rahway]], and [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]] all have large [[African American]] communities. [[Roselle Park]] has a notably large [[Indian American]] community, while Roselle Park, Linden, Rahway, Plainfield and particularly Elizabeth have fast-growing [[Hispanic]] and [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] populations. There are [[Jewish-American]] communities in Springfield, [[Scotch Plains, New Jersey|Scotch Plains]], Elizabeth, Hillside, Cranford, Westfield and Summit.{{citation needed|date=September 2011}}


===Census 2010===
===Census 2010===
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Each of the freeholders serves on various committees and boards as a part of their duties. These include committees on Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works and Policy. In addition, the Board oversees the county's Open Space Trust Fund.
Each of the freeholders serves on various committees and boards as a part of their duties. These include committees on Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works and Policy. In addition, the Board oversees the county's Open Space Trust Fund.


Since the January 2013 reorganization, Union County's [[Freeholder (New Jersey)|Freeholders]] are:<ref name=Freeholders>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/ Board of Chosen Freeholders], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref><ref name=Union2012>[http://ucnj.org/general-election/election%20result.htm Union County 2012 General/School Election - November 6, 2012], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref><ref name=Union2011>[http://ucnj.org/OfficialGeneralElectionResults2011/Official%20General%202011.htm Union County 2011 General Election - November 8, 2011], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref><ref name=Union2010>[http://ucnj.org/nov2result/election%20result.htm Union County 2010 General Election - November 8, 2010], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
Since the January 2014 reorganization, Union County's [[Freeholder (New Jersey)|Freeholders]] are:<ref name=Freeholders>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/ Board of Chosen Freeholders], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref><ref name=Union2013>[http://ucnj.org/general-election-nov/Election%20Result.htm Union County 2013 General/School Election November 5, 2013], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref><ref name=Union2012>[http://ucnj.org/general-election/election%20result.htm Union County 2012 General/School Election - November 6, 2012], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref><ref name=Union2011>[http://ucnj.org/OfficialGeneralElectionResults2011/Official%20General%202011.htm Union County 2011 General Election - November 8, 2011], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Freeholder Chairwoman Linda Carter ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]], [[Plainfield, New Jersey|Plainfield]], 2013)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-linda-carter Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Freeholder Chairwoman Christopher Hudak ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]], [[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], 2014)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-chris-hudak Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak (D, [[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], 2014)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-chris-hudak Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh (D, [[Roselle, New Jersey|Roselle]], 2015)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Mohamed-s-Jalloh Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Bruce Bergen (D, [[Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey|Springfield]], 2015)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-bruce-bergen/ Freeholder Bruce Bergen], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Bruce Bergen (D, [[Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey|Springfield]], 2015)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-bruce-bergen/ Freeholder Bruce Bergen], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Angel G. Estrada ([D, [Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], 2014)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Angel-G-Estrada Freeholder Angel G. Estrada], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Linda Carter (D, [[Plainfield, New Jersey|Plainfield]], 2016)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-linda-carter Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Freeholder Sergio Granados (Elizabeth, serving unexpired term of Daniel P. Sullivan expiring 2013)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-sergio-granados/ Freeholder Sergio Granados], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Angel G. Estrada ([D, [[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], 2014)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Angel-G-Estrada Freeholder Angel G. Estrada], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Mohamed S. Jalloh (D, [[Roselle, New Jersey|Roselle]], 2015)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Mohamed-s-Jalloh Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Sergio Granados (D, Elizabeth, 2016)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-sergio-granados/ Freeholder Sergio Granados], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Bette Jane Kowalski (D, [[Cranford, New Jersey|Cranford]], 2013)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Bette-Jane-Kowalski Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Bette Jane Kowalski (D, [[Cranford, New Jersey|Cranford]], 2016)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Bette-Jane-Kowalski Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Alexander Mirabella (D, [[Fanwood, New Jersey|Fanwood]], 2015)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Alexander-Mirabella Freeholder Alexander Mirabella], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Alexander Mirabella (D, [[Fanwood, New Jersey|Fanwood]], 2015)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/Alexander-Mirabella Freeholder Alexander Mirabella], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>
*Vernell Wright (D, [[Vauxhall, New Jersey|Vauxhall]] in [[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union]], 2014)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-vernell-wright/ Freeholder Vernell Wright], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
*Vernell Wright (D, [[Vauxhall, New Jersey|Vauxhall]] in [[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union]], 2014)<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/freeholders/freeholder-vernell-wright/ Freeholder Vernell Wright], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>


Constitutional officers include [[County clerk]] Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union, 2015),<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/ County Clerk], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref> Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (D, Union, 2013),<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/sheriff/ Office of the Union County Sheriff], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref> and Surrogate James S. Lacorte (D, Union, 2014).<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/surrogate/ Surrogate], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/elected-officials-clerk-sheriff-surrogate/ Elected Officials – Clerk – Sheriff – Surrogate], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref>
Constitutional officers include [[County clerk]] Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union, 2015),<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/ County Clerk], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref> Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (D, Union, 2016),<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/sheriff/ Office of the Union County Sheriff], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref> and Surrogate James S. Lacorte (D, Springfield Township, 2014).<ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/surrogate/ Surrogate], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/elected-officials-clerk-sheriff-surrogate/ Elected Officials – Clerk – Sheriff – Surrogate], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.</ref>


Law enforcement at the county level includes the Union County Police Department, the Union County Sheriff's Office, and the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
Law enforcement at the county level includes the Union County Police Department, the Union County Sheriff's Office, and the Union County Prosecutor's Office.


Union County has the only county seal in the USA that depicts a woman being shot, the murder of Elizabethtown’s [[Hannah Caldwell]] by British soldiers during the [[Revolutionary War]].<ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/union_county_seals_portrayal_o.html Union County officials battle activist over use of controversial county seal] July 10, 2011.</ref><ref>[[:File:Seal of Union County, New Jersey.png|Seal of Union County, NJ]]</ref>
Union County has the only county seal in the USA that depicts a woman being shot, the murder of Elizabethtown’s [[Hannah Caldwell]] by British soldiers during the [[American Revolutionary War]].<ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/union_county_seals_portrayal_o.html Union County officials battle activist over use of controversial county seal] July 10, 2011.</ref><ref>[[:File:Seal of Union County, New Jersey.png|Seal of Union County, NJ]]</ref>


Four federal [[Congressional District]]s cover the county, including portions of the 7th, 8th, 10th and 12th Districts.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/leg-cong-district-info/2012-congressional-districts-by-county.pdf 2012 Congressional Districts by County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf Plan Components Report], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 23, 2011. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref> {{NJ Congress 07}} {{NJ Congress 08}} {{NJ Congress 10}} {{NJ Congress 12}}
Four federal [[Congressional District]]s cover the county, including portions of the 7th, 8th, 10th and 12th Districts.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/leg-cong-district-info/2012-congressional-districts-by-county.pdf 2012 Congressional Districts by County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf Plan Components Report], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 23, 2011. Accessed October 2, 2013.</ref> {{NJ Congress 07}} {{NJ Congress 08}} {{NJ Congress 10}} {{NJ Congress 12}}
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The county is served by rail, air, highways and ports.
The county is served by rail, air, highways and ports.


Major highways which traverse the county include the [[New Jersey Turnpike]] ([[Interstate 95 in New Jersey|I-95]]), [[Garden State Parkway]], [[Interstate 78 in New Jersey|I-78]], [[Interstate 278|I-278]], [[U.S. Route 1/9|Route 1/9]], [[U.S. Route 22 in New Jersey|Route 22]] and the [[Goethals Bridge]].
Major highways which traverse the county include the [[New Jersey Turnpike]] ([[Interstate 95 in New Jersey|Interstate 95]]), [[Garden State Parkway]], [[Interstate 78]], [[Interstate 278]], [[U.S. Route 1 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 1]], [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 9]], [[U.S. Route 22]] and the [[Goethals Bridge]].


Passenger rail service is provide by [[New Jersey Transit]] via the [[Northeast Corridor]], [[North Jersey Coast Line]], [[Raritan Valley Line]], the [[Morristown Line]] and the [[Gladstone Branch]].<ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNEG Gladstone Branch], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNE Morristown Line], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NEC Northeast Corridor], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NJCL North Jersey Coast Line], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=RARV Raritan Valley Line], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref> Freight service is provided by on [[Conrail]]'s [[Lehigh Line]] and [[Chemical Coast Branch]]. Freight and passenger rail service was provided by the [[Rahway Valley Railroad]] from 1897 until 1992 when the short line closed due to lack of customers.
Passenger rail service is provide by [[New Jersey Transit]] via the [[Northeast Corridor]], [[North Jersey Coast Line]], [[Raritan Valley Line]], the [[Morristown Line]] and the [[Gladstone Branch]].<ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNEG Gladstone Branch], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNE Morristown Line], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NEC Northeast Corridor], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NJCL North Jersey Coast Line], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=RARV Raritan Valley Line], [[New Jersey Transit]]. Accessed October 6, 2013.</ref> Freight service is provided by on [[Conrail]]'s [[Lehigh Line]] and [[Chemical Coast Branch]]. Freight and passenger rail service was provided by the [[Rahway Valley Railroad]] from 1897 until 1992 when the short line closed due to lack of customers.
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*[[Hillside, New Jersey|Hillside]] (19)
*[[Hillside, New Jersey|Hillside]] (19)
*[[Scotch Plains, New Jersey|Scotch Plains]] (20)
*[[Scotch Plains, New Jersey|Scotch Plains]] (20)
*[[Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey|Springfield]] (17)
*[[Springfield Township, Union County, New Jersey|Springfield Township]] (17)
*[[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union]] (18)
*[[Union Township, Union County, New Jersey|Union Township]] (18)
*[[Winfield Township, New Jersey|Winfield]] (15)
*[[Winfield Township, New Jersey|Winfield Township]] (15)


==Parks==
==Parks==
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[[File:Feltville NJ.JPG|thumb|[[Feltville Historic District|Deserted Village of Feltville]]]]
[[File:Feltville NJ.JPG|thumb|[[Feltville Historic District|Deserted Village of Feltville]]]]
Wheeler Park
Wheeler Park
County Pool - Wheeler Park ([[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]])
County Pool - Wheeler Park (Linden)
County Pool - Rahway River Park ([[Rahway, New Jersey|Rahway]])
County Pool - Rahway River Park (Rahway)


== Climate and weather ==
== Climate and weather ==
{{climate chart
{{climate chart
|[[Elizabeth, New Jersey]]
|[[Elizabeth, New Jersey]]
|24|39|3.5
|24|39|3.54
|27|42|2.9
|27|42|2.99
|34|51|4.1
|34|51|4.18
|44|62|4.2
|44|62|4.20
|53|72|4.0
|53|72|4.09
|63|82|4.0
|63|82|4.02
|69|86|4.7
|69|86|4.76
|68|84|3.7
|68|84|3.70
|60|77|3.8
|60|77|3.82
|48|65|3.6
|48|65|3.60
|39|55|3.6
|39|55|3.65
|30|44|3.8
|30|44|3.81
|float=right
|float=right
|units=imperial
|units=imperial

Revision as of 01:55, 27 January 2014

Union County
County
Downtown Westfield
Downtown Westfield
Official seal of Union County
Seal
Map of New Jersey highlighting Union County
Location within the U.S. state of New Jersey
Map of the United States highlighting New Jersey
New Jersey's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°39′N 74°17′W / 40.65°N 74.29°W / 40.65; -74.29
Country United States
State New Jersey
Founded1857[2]
SeatElizabeth[3]
Largest cityElizabeth (population and area)
Area
 • Total105.40 sq mi (273.0 km2)
 • Land102.86 sq mi (266.4 km2)
 • Water2.55 sq mi (6.6 km2)  2.42%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total536,499[1]
 • Density5,060/sq mi (1,953/km2)
Congressional districts6th, 7th, 10th, 13th
Websitewww.ucnj.org

Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. At the 2010 United States Census, the population was 536,499, an increase of 13,958 (2.7%) from the 522,541 enumerated in the 2000 Census, making it the seventh-most populous county in the state, having been surpassed by Ocean County.[4][5] It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth.Template:GR[3] The Bureau of Economic Analysis ranked the county as having the 119th-highest per capita income of all 3,113 counties in the United States (and the eighth-highest in New Jersey) in 2009.[6] A study by Forbes.com determined that Union County pays the second-highest property taxes of all U.S. counties, based on 2007 data.[7] With a population density of 4,955 people per square mile (water excluded), Union County was the 15th-most densely populated county in America as of the 2010 Census, and third-densest in New Jersey, behind Hudson County (ranked 6th at 9,754) and Essex County (ranked 11th at 6,126).[8][9]

Union County was formed on March 19, 1857, from portions of Essex County.[2]

Geography

According to the 2010 Census, the county had a total area of 105.40 square miles (273.0 km2), of which 102.86 square miles (266.4 km2) of it (97.6%) was land and 2.55 square miles (6.6 km2) of it (2.4%) was water.[5][10]

Much of Union County is relatively flat and low-lying. Only in the northwestern corner does any significant relief appear as the Watchung Mountains cross the county. It is there that highest elevations, two areas approximately 560 feet (170 m) above sea level, are found in Berkeley Heights.[11] The lowest elevation is sea level along the eastern shore.

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
186027,780—
187041,85950.7%
188055,57132.8%
189072,46730.4%
190099,35337.1%
1910140,19741.1%
1920200,15742.8%
1930305,20952.5%
1940328,3447.6%
1950398,13821.3%
1960504,25526.7%
1970543,1167.7%
1980504,094−7.2%
1990493,819−2.0%
2000522,5415.8%
2010536,4992.7%
2012 (est.)543,976[12][13]1.4%
Historical sources: 1790-1990[14]
1970-2010[5] 2000[15] 2010[1] 2000-2010[16]

Union County is diverse ethnically. Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Kenilworth, Linden, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Springfield Township, Summit, Union and Westfield have high percentages of Italian American residents. Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle and Union Township all have large African American communities. Roselle Park has a notably large Indian American community, while Roselle Park, Linden, Rahway, Plainfield and particularly Elizabeth have fast-growing Hispanic and Portuguese populations. There are Jewish-American communities in Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Springfield, Summit and Westfield.[citation needed]

Census 2010

Template:USCensusDemographics

Census 2000

At the 2000 United States Census,Template:GR there were 522,541 people, 186,124 households and 133,264 families residing in the county. The population density was 5,059 per square mile (1,953/km²). There were 192,945 housing units at an average density of 1,868 per square mile (721/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 65.51% White, 20.78% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 3.83% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 6.37% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. 19.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[15][17] Among those residents listing their ancestry, 13.6% were of Italian, 11.1% Irish, 8.8% German and 7.6% Polish ancestry according to Census 2000.[18]

There were 186,124 households of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.60% were married couples living together, 14.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.40% were non-families. 23.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.28.[15]

24.90% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 31.30% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 92.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.90 males.[15]

The median household income was $55,339 and the median family income was $65,234. Males had a median income of $44,544 compared with $32,487 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,992. About 6.3% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.[19]

Government

Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

Union County is governed by a nine-member Board of Chosen Freeholders. The members are elected at large to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with three seats coming up for election each year.[20] The Freeholder Board sets policies for the operation of the County. Actual day-to-day operation of departments is supervised by an appointed County Manager, Alfred Faella.

The Freeholders perform the county's legislative and executive functions. In their legislative role, they formulate and adopt a budget and set county policies and procedures. In their executive role, they oversee county spending and functioning. Many of the administrative duties are delegated by the Board of Chosen Freeholders to the County Manager.

Each of the freeholders serves on various committees and boards as a part of their duties. These include committees on Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works and Policy. In addition, the Board oversees the county's Open Space Trust Fund.

Since the January 2014 reorganization, Union County's Freeholders are:[20][21][22][23]

Constitutional officers include County clerk Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union, 2015),[33] Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (D, Union, 2016),[34] and Surrogate James S. Lacorte (D, Springfield Township, 2014).[35][36]

Law enforcement at the county level includes the Union County Police Department, the Union County Sheriff's Office, and the Union County Prosecutor's Office.

Union County has the only county seal in the USA that depicts a woman being shot, the murder of Elizabethtown’s Hannah Caldwell by British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War.[37][38]

Four federal Congressional Districts cover the county, including portions of the 7th, 8th, 10th and 12th Districts.[39][40] For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).[41] For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 8th congressional district is represented by Rob Menendez (D, Jersey City).[42][43] For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 10th congressional district is represented by LaMonica McIver (D, Newark).[44] For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, Ewing Township).[45][46]

The county is part of the 20th, 21st and 22nd Districts in the New Jersey Legislature.[47]

Politics

On March 23, 2011, there were a total of 286,071 registered voters in Union County, of whom 119,520 (41.8%) were registered as Democrats, 43,643 (15.3%) were registered as Republicans and 122,799 (42.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 109 voters registered to other parties.[48] Among the county's 2010 Census population, 53.3% were registered to vote, including 70.6% of those ages 18 and over.[48][49]

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 139,752 votes here (66.0%), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 68,314 votes (32.3%) and other candidates with 1,765 votes (0.8%), among the 211,597 ballots cast by the county's 307,628 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.8%.[50][51] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 141,417 votes here (63.1%), ahead of Republican John McCain with 78,768 votes (35.2%) and other candidates with 1,912 votes (0.9%), among the 223,951 ballots cast by the county's 299,762 registered voters, for a turnout of 74.7%.[52] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 119,372 votes here (58.3%), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 82,517 votes (40.3%) and other candidates with 1,498 votes (0.7%), among the 204,759 ballots cast by the county's 283,270 registered voters, for a turnout of 72.3%.[53]

In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 68,867 ballots cast (50.6%), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 56,769 votes (41.7%), Independent Chris Daggett with 7,999 votes (5.9%) and other candidates with 1,058 votes (0.8%), among the 136,110 ballots cast by the county's 292,490 registered voters, yielding a 46.5% turnout.[54]

Sheriff's office

The Union County Sheriff's Office is located in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

It is headed by Ralph Froehlich, a Union resident who was first elected in 1977 and is the longest-serving sheriff in New Jersey history.[55]

Froehlich hired three top deputies, known as undersheriffs, Joseph P. Cryan, Vincent N. DeTrolio, and Gerald B. Green, Jr.

A 1981 investigation of the Union County Jail reviewed issues relating to overcrowding, escapes, escape attempts and suicides in the detention facility.[56]

Union County Police

Union county is one of a limited number of US counties with a county police department called the Union County Police Department, which operates independently of the Sheriff's office.[57]

Education

Kean University, a co-educational, public research university dating back to 1855 is located in Union and Hillside, serving nearly 13,000 undergraduates. Kean University educates its students in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions; it is best known for its programs in the humanities and social sciences and in education, graduating the most teachers in the state of New Jersey annually, along with a physical therapy program which it holds in conjunction with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.[58]

Union County College is the two-year community college for Union County, one of a network of 19 county colleges in New Jersey. Union County College was founded in 1933 and has campuses in Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield and Scotch Plains.[59]

Economy

The top employers in 2011, according to the Union County Economic Development Corporation, were:[60]

# Employer # of employees
1 Merck & Co. 10,000
2 New England Motor Freight 3,900
3 USI Services Group 3,200
4 Overlook Medical Center 2,961
5 Maher Terminals 1,700
6 Trinitas Hospital 1,674
7 Children’s Specialized Hospital 1,440
8 Alcatel-Lucent 1,300
9 ConocoPhillips 1,000

Transportation

The county is served by rail, air, highways and ports.

Major highways which traverse the county include the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95), Garden State Parkway, Interstate 78, Interstate 278, U.S. Route 1, U.S. Route 9, U.S. Route 22 and the Goethals Bridge.

Passenger rail service is provide by New Jersey Transit via the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Raritan Valley Line, the Morristown Line and the Gladstone Branch.[61][62][63][64][65] Freight service is provided by on Conrail's Lehigh Line and Chemical Coast Branch. Freight and passenger rail service was provided by the Rahway Valley Railroad from 1897 until 1992 when the short line closed due to lack of customers.

NJ Transit provides bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, as well as service to major cities in New Jersey and within Union County.[66]

The Elizabeth Marine Terminal is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.[67]

The southern portion of Newark Liberty International Airport is located in Elizabeth, within Union County.[68]

Municipalities

Index map of Union County municipalities (click to see index key)

Boroughs

Cities

Towns

Townships

Parks

File:Union County Parks 90th Anniversary.svg
In 2011, Union County Parks celebrated their 90th Anniversary
Warinanco Park
  • Ash Brook Reservation
  • Black Brook Park
  • Briant Park
  • Brookside Park
  • Cedar Brook Park
  • Echo Lake Park
  • Elizabeth River Park
  • Green Brook Park
  • Hidden Valley Park
  • Lenape Park
  • Madison Aenue Park
  • Mattano Park
  • McConnell Park
  • Milton Lake Park
  • Nomahagen Park
  • Oak Ridge Park
  • Passaic River Park
  • Phil Rizzuto Park
  • Ponderosa Farm Park
  • Rahway River Park
  • Rahway River Parkway
  • Tamaques Park
  • Unami Park
  • Warinanco Park

Other recreational facilities

  • Ash Brook Golf Course
  • Galloping Hill Golf Course
  • Oak Ridge Archery Range
  • Trailside Nature and Science Center
  • Warinanco Ice Skating Rink
  • Watchung Reservation
Deserted Village of Feltville

Wheeler Park County Pool - Wheeler Park (Linden) County Pool - Rahway River Park (Rahway)

Climate and weather

Elizabeth, New Jersey
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
3.5
 
 
39
24
 
 
3
 
 
42
27
 
 
4.2
 
 
51
34
 
 
4.2
 
 
62
44
 
 
4.1
 
 
72
53
 
 
4
 
 
82
63
 
 
4.8
 
 
86
69
 
 
3.7
 
 
84
68
 
 
3.8
 
 
77
60
 
 
3.6
 
 
65
48
 
 
3.7
 
 
55
39
 
 
3.8
 
 
44
30
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel[69]
Metric conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
90
 
 
4
−4
 
 
76
 
 
6
−3
 
 
106
 
 
11
1
 
 
107
 
 
17
7
 
 
104
 
 
22
12
 
 
102
 
 
28
17
 
 
121
 
 
30
21
 
 
94
 
 
29
20
 
 
97
 
 
25
16
 
 
91
 
 
18
9
 
 
93
 
 
13
4
 
 
97
 
 
7
−1
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

In recent years,[when?] average temperatures in the county seat of Elizabeth have ranged from a low of 24 °F (−4 °C) in January to a high of 86 °F (30 °C) in July, although a record low of −14 °F (−26 °C) was recorded in February 1934 and a record high of 105 °F (41 °C) was recorded in July 1993. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.99 inches (76 mm) in February to 4.76 inches (121 mm) in July.[69]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b DP1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 30, 2013.
  2. ^ a b Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 237. Accessed January 21, 2013.
  3. ^ a b Union County, NJ, National Association of Counties. Accessed January 21, 2013.
  4. ^ NJ Labor Market Views, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, March 15, 2011. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c New Jersey: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts; 2010 Census of Population and Housing, p. 6, CPH-2-32. United States Census Bureau, August 2012, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 31, 2013. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  6. ^ 250 Highest Per Capita Personal Incomes of the 3113 Counties in the United States, 2009, Bureau of Economic Analysis. Accessed April 9, 2012.
  7. ^ Woolsey, Matt. "In Depth: Who Pays America's Highest Property Taxes? 2. Union County, N.J.", Forbes, January 23, 2009. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  8. ^ "Census 2000 Data Rankings; A data rankings document focused on the Roanoke Valley and Alleghany Highlands region", Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, p. 22. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  9. ^ Staff. "Census 2010 data show population and diversity trends", USA Today. Accessed October 2, 2013. Click on "Population per Square Mile" to sort counties nationwide by descending population density, which was calculated based on total land area (including water) and lists Union as 18th and Essex as 14th.
  10. ^ Census 2010 U.S. Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Counties, United States Census Bureau, Backed up by the Internet Archive as of June 11, 2012. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  11. ^ New Jersey County High Points, Peakbagger.com. Accessed October 5, 2013.
  12. ^ PEPANNRES: Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012 - 2012 Population Estimates for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 14, 2013.
  13. ^ State & County QuickFacts for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 14, 2013.
  14. ^ Forstall, Richard L. Population of states and counties of the United States: 1790 to 1990 from the Twenty-one Decennial Censuses, pp. 108-109. United States Census Bureau, March 1996. ISBN 9780934213486. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  15. ^ a b c d DP-1 - Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000; Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 30, 2013.
  16. ^ U.S. Census Bureau Delivers New Jersey's 2010 Census Population Totals, United States Census Bureau, February 3, 2011. Accessed February 5, 2011.
  17. ^ Tables DP-1 to DP-4 from Census 2000 for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 4, 2008. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  18. ^ DP-2 - Profile of Selected Social Characteristics: 2000 from the Census 2000 Summary File 3 (SF 3) - Sample Data for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 30, 2013.
  19. ^ DP-3 - Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics: 2000 from Census 2000 Summary File 3 (SF 3) - Sample Data for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 30, 2013.
  20. ^ a b Board of Chosen Freeholders, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  21. ^ Union County 2013 General/School Election November 5, 2013, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  22. ^ Union County 2012 General/School Election - November 6, 2012, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  23. ^ Union County 2011 General Election - November 8, 2011, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  24. ^ Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  25. ^ Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  26. ^ Freeholder Bruce Bergen, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  27. ^ Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  28. ^ Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  29. ^ Freeholder Sergio Granados, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  30. ^ Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  31. ^ Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  32. ^ Freeholder Vernell Wright, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  33. ^ County Clerk, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  34. ^ Office of the Union County Sheriff, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  35. ^ Surrogate, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  36. ^ Elected Officials – Clerk – Sheriff – Surrogate, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 26, 2014.
  37. ^ Union County officials battle activist over use of controversial county seal July 10, 2011.
  38. ^ Seal of Union County, NJ
  39. ^ 2012 Congressional Districts by County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  40. ^ Plan Components Report, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2011. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  41. ^ "Congressman Malinowski Fights For The Corporate Transparency Act", Tom Malinowski, press release dated October 23, 2019. Accessed January 19, 2022. "My name, Tom Malinowski. My address, 86 Washington Street, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553."
  42. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 3, 2019.
  43. ^ Biography, Congressman Albio Sires. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Congressman Sires resides in West New York with his wife, Adrienne."
  44. ^ https://thehill.com/homenews/4895382-lamonica-mciver-sworn-in-new-jersey-donald-payne-seat/
  45. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 3, 2019.
  46. ^ Biography, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Watson Coleman and her husband William reside in Ewing Township and are blessed to have three sons; William, Troy, and Jared and three grandchildren; William, Kamryn and Ashanee."
  47. ^ 2011 Legislative Districts by County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  48. ^ a b Voter Registration Summary - Union, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed May 26, 2013.
  49. ^ GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 26, 2013.
  50. ^ Presidential November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Union County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed May 26, 2013.
  51. ^ Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 6, 2012 General Election Results - Union County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 15, 2013. Accessed May 26, 2013.
  52. ^ 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Union County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed May 26, 2013.
  53. ^ 2004 Presidential Election: Union County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed May 26, 2013.
  54. ^ 2009 Governor: Union County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed May 26, 2013.
  55. ^ Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013. "Ralph Froehlich, a Union resident, was first elected Sheriff of Union County in 1977 and is currently in his 12th term. He is the longest-serving County Sheriff in New Jersey history."
  56. ^ Parisi, Albert J. "Suicide Sparks Union County Jail Inquiry", The New York Times, August 23, 1981. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  57. ^ Union County Police Department, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  58. ^ Kean University, U.S. News & World Report. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  59. ^ General Information, Union County College. Accessed October 2, 2013.
  60. ^ "Major Employers Report for Union County, NJ" (PDF). Union County, New Jersey. Union County Economical Development Corporation. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  61. ^ Gladstone Branch, New Jersey Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  62. ^ Morristown Line, New Jersey Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  63. ^ Northeast Corridor, New Jersey Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  64. ^ North Jersey Coast Line, New Jersey Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  65. ^ Raritan Valley Line, New Jersey Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  66. ^ Union County Bus / Rail Connections, New Jersey Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 22, 2009. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  67. ^ About the Port, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  68. ^ About the Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport. Accessed October 6, 2013.
  69. ^ a b "Monthly Averages for Elizabeth, New Jersey". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 2012-10-13.

40°39′N 74°17′W / 40.65°N 74.29°W / 40.65; -74.29

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