Newark, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Newark
City
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
Flag Logo
Location in Alameda County and the state of California
Newark Location in San Francisco Bay Area Show map of San Francisco Bay Area Newark Location in California Show map of California Newark Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	Alameda
Incorporated	September 22, 1955
Named for	Newark Castle, Port Glasgow
Area
• Total	13.94 sq mi (36.11 km2)
• Land	13.92 sq mi (36.05 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2)  0.17%
Elevation	20 ft (6 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	47,529
• Density	3,409.5/sq mi (1,316.23/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP code	94560
Area code	510, 341
FIPS code	06-50916
GNIS feature IDs	277562, 2411238

Newark (/ˈnjuːərk/ NEW-ərk) is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It became an official city in September 1955. Newark is unique because it is completely surrounded by the city of Fremont. Together, Newark, Fremont, and Union City are known as the Tri-City Area. In 2020, Newark had about 47,529 people living there.

Where is Newark Located?

An aerial view of Fremont, California and Newark, California in 2021. Newark is on the right, west of Interstate 880.

Newark is located near the southern part of the San Francisco Bay. A major road, State Route 84, goes through the city. This road also connects to the Dumbarton Bridge, which crosses the San Francisco Bay to Menlo Park. Interstate 880 forms the eastern border of Newark, separating it from Fremont.

The city covers about 13.9 square miles (36.1 square kilometers) in total. Most of this area is land, with a very small part being water.

Newark's History

Newark got its name from Newark Castle, Port Glasgow in Scotland. It was named by J. Barr Robertson.

Long before European settlers arrived, the Ohlone Native American people lived in this area. The first European settlement was by Spanish missionaries from Mission San José. Their territory included much of what is now Newark, Fremont, and Union City.

In 1878, a company bought land from Washington Township in Alameda County. They divided this land to create the town of Newark.

In the early 1950s, many towns in Alameda County were joining together. In 1953, people in towns near Newark worried they might be forced to join Hayward. So, they started planning to form their own city, which later became Fremont. To avoid being forced into this new city, Newark officially became its own city in September 1955. This happened even before Fremont finished its own incorporation process.

Newark's Population

Newark has grown a lot over the years. In 1880, only 179 people lived there. By 2020, the population had grown to 47,529 people.

Population in 2010

In 2010, Newark had 42,574 residents. Most people lived in homes, with only a small number in group living situations.

There were nearly 13,000 households in the city. About 43% of these households had children under 18. The average household had about 3.27 people.

The population included people of many different backgrounds. About 41% were White, 27% Asian, and 18% from other races. About 35% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

The median age in Newark was 35.4 years old. This means half the people were younger than 35.4, and half were older.

Population in 2000

In 2000, Newark had 42,471 people living in 12,992 households. About 40% of households had children under 18.

The median income for a household in Newark was about $69,350. This is the middle income level for all households. A small percentage of families and people lived below the poverty line.

Newark's Economy

Newark's economy is connected to Silicon Valley, a major technology hub.

One important business in Newark is Cargill Salt. This company cleans salt that comes from large salt ponds in the San Francisco Bay.

Newark is also home to the NewPark Mall. This is a large shopping center with many stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. A new section with more dining and entertainment options opened in 2015.

Many years ago, Newark's economy focused on manufacturing. Factories made things like stoves, water heaters, and trucks. Today, the economy is more diverse.

Top Employers

Here are some of the biggest employers in Newark as of June 2020:

Fun Things to Do

Newark has thirteen parks and sports fields. The George M. Silliman Community Activity and Family Aquatic Center is a popular spot. It has a large indoor swimming area that opened in 2004. This center is great for swimming, fitness, and lessons for families. It includes four different pools, like an activity pool, a lazy river with water slides, a lap pool, and a warm spa.

Part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is also in Newark. This refuge protects wildlife and their habitats.

Newark also celebrates its founding with a four-day festival called "Newark Days." This event happens every September on the Macgregor Soccer fields.

Getting Around Newark

Newark is located near major roads like I-880, State Route 84, and the Dumbarton Bridge.

The AC Transit bus system serves Newark. For other transportation, like BART trains, ACE trains, and Amtrak trains, residents usually go to nearby Fremont or Union City stations.

Future Rail Plans

There are plans for a future train station in Newark. In 2007, ideas for the Dumbarton Rail Corridor included Caltrain building a station here.

Schools and Learning

Newark has a campus of Ohlone College, which is a community college. Other nearby schools include the University of Phoenix and ITT Institute.

Newark has two high schools: Newark Memorial High School and Bridgepoint High School. There is one junior high school, Newark Junior High School.

The elementary schools in Newark are Kennedy, Coyote Hills, Lincoln, Schilling, Birch Grove Primary (grades K-3), and Birch Grove Intermediate (grades 4-6). There is also a private Catholic school, St. Edward's Catholic School, for elementary through 8th grade.

Newark's Climate

Newark has a mild climate. Summers are generally warm, and winters are cool. The city gets most of its rain during the winter months.

Famous People from Newark

Many notable people have connections to Newark, including:

• Terry Alderete, a businesswoman
• Bayley, a professional wrestler
• Larry Bettencourt, who played both NFL football and MLB baseball
• Paul Bostaph, a drummer
• Rollie Fingers, a famous MLB baseball pitcher in the Hall of Fame
• Chris Flexen, a pitcher for the Seattle Mariners baseball team
• Steven J. Lopes, a Bishop
• Joey Lucchesi, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres baseball team
• Freddie Muller, an infielder for the Boston Red Sox baseball team
• Rocky Pamplin, an author and former football player
• Joe Rudi, an MLB baseball player
• Ron Thompson, a guitarist
• Christopher Titus, a comedian
• Bill Walsh, a famous American football coach, lived in Newark from 1957 to 1960.
• Elaine Welteroth, an American journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue

See also

In Spanish: Newark (California) para niños