Bronx County, New York

Bronx County, New York
County	Bronx County
State	New York
Founded	1914
Seat	Bronx Borough Hall
Largest city	New York City
Area total sq mi	57
Area land sq mi	42
Area water sq mi	15
Area percentage	26.0%
Population as of	2020
Population total	1,472,654
Population density sq mi	34,653
District	13th
District2	14th
District3	15th
District4	16th

Bronx County, New York is a borough of New York City and, uniquely, a county coextensive with The Bronx. It is the northernmost of the city's five boroughs, separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River and connected by the iconic Triborough Bridge. The county is renowned as the birthplace of hip hop music and rap music, home to the New York Yankees and Yankee Stadium, and features expansive green spaces like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European colonization began with the arrival of Henry Hudson in 1609. In 1639, Jonas Bronck established the first European settlement, giving the area its name. The region saw action during the American Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Pell's Point. Throughout the 19th century, it was part of Westchester County until its annexation by New York City in 1874. The modern borough and county were consolidated in 1898 and formally established as Bronx County in 1914, separating from New York County. The 20th century witnessed massive urban development, the construction of the Grand Concourse, and periods of significant urban challenges, followed by extensive revitalization efforts.

Geography

Bronx County occupies 42 square miles of land at the southern tip of the New York mainland, bordered by Westchester County to the north, the East River and Long Island Sound to the east, the Harlem River to the west, and Upper Manhattan to the south. Its topography is notably hilly, especially in the northwestern areas like Riverdale and Van Cortlandt Park. The borough contains the city's largest freshwater source, the New Croton Aqueduct, and features significant waterfront along the Hudson River. Major thoroughfares include the Cross Bronx Expressway, Major Deegan Expressway, and the Bronx River Parkway.

Demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, Bronx County had a population of approximately 1.47 million, making it the fourth-most populous borough. It is one of the most diverse counties in the nation, with a Hispanic or Latino majority, significant African American and West Indian communities, and growing populations of Albanian, West African and South Asian descent. Neighborhoods like Belmont (the "Little Italy" of the Bronx), Mott Haven, and Kingsbridge reflect this ethnic tapestry. The county has a high population density and is a primary destination for new immigrants to New York City.

Government and politics

The county's government operates under the New York City Charter, with executive power vested in the Borough President of the Bronx and legislative authority held by the New York City Council. The current borough president is Vanessa L. Gibson. At the federal level, the Bronx is represented in the United States House of Representatives by members including Ritchie Torres and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. It is a Democratic Party stronghold, having last supported a Republican presidential candidate in the 1924 election for Calvin Coolidge. The Bronx County Hall of Justice and the Bronx County Building are central government facilities.

Economy

The economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and retail sectors. Major employers include the Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The Hunts Point Cooperative Market is one of the largest food distribution centers in the world. The borough is also home to the Yankee Stadium complex, a significant economic driver for the Concourse neighborhood. Other commercial hubs include the Bay Plaza shopping center and the redeveloping Port Morris waterfront. The Bronx Terminal Market and the Fulton Fish Market are key wholesale operations.

Culture and landmarks

The Bronx is globally recognized as the cradle of hip hop music, originating in the West Bronx in the 1970s, with figures like DJ Kool Herc. Cultural institutions include the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Wave Hill public garden, and the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage. It is home to the world-famous Bronx Zoo, the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, and the New York Botanical Garden. Architectural landmarks range from the Art Deco buildings along the Grand Concourse to the Van Cortlandt House Museum. The borough's vibrant street life is celebrated in events like the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade and is depicted in works such as Tom Wolfe's novel The Bonfire of the Vanities.

Category:Bronx County, New York Category:New York (state) counties Category:Boroughs of New York City