Union Township, Union County, New Jersey

Union Township, Union County, New Jersey
Name	Union Township
Settlement type	Township
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New Jersey
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Union
Government type	Mayor–Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Manuel Figueiredo (D, term ends December 31, 2025)
Leader title1	Municipal clerk
Leader name1	Kelly Martone
Established title	Incorporated
Established date	June 1, 1808
Area total km2	23.67
Area land km2	23.56
Area water km2	0.11
Area total sq mi	9.14
Area land sq mi	9.10
Area water sq mi	0.04
Population as of	2020 Census
Population total	59290
Population density km2	2516.8
Population density sq mi	6515.4
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	07083
Area code	908/640
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	34-74630
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0882220
Website	www.uniontownship.com

Union Township, Union County, New Jersey is a township and the county seat of Union County, New Jersey. Located in the North Jersey region of the state, it is a major suburban community within the New York metropolitan area. The township is known for its diverse population, historic downtown district, and extensive network of parks and recreational facilities.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement as part of the Elizabethtown Tract. Union was formed as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on June 1, 1808, from portions of Elizabeth Township. Its early economy was based on agriculture and milling, with the Morris and Essex Railroad spurring significant growth in the late 19th century. The township was the site of the Battle of Connecticut Farms in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War. Historic landmarks include the Caldwell Parsonage, where Reverend James Caldwell lived, and the Liberty Hall Museum, the former estate of William Livingston, New Jersey's first governor.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 9.14 square miles, with 9.10 square miles of land and 0.04 square miles of water. It borders Elizabeth to the east, Hillside and Irvington to the north, Springfield and Millburn to the west, and Cranford and Roselle to the south. Major waterways include the Elizabeth River and the Rahway River. The township features several large parks, including Nomahegan Park and the Union County-operated Gallo Recreation Center.

Demographics

The 2020 U.S. Census reported a population of 59,290, representing a diverse community. The racial makeup was approximately 40.5% White, 30.2% Black or African American, 7.5% Asian, and 18.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was $86,250, with about 8.5% of the population living below the poverty line. The township is home to significant communities of Brazilian, Haitian, and Indian descent.

Government

Union operates under the Mayor–Council system of municipal government. The Mayor is elected at-large, while the nine-member Township Council consists of three at-large members and six members representing each of the township's wards. As of 2024, the mayor is Manuel Figueiredo, a member of the Democratic Party. The township is part of New Jersey's 10th congressional district, represented by Donald Payne Jr., and is located in the 20th legislative district for the New Jersey Legislature.

Education

The Union Township School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, comprising fifteen schools, including Union High School. The district is known for its International Baccalaureate program. Kean University, a public research university and the third-largest university in New Jersey by enrollment, is located within the township. Other institutions include the Union County College campus and the Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy.

Transportation

Major roadways include U.S. Route 22 (US 22), Route 82, and the Garden State Parkway. The township is served by New Jersey Transit bus routes and the Raritan Valley Line at the Union Station, providing direct rail service to Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station. The Elizabeth station on New Jersey Transit's Northeast Corridor Line is also accessible. Newark Liberty International Airport is located approximately 5 miles to the east.

Notable people

Notable current and former residents include Derek Jeter, former shortstop for the New York Yankees; Nelson Dicicco, former member of the New Jersey General Assembly; Alfred M. Gruenther, former United States Army general in the former General; and former President of Representatives; Alfred M. Representatives; and the United States Army, former President of the United States; Alfred M.

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