Newark has long been the
largest city in
New Jersey. Founded in 1666, it greatly expanded during the
Industrial Revolution, becoming the commercial and cultural hub of the
region. Its population grew with various waves of migration in the mid 20th century, peaking in 1950. It suffered greatly during the era of
urban decline and suburbanization in the late 20th century. Since the
millennium it has benefited from interest and re-investment in America's cities, recording population growth in the 2020 census.