A Unique Perch: The Geography of Union City, New Jersey

Union City, New Jersey, possesses one of the most distinct geographical settings in the state, defined not by sprawling land but by its dramatic verticality. Located in the heart of urban Hudson County, this small but mighty city—measuring only about 1.29 square miles—is a prime example of how topography can shape a community's identity, culture, and very structure.

A City Atop the Cliffs

The most significant geographical feature of Union City is its location squarely atop the Hudson Palisades. These are a line of steep, dramatic cliffs made of diabase, a type of volcanic rock, that rise abruptly from the western bank of the Hudson River. This elevated position, with an average elevation of around 190 feet above sea level, gives the city its defining characteristic: breathtaking, panoramic views. From its eastern-facing streets, residents and visitors are treated to an unparalleled vista of the Manhattan skyline, while the western side of the ridge offers expansive views of the New Jersey Meadowlands.

A Dense Urban Landscape

Because it is situated on this narrow ridge, Union City has virtually no undeveloped land. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States, a fact dictated entirely by its geographical constraints. The city's landscape is almost exclusively urban and residential. Its geography also presents unique infrastructure challenges; for instance, the city is famously bisected by the "vehicular cut" for New Jersey Route 495, the main approach to the Lincoln Tunnel, which carves a massive trench directly through the city's bedrock.

Location and Boundaries

Part of the greater New York metropolitan area, Union City is a key municipality in North Hudson. Its geography dictates its neighbors. It is bordered by:

• North Bergen to the north and west.
• Weehawken to the east, sharing the steep slope of the Palisades.
• West New York to the north.
• Jersey City to the south.

While the city itself contains no major rivers or lakes, it is defined by the major waterways that surround the region. It sits high above the Hudson River to the east, which separates it from New York City, and it overlooks the Hackensack River and Passaic River basins to the west. This commanding position on the Palisades ridge makes the geography of Union City truly one of a kind.

"Havana on the Hudson": The Population of Union City, NJ

Union City, New Jersey, is a community where culture, density, and diversity converge in a uniquely vibrant way. Perched on the Hudson Palisades, this Hudson County city is defined as much by its people as its geography. With a population of over 66,000 residents packed into just 1.29 square miles, it is consistently ranked as one of the most densely populated cities in the United States. This incredible density creates a bustling, walkable urban environment, but the true story of Union City's population is its rich cultural composition.

Population Size and Unmatched Density

According to the 2023 U.S. Census, Union City has a population of 66,375. This figure represents a growth from the 2010 census, reflecting the city's enduring appeal as a residential hub just minutes from Manhattan.

The most defining statistic, however, is its density. With over 53,000 people per square mile, the city's landscape is a testament to its population. This density fosters a strong neighborhood feel, with multi-family homes, apartment buildings, and a lively street life supported by ground-floor businesses that cater to the community.