Where is bx

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The term 'BX' most commonly refers to the Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York City, located north of Manhattan. It covers 42 square miles (109 km²) and has a population of approximately 1.4 million people as of the 2020 U.S. Census. The Bronx is known for landmarks like Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and its cultural contributions including the birth of hip-hop in the 1970s.

Key Facts

The Bronx covers 42 square miles (109 km²) of land area
Population of approximately 1.4 million people as of 2020 U.S. Census
Established as a borough of New York City in 1898
Home to Yankee Stadium, which opened in 2009 with a capacity of 47,309
Bronx Zoo opened in 1899 and covers 265 acres

Overview

The Bronx is one of the five boroughs that constitute New York City, located north of Manhattan and south of Westchester County. Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, the area was settled by Europeans in the 17th century and named after Jonas Bronck, a Swedish-born settler who established the first European settlement in 1639. The Bronx became part of New York City in 1898 when the city consolidated its five boroughs, transforming from a largely rural area to an urban center over the following decades.

Throughout the 20th century, the Bronx experienced significant demographic shifts and urban development challenges, including periods of economic decline in the 1970s followed by revitalization efforts. Today, it stands as a diverse cultural hub with distinct neighborhoods ranging from affluent Riverdale to the bustling Grand Concourse. The borough has made substantial contributions to American culture, particularly in music, with hip-hop originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, forever changing the global music landscape.

How It Works

The Bronx functions as both a county (Bronx County) and a borough within New York City's administrative structure.

Geographic Organization: The Bronx is divided into community districts and neighborhoods, with the Grand Concourse serving as a major north-south thoroughfare. The borough contains 42 square miles (109 km²) of land area, making it the fourth largest borough by area but the third most densely populated with approximately 34,000 people per square mile.
Government Structure: As a borough, the Bronx has a borough president who serves as an advocate for local interests within the city government. The current borough president, Vanessa Gibson, was elected in 2021 and represents the borough's interests in budget allocations, land use decisions, and community development initiatives.
Transportation Network: The Bronx is served by 70 subway stations across six subway lines, including the 2, 4, 5, 6, B, and D trains. Additionally, Metro-North Railroad provides commuter rail service with stations including Fordham, Tremont, and Melrose, connecting the borough to northern suburbs and Manhattan.
Economic Framework: The Bronx economy includes healthcare as its largest employment sector, with Montefiore Medical Center employing over 20,000 people. Other significant industries include education, retail, and manufacturing, with the borough's gross domestic product estimated at $42.7 billion in 2019 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Bronx	Manhattan
Population Density	34,000 people/sq mi	72,000 people/sq mi
Median Household Income	$43,726 (2021)	$93,196 (2021)
Parkland Percentage	25% of land area	17% of land area
Public Housing Units	Over 100,000 units	Approximately 180,000 units
Major Sports Venues	Yankee Stadium (47,309 capacity)	Madison Square Garden (20,789 capacity)

Why It Matters

Cultural Impact: The Bronx gave birth to hip-hop music in the 1970s, a genre that has grown into a $15 billion global industry. DJ Kool Herc's historic party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in 1973 is widely recognized as the birthplace of this cultural movement that has influenced music, fashion, and language worldwide.
Urban Development Lessons: The Bronx's transformation from the urban decay of the 1970s, when approximately 40% of the borough's housing was lost to abandonment and arson, to its current revitalization provides crucial lessons in community-led redevelopment, affordable housing preservation, and sustainable urban planning.
Biodiversity Conservation: The Bronx contains significant green spaces including the 2,700-acre Pelham Bay Park (New York City's largest park) and the 265-acre Bronx Zoo, which houses over 6,000 animals from 700 species. These spaces serve as vital urban oases and conservation centers in one of the world's most densely populated metropolitan areas.

The Bronx continues to evolve as a dynamic component of New York City's ecosystem, balancing preservation of its rich cultural heritage with forward-looking development initiatives. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, education, and economic development, the borough is positioned to address contemporary challenges while building on its unique strengths. As demographic trends shift and climate considerations become increasingly urgent, the Bronx's experience with urban resilience, community organizing, and cultural innovation offers valuable insights for cities worldwide navigating similar transformations in the 21st century.