It covers a portion of Essex County, specifically most of the city of Newark; and the Hudson County municipalities of East Newark and Harrison.

[1][2] As of the 2020 United States census, the district had a population of 249,255, of whom 192,742 (77.3%) were of voting age.

Since the creation of the 40-district legislative map in 1973, the 29th district has always been based in and around Newark.

[11] After the 2011 redistricting, Hillside was removed and Belleville was moved into the district; again, most of the area of the city remained in the 29th.

[1][2] Because of its heavily urban nature, the district tends to favor Democrats strongly.