Monroe Township, New Jersey | |
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 Downer Methodist Episcopal Church in Monroe Township, November 2011 | |
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 Location of Monroe Township inGloucester County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Gloucester County inNew Jersey highlighted in red (left). | |
 Census Bureau map of Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey | |
  Monroe Township Location in the United States Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates:39°39′37″N74°58′09″W / 39.660224°N 74.969195°W /39.660224; -74.969195[1][2] | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County |  Gloucester |
| Incorporated | March 3, 1859 |
| Named after | PresidentJames Monroe |
| Government | |
| • Type | Faulkner Act (mayor–council) |
| • Body | Township Council |
| • Mayor | Gregory A. Wolfe (D, term ends December 31, 2026)[3] |
| • Administrator | James V. DeHart III[4] |
| • Municipal clerk | Aileen Chiselko[5] |
| Area | |
• Total | 46.93 sq mi (121.54 km2) |
| • Land | 46.42 sq mi (120.23 km2) |
| • Water | 0.51 sq mi (1.31 km2) 1.08% |
| • Rank | 36th of 565 in state 2nd of 24 in county[1] |
| Elevation | 121 ft (37 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 37,117 |
| 37,752 | |
| • Rank | 65th of 565 in state 2nd of 24 in county[11] |
| • Density | 799.6/sq mi (308.7/km2) |
| • Rank | 408th of 565 in state 17th of 24 in county[11] |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| ZIP Code | 08094 –Williamstown[12] |
| Area codes | 609 and856[13] |
| FIPS code | 3401547250[1][14][15] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0882137[1][16] |
| Website | www |
Monroe Township is atownship inGloucester County, in theU.S. state ofNew Jersey. As of the2020 United States census, the township's population was 37,117,[8][9] its highestdecennial count ever and an increase of 988 (+2.7%) from the 36,129 recorded at the2010 census,[17][18] which in turn reflected an increase of 7,162 (+24.7%) from the 28,967 counted in the2000 census.[19] The township is part of theSouth Jersey region of the state and asuburb ofPhiladelphia, within theDelaware Valley.
Monroe Township was originally formed as a township by an act of theNew Jersey Legislature on March 3, 1859, from portions ofWashington Township while the area was still part ofCamden County. Monroe Township was shifted to Gloucester County on February 28, 1871, along with the majority of Washington Township. In 1950, portions of the township were transferred toWinslow Township inCamden County.[20] The township was named for PresidentJames Monroe.[21]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 46.93 square miles (121.54 km2), including 46.42 square miles (120.23 km2) of land and 0.51 square miles (1.31 km2) of water (1.08%).[1][2]
Victory Lakes (with a 2020 census population of 1,999) andWilliamstown (15,082) areunincorporated communities andcensus-designated places located in Monroe Township.[22]
Other unincorporated communities, localities, and places located partially or completely within the township include Berryland, Broad Lane, Cecil, Cross Keys, Downer, New Brooklyn and Radix.[23]
The township borders the municipalities ofClayton,Franklin Township,Glassboro, andWashington Township in Gloucester County;Buena Vista Township andFolsom inAtlantic County; andWinslow Township inCamden County.[24][25]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 1,417 | — | |
| 1870 | 1,663 | 17.4% | |
| 1880 | 1,858 | 11.7% | |
| 1890 | 1,945 | 4.7% | |
| 1900 | 2,402 | 23.5% | |
| 1910 | 3,015 | 25.5% | |
| 1920 | 3,292 | 9.2% | |
| 1930 | 4,064 | 23.5% | |
| 1940 | 4,310 | 6.1% | |
| 1950 | 5,531 | 28.3% | |
| 1960 | 9,396 | 69.9% | |
| 1970 | 14,071 | 49.8% | |
| 1980 | 21,639 | 53.8% | |
| 1990 | 26,703 | 23.4% | |
| 2000 | 28,967 | 8.5% | |
| 2010 | 36,129 | 24.7% | |
| 2020 | 37,117 | 2.7% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 37,752 | [8][10] | 1.7% |
| Population sources: 1860–1870[26] 1880–2000[27] 1860–1920[28] 1860–1870[29] 1870[30] 1880–1890[31] 1890–1910[32] 1910–1930[33] 1940–2000[34] 2000[35][36] 2010[17][18] 2020[8][9] | |||
The2010 United States census counted 36,129 people, 12,815 households, and 9,445 families in the township. Thepopulation density was 778.8 per square mile (300.7/km2). There were 13,387 housing units at an average density of 288.6 per square mile (111.4/km2). The racial makeup was 79.41% (28,689)White, 14.01% (5,060)Black or African American, 0.20% (73)Native American, 2.42% (875)Asian, 0.01% (5)Pacific Islander, 1.54% (557) fromother races, and 2.41% (870) from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.97% (1,795) of the population.[17]
Of the 12,815 households, 34.7% had children under the age of 18; 56.2% were married couples living together; 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 26.3% were non-families. Of all households, 21.5% were made up of individuals and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.28.[17]
25.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.0 males.[17]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010American Community Survey showed that (in 2010inflation-adjusted dollars)median household income was $66,761 (with a margin of error of +/− $4,083) and the median family income was $83,929 (+/− $4,293). Males had a median income of $61,505 (+/− $3,058) versus $41,946 (+/− $1,826) for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $28,270 (+/− $1,121). About 6.1% of families and 7.7% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.[37]
As of the2000 U.S. census,[14] there were 28,967 people, 10,521 households, and 7,848 families residing in the township. The population density was 622.3 inhabitants per square mile (240.3/km2). There were 11,069 housing units at an average density of 237.8 per square mile (91.8/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 84.83%White, 11.15%African American, 0.25%Native American, 1.23%Asian, 0.03%Pacific Islander, 0.99% fromother races, and 1.52% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 2.71% of the population.[35][36]
There were 10,521 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% weremarried couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.18.[35][36]
In the township, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.[35][36]
The median income for a household in the township was $50,037, and the median income for a family was $56,810. Males had a median income of $41,062 versus $29,849 for females. Theper capita income for the township was $20,488. About 4.0% of families and 6.2% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 7.5% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.[35][36]
Scotland Run Golf Club is a public golf course and country club located in Williamstown. Opened in 1999, the 18-hole course was built on an old sand quarry. The course was named one of the Top 50 Public Courses in the country by the readers ofGolf World in their annual Readers' Choice Awards in 2009 and 2010.[38]
Monroe Township is governed within theFaulkner Act system of municipal government, formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law, underMayor-Council (Plan F), enacted by direct petition as of January 1, 1971.[39] The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government.[40] The governing body of Monroe Township is comprised of the Mayor and the Township Council. The Mayor is directly elected to a four-year term of office. The Township Council is comprised of seven members, with threeat-large seats and four seats selected fromwards, all of whom serve four-year terms of office. Officials are chosen in partisan voting as part of the November general election in even-numbered years on a staggered basis, with the Mayor and the three council at-large seats up for vote together and two years later the four ward council seats.[6][41][42][43]
As of 2025[update], the Mayor of Monroe Township isDemocrat Gregory A. Wolfe, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026.[3] Members of the Township Council are Denise Liszewski Adams (D, 2026; At Large), Brian Cope (D, 2024; Ward 3), Carolann Fox (D, 2028; Ward 2), Donald Heverly (D, 2026; At Large), Al Rossi (D, 2028; Ward 1), Patrick O'Reilly (D, 2026; At Large) and John Valentine (Republican, 2028; Ward 4).[44][45][46][47][48]
In January 2019, Cody Miller was selected to fill the Ward 2 seat expiring in December 2020 that was vacated by Richard DiLucia when he took office as mayor.[49] In the November 2019 general election, Miller was elected to serve the balance of the term of office.[50]
In March 2022, Mayor Richard DiLucia switched parties and became a Republican, as did councilmembers Katherine Falcone and Steven McKinney.[51]
Monroe Township is located in the 1st Congressional District[52] and is part of New Jersey's 4th state legislative district.[53][54][55]
For the119th United States Congress,New Jersey's 1st congressional district is represented byDonald Norcross (D,Camden).[56][57] New Jersey is represented in theUnited States Senate byDemocratsCory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) andAndy Kim (Moorestown, term ends 2031).[58]
For the2024-2025 session, the4th legislative district of theNew Jersey Legislature is represented in theState Senate byPaul D. Moriarty (D,Washington Township) and in theGeneral Assembly byDan Hutchinson (D,Gloucester Township) andCody Miller (D,Monroe Township).[59]
Gloucester County is governed by aboard of county commissioners, whose seven members are electedat-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis in partisan elections, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year. At a reorganization meeting held each January, the Board selects a Director and a Deputy Director from among its members. As of 2025[update], Gloucester County's Commissioners are:
Director Frank J. DiMarco (D,Deptford Township, 2025),[60] Matt Weng (D,Pitman, 2026),[61]Joann Gattinelli (D,Washington Township, 2026),[62] Nicholas DeSilvio (R,Franklin Township, 2027),[63] Denice DiCarlo (D,West Deptford Township, 2025)[64] Deputy Director Jim Jefferson (D,Woodbury, 2026) and[65]Christopher Konawel Jr. (R, Glassboro, 2027).[66][67]
Gloucester County's constitutional officers are: Clerk James N. Hogan (D, Franklin Township; 2027),[68][69] Sheriff Carmel Morina (D,Greenwich Township; 2027)[70][71] and Surrogate Giuseppe "Joe" Chila (D,Woolwich Township; 2028).[72][73][74]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 10,527 | 50.63% | 9,960 | 47.90% | 307 | 1.48% |
| 2020 | 10,261 | 48.72% | 10,487 | 49.79% | 315 | 1.50% |
| 2016 | 8,026 | 48.31% | 8,060 | 48.52% | 527 | 3.17% |
| 2012 | 6,513 | 41.63% | 8,986 | 57.44% | 145 | 0.93% |
| 2008 | 6,555 | 40.80% | 9,296 | 57.86% | 216 | 1.34% |
| 2004 | 6,351 | 43.87% | 7,994 | 55.21% | 133 | 0.92% |
As of March 2011, there were a total of 22,377 registered voters in Monroe Township, of which 9,900 (44.2%) were registered asDemocrats, 3,413 (15.3%) were registered asRepublicans and 9,051 (40.4%) were registered asUnaffiliated. There were 13 voters registered asLibertarians orGreens.[81]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2021 | 6,398 | 54.29% | 5,290 | 44.89% | 97 | 0.82% |
| 2017 | 3,411 | 39.83% | 4,935 | 57.63% | 217 | 2.53% |
| 2013 | 5,182 | 62.42% | 2,977 | 35.86% | 143 | 1.72% |
| 2009 | 4,304 | 47.50% | 4,034 | 44.52% | 723 | 7.98% |
| 2005 | 3,289 | 40.09% | 4,562 | 55.61% | 353 | 4.30% |
In the2012 presidential election, DemocratBarack Obama received 57.4% of the vote (8,986 cast), ahead of RepublicanMitt Romney with 41.6% (6,513 votes), and other candidates with 0.9% (145 votes), among the 15,767 ballots cast by the township's 23,556 registered voters (123 ballots werespoiled), for a turnout of 66.9%.[83][84] In the2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 57.4% of the vote (9,296 cast), ahead of RepublicanJohn McCain with 40.5% (6,555 votes) and other candidates with 1.3% (216 votes), among the 16,193 ballots cast by the township's 22,994 registered voters, for a turnout of 70.4%.[85] In the2004 presidential election, DemocratJohn Kerry received 54.9% of the vote (7,994 ballots cast), outpolling RepublicanGeorge W. Bush with 43.6% (6,351 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (133 votes), among the 14,566 ballots cast by the township's 20,814 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 70.0.[86]
In the2013 gubernatorial election, RepublicanChris Christie received 62.4% of the vote (5,182 cast), ahead of DemocratBarbara Buono with 35.9% (2,977 votes), and other candidates with 1.7% (143 votes), among the 8,462 ballots cast by the township's 23,319 registered voters (160 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 36.3%.[87][88] In the2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 47.0% of the vote (4,304 ballots cast), ahead of DemocratJon Corzine with 44.0% (4,034 votes), IndependentChris Daggett with 7.2% (659 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (64 votes), among the 9,165 ballots cast by the township's 22,698 registered voters, yielding a 40.4% turnout.[89]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 9,574 | 47.87% | 10,188 | 50.94% | 237 | 1.19% |
| 2018 | 6,123 | 47.72% | 6,232 | 48.57% | 477 | 3.72% |
| 2012 | 5,573 | 37.21% | 9,085 | 60.66% | 320 | 2.14% |
| 2006 | 3,688 | 41.43% | 4,948 | 55.59% | 265 | 2.98% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2020 | 9,823 | 47.50% | 10,411 | 50.35% | 445 | 2.15% |
| 2014 | 3,780 | 42.84% | 4,885 | 55.36% | 159 | 1.80% |
| 2013 | 2,201 | 45.80% | 2,555 | 53.16% | 50 | 1.04% |
| 2008 | 5,573 | 37.56% | 8,895 | 59.94% | 371 | 2.50% |
TheMonroe Township Public Schools is a comprehensive district serving the educational needs of resident students frompre-kindergarten throughtwelfth grade.[92] Services are also provided for preschool handicapped students as well as other students with special needs. As of the 2019–20 school year, the district, comprised of six schools, had an enrollment of 5,736 students and 449.2 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 12.8:1.[93] Schools in the district (with 2019–20 enrollment data from theNational Center for Education Statistics[94]) are Holly Glen Elementary School[95] with 437 students in grades K–4, Oak Knoll Elementary School[96] with 529 students in grades K–4, Radix Elementary School[97] with 640 students in grades Pre-K–4, Whitehall Elementary School[98] with 311 students in grades K–4, Williamstown Middle School,[99] with 1,867 students in grades 5–8 andWilliamstown High School[100] with 1,837 students in grades 9–12.[101][102][103]
Students from across the county are eligible to apply to attendGloucester County Institute of Technology, a four-year high school inDeptford Township that provides technical and vocational education. As a public school, students do not pay tuition to attend the school.[104]
St. Mary School is a K–8 elementary school that operates under the auspices of theRoman Catholic Diocese of Camden.[105][106]
_just_east_of_New_Jersey_State_Route_42_and_Gloucester_County_Route_536_Spur_(Sicklerville_Road)_in_Monroe_Township%2c_Gloucester_County%2c_New_Jersey.jpg)
As of May 2010[update], the township had a total of 180.28 miles (290.13 km) of roadways, of which 131.72 miles (211.98 km) were maintained by the municipality, 32.30 miles (51.98 km) by Gloucester County and 16.26 miles (26.17 km) by theNew Jersey Department of Transportation.[107]
Black Horse Pike is a four-lane, arterial highway which traverses the entire township northwest-to-southeast and provides direct access toPhiladelphia (30 minutes) andAtlantic City (35 minutes). The northwestern portion within the township is part ofRoute 42,[108] while the southeastern segment forms the eastern portion ofU.S. Route 322 within the township.[109] The remainder of US 322 in Monroe Township is a two-lane arterial highway which traverses the township west of the Black Horse Pike. It provides access to theNew Jersey Turnpike, north and south (30 minutes), with access to theCommodore Barry Bridge andDelaware Memorial Bridge toI-95 (40 minutes). Major county roads within the township includeCounty Route 536,County Route 538, andCounty Route 555.
Running just outside the township is theAtlantic City Expressway, a four-lane, limited access highway that parallels the Black Horse Pike and provides direct access to Atlantic City (30 minutes) and access to theGarden State Parkway, north and south.
NJ Transit bus service is available betweenCape May andPhiladelphia on the315 route and betweenSicklerville and Philadelphia on the400 route with local service on the463 route betweenWoodbury and Avondale Park and Ride inSicklerville.[110][111]
Cross Keys Airport is located in the Cross Keys section.[112]
Musical groups from the township includeJu-Taun, a multi-culturalrhythm and blues male vocal group.[113]
Hall Street School was built in 1887 and was added to theNational Register of Historic Places on September 27, 2006.[114]
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Monroe Township include:
Municipalities and communities ofGloucester County, New Jersey,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
Places adjacent to Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey | |
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| Cities and towns 50k–99k | ||
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| See also | ||
