Upper Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey | |
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 Upper Pittsgrove Township highlighted inSalem County. Inset map: Salem County highlighted in the State ofNew Jersey. | |
 Census Bureau map of Upper Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey | |
  Upper Pittsgrove Township Location in the United States Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates:39°36′45″N75°12′34″W / 39.612375°N 75.209549°W /39.612375; -75.209549[1][2] | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County |  Salem |
| Incorporated | March 10, 1846 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Township |
| • Body | Township Committee |
| • Mayor | Edward J. Meschi (R, term ends December 31, 2023)[3][4] |
| • Municipal clerk | Linda R. Stephens[5] |
| Area | |
• Total | 40.39 sq mi (104.60 km2) |
| • Land | 40.24 sq mi (104.23 km2) |
| • Water | 0.15 sq mi (0.38 km2) 0.36% |
| • Rank | 54th of 565 in state 3rd of 15 in county[1] |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 3,432 |
• Estimate (2023)[9] | 3,464 |
| • Rank | 430th of 565 in state 8th of 15 in county[10] |
| • Density | 85.3/sq mi (32.9/km2) |
| • Rank | 545th of 565 in state 12th of 15 in county[10] |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| ZIP Code | |
| Area code | 856[12] |
| FIPS code | 3403375110[1][13][14] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1723212[1][15] |
| Website | www |
Upper Pittsgrove Township is atownship inSalem County, in theU.S. state ofNew Jersey. As of the2020 United States census, the township's population was 3,432,[8] a decrease of 73 (−2.1%) from the2010 census count of 3,505,[16][17] which in turn reflected an increase of 37 (+1.1%) from the 3,468 counted in the2000 census.[18]
Upper Pittsgrove Township was incorporated on March 10, 1846, from portions ofPittsgrove Township. Portions of the township were taken on January 28, 1893, to formElmer.[19]
The township was named for Pittsgrove Township, which in turn was named forWilliam Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, a supporter of the colonial cause.[20][21]
It is adry town, where alcohol cannot be sold, as affirmed by a referendum passed in 1979, though alcohol is available at a winery and a distillery in the township.[22][23]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 40.39 square miles (104.60 km2), including 40.24 square miles (104.23 km2) of land and 0.15 square miles (0.38 km2) of water (0.36%).[1][2] Upper Pittsgrove leads New Jersey in acres of active agriculture and preserved farmland.[24] TheSalem River has itssource in the township.[25]
Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Ballingers Mill,Daretown, Foxs Mill, Friendship Church,Monroeville, New Freedom, Newkirk, Pittsgrove, Pole Tavern, Shirley,Whig Lane and Woods Mills.[26]
The township bordersAlloway Township,Elmer,Pilesgrove Township andPittsgrove Township in Salem County;Upper Deerfield Township inCumberland County; andElk Township,Franklin Township andSouth Harrison Township inGloucester County.[27][28]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 1,656 | — | |
| 1860 | 2,082 | 25.7% | |
| 1870 | 2,087 | 0.2% | |
| 1880 | 2,073 | −0.7% | |
| 1890 | 1,923 | −7.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,725 | * | −10.3% |
| 1910 | 1,754 | 1.7% | |
| 1920 | 1,724 | −1.7% | |
| 1930 | 1,899 | 10.2% | |
| 1940 | 1,925 | 1.4% | |
| 1950 | 2,204 | 14.5% | |
| 1960 | 2,715 | 23.2% | |
| 1970 | 2,884 | 6.2% | |
| 1980 | 3,139 | 8.8% | |
| 1990 | 3,140 | 0.0% | |
| 2000 | 3,468 | 10.4% | |
| 2010 | 3,505 | 1.1% | |
| 2020 | 3,432 | −2.1% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 3,464 | [9] | 0.9% |
| Population sources: 1850–2000[29] 1850–1920[30] 1850–1870[31] 1850[32] 1870[33] 1880–1890[34] 1890–1910[35] 1910–1930[36] 1940–2000[37] 2000[38][39] 2010[16][17] 2020[8] * = Lost territory in previous decade.[19] | |||
The2010 United States census counted 3,505 people, 1,247 households, and 932 families in the township. The population density was 86.9 inhabitants per square mile (33.6/km2). There were 1,310 housing units at an average density of 32.5 per square mile (12.5/km2). The racial makeup was 94.89% (3,326)White, 2.17% (76)Black or African American, 0.43% (15)Native American, 0.23% (8)Asian, 0.00% (0)Pacific Islander, 0.91% (32) fromother races, and 1.37% (48) from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.02% (106) of the population.[16]
Of the 1,247 households, 28.4% had children under the age of 18; 62.6% were married couples living together; 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 25.3% were non-families. Of all households, 20.9% were made up of individuals and 9.9% 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 3.17.[16]
22.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 21.8% from 25 to 44, 32.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.7 years. For every 100 females, the population had 102.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 100.4 males.[16]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010American Community Survey showed that (in 2010inflation-adjusted dollars)median household income was $80,957 (with a margin of error of +/− $12,476) and the median family income was $83,438 (+/− $13,632). Males had a median income of $55,246 (+/− $4,750) versus $36,316 (+/− $13,317) for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $30,264 (+/− $3,595). About 2.4% of families and 5.0% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.[40]
As of the2000 United States census[13] there were 3,468 people, 1,207 households, and 959 families residing in the township. The population density was 85.9 inhabitants per square mile (33.2/km2). There were 1,250 housing units at an average density of 31.0 per square mile (12.0/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 94.84%White, 2.16%African American, 0.52%Native American, 0.32%Asian, 1.30% fromother races, and 0.87% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 3.14% of the population.[38][39]
There were 1,207 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.5% weremarried couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 16.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% 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 3.13.[38][39]
In the township the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.[38][39]
The median income for a household in the township was $53,813, and the median income for a family was $56,768. Males had a median income of $41,319 versus $27,976 for females. Theper capita income for the township was $21,732. About 6.0% of families and 8.5% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.[38][39]
Upper Pittsgrove Township is governed under theTownship form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state.[41] The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are electeddirectly by the votersat-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.[6][42] At an annual reorganization meeting, the council selects one of its members to serves as mayor and another as deputy mayor.[3]
As of 2022[update], members of the Upper Pittsgrove Township Council areMayor Edward J. Meschi (R, term on committee ends December 31, 2023; term as mayor ends 2022), Deputy Mayor David Zeck Sr. (R, term on committee ends 2023; term as deputy mayor ends 2022), Bruce W. Bishop (R, 2024), Jack R. Cimprich (R, 2024) and Michael J. Seery Sr. (R, 2022).[3][43][44][45][46]
Upper Pittsgrove Township is located in the 2nd Congressional District[47] and is part of New Jersey's 3rd state legislative district.[48][49][50]
For the119th United States Congress,New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented byJeff Van Drew (R,Dennis Township).[51] New Jersey is represented in theUnited States Senate byDemocratsCory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) andAndy Kim (Moorestown, term ends 2031).[52]
For the2024-2025 session, the3rd legislative district of theNew Jersey Legislature is represented in theState Senate byJohn Burzichelli (D,Paulsboro) and in theGeneral Assembly byDavid Bailey (D,Woodstown) andHeather Simmons (D,Glassboro).[53]
Salem County is governed by a five-memberBoard of County Commissioners who are electedat-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects a Director and a Deputy Director from among its members.[54] As of 2025[update], Salem County's Commissioners (with party, residence, and term-end year listed in parentheses) are:
Director Benjamin H. Laury (R,Elmer, 2027), Deputy Director Gordon J. "Mickey" Ostrum Jr. (R,Pilesgrove Township, 2027), Cordy Taylor (R,Oldmans Township, 2025), Ed Ramsey (R,Pittsgrove Township, 2026) andDaniel Timmerman (R, Elmer, 2025).[54][55]
Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Clerk Dale A. Cross (R,Pennsville Township, 2029),[56][57]Sheriff Charles M. Miller (R,Salem, 2027)[58][59] and Surrogate Nicki A. Burke (D,Woodstown, 2025).[60][61]
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 2,370 registered voters in Upper Pittsgrove Township, of which 447 (18.9% vs. 30.6% countywide) were registered asDemocrats, 688 (29.0% vs. 21.0%) were registered asRepublicans and 1,235 (52.1% vs. 48.4%) were registered asUnaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties.[62] Among the township's 2010 Census population, 67.6% (vs. 64.6% in Salem County) were registered to vote, including 87.1% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 84.4% countywide).[62][63]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2021 | 1,004 | 76.88% | 296 | 22.66% | 6 | 0.46% |
| 2017 | 645 | 63.67% | 327 | 32.28% | 41 | 4.05% |
| 2013 | 896 | 76.91% | 234 | 20.09% | 35 | 3.00% |
| 2009 | 814 | 60.03% | 372 | 27.43% | 170 | 12.54% |
| 2005 | 779 | 60.95% | 440 | 34.43% | 59 | 4.62% |
In the2012 presidential election, RepublicanMitt Romney received 65.3% of the vote (1,102 cast), ahead of DemocratBarack Obama with 33.1% (558 votes), and other candidates with 1.6% (27 votes), among the 1,699 ballots cast by the township's 2,395 registered voters (12 ballots werespoiled), for a turnout of 70.9%.[65][66] In the2008 presidential election, RepublicanJohn McCain received 1,173 votes (64.8% vs. 46.6% countywide), ahead of DemocratBarack Obama with 595 votes (32.9% vs. 50.4%) and other candidates with 23 votes (1.3% vs. 1.6%), among the 1,810 ballots cast by the township's 2,449 registered voters, for a turnout of 73.9% (vs. 71.8% in Salem County).[67] In the2004 presidential election, RepublicanGeorge W. Bush received 1,192 votes (64.4% vs. 52.5% countywide), ahead of DemocratJohn Kerry with 621 votes (33.6% vs. 45.9%) and other candidates with 29 votes (1.6% vs. 1.0%), among the 1,850 ballots cast by the township's 2,477 registered voters, for a turnout of 74.7% (vs. 71.0% in the whole county).[68]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 1,411 | 73.60% | 475 | 24.78% | 31 | 1.62% |
| 2020 | 1,463 | 72.28% | 533 | 26.33% | 28 | 1.38% |
| 2016 | 1,232 | 69.84% | 458 | 25.96% | 74 | 4.20% |
| 2012 | 1,102 | 65.32% | 558 | 33.08% | 27 | 1.60% |
| 2008 | 1,173 | 65.49% | 595 | 33.22% | 23 | 1.28% |
| 2004 | 1,192 | 64.71% | 621 | 33.71% | 29 | 1.57% |
In the2013 gubernatorial election, RepublicanChris Christie received 76.9% of the vote (896 cast), ahead of DemocratBarbara Buono with 20.1% (234 votes), and other candidates with 3.0% (35 votes), among the 1,172 ballots cast by the township's 2,372 registered voters (7 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 49.4%.[75][76] In the2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 814 votes (59.2% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of DemocratJon Corzine with 372 votes (27.0% vs. 39.9%), IndependentChris Daggett with 138 votes (10.0% vs. 9.7%) and other candidates with 32 votes (2.3% vs. 2.0%), among the 1,376 ballots cast by the township's 2,441 registered voters, yielding a 56.4% turnout (vs. 47.3% in the county).[77]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 1,362 | 71.35% | 507 | 26.56% | 40 | 2.10% |
| 2018 | 1,025 | 72.03% | 348 | 24.46% | 50 | 3.51% |
| 2012 | 1,002 | 60.99% | 591 | 35.97% | 50 | 3.04% |
| 2006 | 899 | 62.21% | 485 | 33.56% | 61 | 4.22% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2020 | 1,397 | 70.24% | 553 | 27.80% | 39 | 1.96% |
| 2014 | 746 | 65.21% | 347 | 30.33% | 51 | 4.46% |
| 2013 | 483 | 75.94% | 150 | 23.58% | 3 | 0.47% |
| 2008 | 1,010 | 57.68% | 654 | 37.35% | 87 | 4.97% |
TheUpper Pittsgrove School District serves public school students inpre-kindergarten througheighth grade at Upper Pittsgrove School.[78] As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 322 students and 34.0 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 9.5:1.[79]
Students in public school forninth throughtwelfth grades attendWoodstown High School inWoodstown, which serves students fromPilesgrove Township and Woodstown, along with studentsAlloway Township,Oldmans Township and Upper Pittsgrove Township who attend the high school as part ofsending/receiving relationships with theWoodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District.[80] As of the 2021–22 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 559 students and 49.7 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 11.2:1.[81]
_just_west_of_Salem_County_Route_677_(Burlington_Road-Greenville_Road)_in_Upper_Pittsgrove_Township%2c_Salem_County%2c_New_Jersey.jpg)
As of May 2010[update], the township has a total of 111.44 miles (179.35 km) of roadways, of which 43.02 miles (69.23 km) were maintained by the municipality, 51.38 miles (82.69 km) by Salem County and 17.04 miles (27.42 km) by theNew Jersey Department of Transportation.[82]
State Route 77 runs through the center of the township for 7.6 miles (12.2 km) fromUpper Deerfield Township inCumberland County toElk Township inGloucester County to the north.[83]U.S. Route 40 (Harding Highway) runs across the township for about 10.0 miles (16.1 km), fromPilesgrove Township in the west, entersElmer borough, re-enters the township and continues toFranklin Township in Gloucester County to the east.[84]County Route 553 (Buck Road) cuts across the eastern panhandle of the township, from Pittsgrove Township in the south to Franklin Township in the north.[85]County Route 581 (Commissioners Pike) enters on the western border from Pilesgrove Township and heads north for 3.5 miles (5.6 km) towardsSouth Harrison Township.[86]
Pole Tavern Circle is atraffic circle at the intersection of U.S. Route 40, State Route 77, Monroeville Road (County Route 604), and Daretown Road (County Route 635). The Pole Tavern Circle, named for aliberty pole that stood at the site during theAmerican Revolutionary War, is the location of a large historic cannon that was first placed there in 1913.[24]
NJ Transit provides service betweenBridgeton andPhiladelphia on the410 route.[87][88]
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Upper Pittsgrove include:
Municipalities and communities ofSalem County, New Jersey,United States | ||
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