Overview of Cumberland County in New Jersey

Cumberland County is one of the history-rich counties in New Jersey, which has existed for nearly three hundred years. It has a diverse population, beautiful geography, and growing industries. Further, It has pleasant coastal weather due to the surrounding water bodies making it a nice place to live. Additionally, its economy is vibrant, with rising job opportunities for the young and the old. 

Cumberland County is an essential part of New Jersey. It has a youthful population driving the demand for products and economic growth. 

Here is an overview of Cumberland County in New Jersey. 

History

Cumberland County officially began in 1748. It got its name from Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. 

Native Americans lived here before the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century. The Native Americans used the surrounding water bodies to make it an agriculturally rich location. Its agricultural heritage remains to make Cumberland one of the leading food growing and processing regions in the state and country. 

Another feature of the rich history of Cumberland is the excavation sites that date back centuries ago. Also, you will find many descendants of Native Americans living here today. 

Living In Cumberland County Today

Geography

In the South Western region of New Jersey, you will find Cumberland County. It is approximately 680 square miles in area and is a coastal lowland. Water bodies occupy 20% of the land mass.

To the West of Cumberland County, you find the Delaware River.  In the South is the Delaware Bay. Other water bodies in the county are the Maurice River in the North, the Tuckahoe River to the northeast, and on the southeast side, you will find West Creek. Rivers Manumuskin and Cohanskey are other major rivers in the county. Additionally, Union Lake is another big water body. It has earned the name “Island City” due to all these. 

Also, you will find extensive forest cover, salt marshes, and swamps along the lake and rivers. Wildlife is a part of life in Cumberland. Therefore, there are vast national parks. 

Demographics

Cumberland County is the sixteenth most populous of the twenty-one counties of New Jersey. According to the last census conducted in 2020, it has a population of approximately 155,000. It recorded a 1% decrease compared to the previous census results. The small size of the modern family is the probable cause of the population decrease. 

The census showed that 34,000 families were living in Cumberland and over 51,000 households. The average family size in Cumberland is 3.3. 

The majority of the inhabitants of Cumberland County are white, at 45% of the population. Hispanics at 34%, African Americans at 18%, and Native Americans at 0.9%. There are small numbers of Asians and other races within the county. Consequently, it is rated the sixth most diverse county in New Jersey. 

According to the 2020 census, 38 was the median age in Cumberland. Nearly a quarter of the population is below 18, while 15% is over 65. Additionally, the median family income was over $65,000.