Bridgeton is a city located in Cumberland County, New Jersey. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city had a total population of 22,771. It is the county seat of Cumberland County.
Bridgeton has the largest historic district of any incorporated town in New Jersey; it is dominated by large victorian houses and a downtown area constructed in the 1920s. It straddles the tidal Cohansey River and is located near the center of the Delaware Bay lowlands. It has a zoo and numerous large city parks.
Although it suffered an economic downturn in the 1980s, immigration from southern Mexico has recently led to a revitalization. Immigrants work primarily in the agricultural regions around the city, which are among the most productive in the New Jersey. A significant minority of Bridgeton residents speak Zapotec.
South Woods State Prison, the largest state prison in New Jersey, is located in Bridgeton. Several other correctional facilities are located nearby.
Bridgeton is located at 39°25'46" North, 75°13'50" West (39.429564, -75.230461). Bridgeton is located about one hour away from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 50 minutes away from Wilmington, Delaware. It is also about 1 hour away from Atlantic City and Cape May.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.7 km2 (6.4 mi2). 16.1 km2 (6.2 mi2) of it is land and 0.6 km2 (0.2 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 3.57% water.
Bridgeton borders Upper Deerfield Township, Hopewell Township, and Fairfield Township.
As of the census of 2000, there are 22,771 people, 6,182 households, and 4,179 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,413.5/km2 (3,659.8/mi2). There are 6,795 housing units at an average density of 421.8/km2 (1,092.1/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 38.88% White, 41.84% African American, 1.19% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 13.67% from other races, and 3.63% from two or more races. 24.49% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 6,182 households out of which 36.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.3% are married couples living together, 26.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% are non-families. 27.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.96 and the average family size is 3.49.
In the city the population is spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 36.0% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 130.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 139.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $26,923, and the median income for a family is $30,502. Males have a median income of $28,858 versus $22,722 for females. The per capita income for the city is $10,917. 26.6% of the population and 22.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 33.3% of those under the age of 18 and 17.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
The town is highly populated by migrants coming from Mexico whose languages include Zapotec, Nahuatl, and Mixtec.
Source:
BridgetonNewJersey.com
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