147-665: Atlantic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey . As of the 2020 census , the county was the state's 15th-most-populous county , with a population of 274,534, a drop of 15 from the 2010 census count of 274,549. Its county seat is the Mays Landing section of Hamilton Township . The county is part of the Jersey Shore and of the South Jersey region of the state. The most populous place in Atlantic County
294-1054: A city , town , or village . A few counties directly provide public transportation themselves, usually in the form of a simple bus system. However, in most counties, public transportation is provided by one of the following: a special district that is coterminous with the county (but exists separately from the county government), a multi-county regional transit authority, or a state agency. In western and southern states, more populated counties provide many facilities, such as airports, convention centers , museums, recreation centers , beaches, harbors, zoos, clinics, law libraries , and public housing . They provide services such as child and family services, elder services, mental health services, welfare services, veterans assistance services, animal control , probation supervision, historic preservation, food safety regulation, and environmental health services. They have many additional officials like public defenders , arts commissioners, human rights commissioners, and planning commissioners. There may be
441-446: A consolidated city-county or independent city exists, a city council usually governs city/county or city affairs. In some counties, day-to-day operations are overseen by an elected county executive or by a chief administrative officer or county administrator who reports to the board, the mayor, or both. In many states, the board in charge of a county holds powers that transcend all three traditional branches of government. It has
588-885: A humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ). Average monthly temperatures in central Atlantic City range from 33.9 °F (1.1 °C) in January to 75.2 °F (24.0 °C) in July, while in Folsom they range from 32.7 °F (0.4 °C) in January to 76.3 °F (24.6 °C) in July. In December 1992, a nor'easter produced the highest tide on record in Atlantic City, 9.0 ft (2.7 m) above mean lower low water . Former Hurricane Sandy struck near Brigantine as an extratropical cyclone , which produced an all-time minimum barometric pressure of 948.5 mbar (28.01 inHg) and wind gusts to 91 mph (146 km/h) in Atlantic City, as well as
735-455: A storm surge that inundated low-lying areas. Three people died in the county during the storm, and damage was estimated at $ 300 million (2012 USD). The 2010 United States census counted 274,549 people, 102,847 households, and 68,702 families in the county. The population density was 494.1 inhabitants per square mile (190.8/km). There were 126,647 housing units at an average density of 227.9 per square mile (88.0/km). The racial makeup
882-421: A 44.9% turnout. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 43,975 votes in the county (60.0%), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25,557 votes (34.9%) and other candidates with 947 votes (1.3%), among the 73,258 ballots cast by the county's 176,696 registered voters, yielding a 41.5% turnout. In the 2017 gubernatorial election , Republican Kim Guadagno received 28,456 (42.5%) of
1029-452: A 57-acre (23 ha) vineyard. The Great Egg Harbor River and Lake Lenape are recreational resources used by local residents and visitors alike. The Lake Lenape Parks cover more than 2,000 acres (810 ha). Hamilton Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form. The Township Committee
1176-459: A United States Biosphere Reserve and established by Congress in 1978 as the nation's first National Reserve. Part of the township is included in the state-designated Pinelands Area, which includes portions of Atlantic County, along with areas in Burlington , Camden , Cape May , Cumberland , Gloucester and Ocean counties. The western three-quarters of the township is governed by regulation by
1323-424: A county fire department and a county police department – as distinguished from fire and police departments operated by individual cities, special districts, or the state government. For example, Gwinnett County, Georgia , and its county seat, the city of Lawrenceville , each have their own police departments. (A separate county sheriff's department is responsible for security of the county courts and administration of
1470-403: A directly elected executive and a nine-member Board of County Commissioners , responsible for legislation. The executive is elected to a four-year term and the freeholders are elected to staggered three-year terms, of which four are elected from the county on an at-large basis and five of the freeholders represent equally populated districts . In 2016, freeholders were paid $ 20,000 a year, while
1617-573: A draw bridge into 30 ft (9.1 m) deep water in Beach Thorofare, killing 53 people, with only two survivors. Improved roads reduced the reliance on railroads by the 1950s. In the late 1800s, a bridge opened in Mays Landing, providing road access to the county's interior. The first car in Atlantic City was seen in 1899. By the 1890s, visitors began riding bicycles in the coastal resort towns, and thousands of people would ride from Camden to
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#17328516330621764-444: A female householder with no husband present and 33.2% were non-families. Of all households, 26.9% were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.17. 23.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
1911-460: A few counties bear names of Native American , French, or Spanish origin. Counties are most often named for people, often political figures or early settlers, with over 2,100 of the 3,144 total so named. The most common county name, with 31, is Washington County , for America's first president, George Washington . Up until 1871, there was a Washington County within the District of Columbia , but it
2058-409: A geographic area with specific boundaries and usually some level of governmental authority. The term " county " is used in 48 states, while Louisiana and Alaska have functionally equivalent subdivisions called parishes and boroughs , respectively. Counties and other local governments exist as a matter of U.S. state law , so the specific governmental powers of counties may vary widely between
2205-490: A health resort, and formed the Camden and Atlantic Railroad Company to construct the line from Camden to the coast. The company purchased land from Atlantic and Galloway Townships in 1853, then promoted and sold the lots. Atlantic City formed on May 1, 1854, in advance of the rail line opening on July 4 of that year. In 1858, Egg Harbor City was formed from portions of Galloway and Mullica townships. In 1866, Hammonton
2352-400: A land area of 20,057 square miles (51,947 km ). The least extensive county is Kalawao County, Hawaii , with a land area of 11.991 square miles (31.058 km ). The least extensive county equivalent in the 50 states is the independent city of Falls Church, Virginia , with a land area of 1.999 square miles (5.177 km ). If U.S. territories are included,
2499-453: A large number of counties, and many Western states were sparsely populated when counties were created by their respective state legislatures. The five counties of Rhode Island and eight of the 14 counties of Massachusetts no longer have functional county governments, but continue to exist as legal and census entities. Connecticut abolished county governments in 1960, leaving its eight counties as mere legal and census entities. In 2022,
2646-498: A new state of South Jersey , along with five other counties in a nonbinding referendum. Atlantic County is located about 100 miles (160 km) south of New York City and about 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Philadelphia . It is roughly 30 mi (48 km) in width by 20 mi (32 km) in height. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 671.84 square miles (1,740.1 km), of which 555.51 square miles (1,438.8 km)
2793-415: A population over 100,000; 137 counties have a population over 500,000; 45 counties have a population over 1,000,000; and 14 counties have a population over 2,000,000. At the other extreme, 35 counties have a population under 1,000; 307 counties have a population under 5,000; 709 counties have a population under 10,000; and 1,492 counties have a population between 10,000 and 50,000. At the 2000 U.S. Census ,
2940-420: A private institute for the treatment of alcohol and drug dependency. In 1940, citizens turned the facility into the not-for-profit Shore Medical Center , which has expanded over time to add more beds and units. In 1840, the first county jail opened in Mays Landing, designed by Thomas Ustick Walter , who also designed the U.S. Capital building . This facility was replaced by newer facilities in 1932, 1962, and
3087-796: A proposed Exit 32 with the Garden State Parkway. The proposed road would pass west of the Atlantic City Airport and reconnect with the Parkway at Exit 44 via County Route 575 in Galloway Township. The routing was later truncated from U.S. 40 (the Black Horse Pike ) to Exit 44 on the Parkway. The project was considered "desirable" but was not funded. As of 2017, the county had a total of 1,984 miles (3,193 km) of public roadways, of which 1,395 mi (2,245 km) were maintained by
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#17328516330623234-614: A total of 15,486 registered voters in Hamilton Township, of which 4,305 (27.8% vs. 30.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats , 3,541 (22.9% vs. 25.2%) were registered as Republicans and 7,635 (49.3% vs. 44.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 5 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . Among the township's 2010 Census population, 58.4% (vs. 58.8% in Atlantic County) were registered to vote, including 76.9% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 76.6% countywide). In
3381-410: A turnout of 74.2% (vs. 69.8% in the whole county). In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 4,086 votes here (59.0% vs. 60.0% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 2,526 votes (36.5% vs. 34.9%) and other candidates with 127 votes (1.8% vs. 1.3%), among the 6,924 ballots cast by the township's 17,080 registered voters, yielding a 40.5% turnout (vs. 41.5% in
3528-428: Is Lake . Words from Native American languages, as well as the names of Native American leaders and tribes, lend their names to many counties. Quite a few counties bear names of French or Spanish origin, such as Marquette County being named after French missionary Father Jacques Marquette . The county's equivalent in the state of Louisiana, the parish (Fr. paroisse civile and Sp. parroquia ) took its name during
3675-571: Is "allowed and encouraged" in the area surrounding Atlantic City, New Jersey . The majority of the township's residents live in the area covered by the RGA, which has been developed in suburban fashion and includes shopping areas such as the Hamilton Mall , part of the township's 3,000,000 square feet (280,000 m ) of first class commercial retail properties. The 2010 United States census counted 26,503 people, 9,490 households, and 6,690 families in
3822-564: Is 343 sq mi (890 km ), whereas in Utah it is 2,427 sq mi (6,290 km ). The most extensive county or county equivalent is the Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska , with a land area of 145,505 square miles (376,856 km ). All nine of the most extensive county equivalents are in Alaska. The most extensive county is San Bernardino County, California , with
3969-1509: Is Dennis Levinson ( R , Northfield ), whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of the Board of County Commissioners are: Ernest D. Coursey (D, District 1-- Atlantic City , Egg Harbor Township (part), Longport , Margate City , and Ventnor City ; 2025, Atlantic City), Chair Maureen Kern (R, District 2-- Egg Harbor Township (part), Linwood , Northfield , Somers Point and Pleasantville ; 2024, Somers Point), Andrew Parker III (R, District 3-- Egg Harbor Township (part) and Hamilton Township (part); 2026, Egg Harbor Township), Richard R. Dase (R, District 4, including Brigantine , Galloway Township , Egg Harbor Township (part), and Port Republic ; 2025, Galloway Township), Vice Chair James A. Bertino (R, District 5-- Buena , Buena Vista Township , Corbin City , Egg Harbor City , Estell Manor , Folsom , Hamilton Township (part), Hammonton , Mullica Township and Weymouth Township ; 2024, Hammonton), June Byrnes (R, At-Large; 2026, Linwood), Frank X. Balles (R, At-Large; Pleasantville, 2024) Amy L. Gatto (R, At-large; 2025, Hamilton Township) and John W. Risley (R, At-Large; 2026, Egg Harbor Township) Atlantic County's constitutional officers are: Clerk Joesph J. Giralo (R, 2026, Hammonton), Sheriff Joe O'Donoghue (R, 2026, Egg Harbor Township) and Surrogate James Curcio (R, 2025, Hammonton). As of March 2011, there were
4116-506: Is William E. Reynolds of Absecon, New Jersey , who took office in June 2022 after being nominated the previous month on May 16, 2022, by Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy and receiving confirmation on August 8, 2022, from the New Jersey Senate . Atlantic County, along with Cape May County , is part of Vicinage 1 of New Jersey Superior Court . The Atlantic County Civil Courthouse Complex
4263-489: Is an unusual case because it encompasses multiple entire counties in one city. Each of those counties is coextensive with one of the five boroughs of the city: Manhattan (New York County), The Bronx (Bronx County), Queens (Queens County), Brooklyn (Kings County), and Staten Island (Richmond County). Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey Hamilton Township is a township in Atlantic County , in
4410-540: Is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-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. At an annual reorganization meeting each January, the Council selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor. As of 2023 ,
4557-500: Is either done at the state level or at the municipal level. In Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts, regional councils have been established to partially fill the void left behind by the abolished county governments. The regional councils' authority is limited compared with a county government—they have authority only over infrastructure and land use planning, distribution of state and federal funds for infrastructure projects, emergency preparedness, and limited law enforcement duties. In
Atlantic County, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue
4704-412: Is governed by a directly elected county executive and a nine-member Board of County Commissioners , responsible for legislation. The executive serves a four-year term and the commissioners are elected to staggered three-year terms, of which four are elected from the county on an at-large basis and five of the commissioners represent equally populated districts. As of 2024 , Atlantic County's Executive
4851-399: Is greater than the populations of 41 U.S. states, and is only slightly smaller than the combined population of the 10 least populous states and Washington, D.C. It also makes the population of Los Angeles County 17.4 times greater than that of the least populous state, Wyoming. The second most populous county is Cook County, Illinois , with a population of 5,275,541. Cook County's population
4998-666: Is in Atlantic City, while criminal cases are heard in May's Landing; the Assignment Judge for Vicinage 1 is Michael Blee A.J.S.C. The 2nd Congressional District covers all of Atlantic County. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). The 23 municipalities of Atlantic County are part of four legislative districts. Erik K. Simonsen (R) Cody Miller (D) Andrea Katz (D) In national elections, Atlantic County leans Democratic, in contrast to
5145-455: Is larger than that of 28 individual U.S. states and the combined populations of the six smallest states. The least populous county is Loving County, Texas , with 64 residents in 2020. Eight county equivalents in the U.S. territories have no human population: Rose Atoll , Northern Islands Municipality , Baker Island , Howland Island , Jarvis Island , Johnston Atoll , Kingman Reef , and Navassa Island . The remaining three islands in
5292-822: Is no formal level of government (municipality, public education, or otherwise) existing below that of the county in the state. In most Midwestern and Northeastern states, counties are further subdivided into townships or towns , which sometimes exercise local powers or administration. Throughout the United States, counties may contain other independent, self-governing municipalities . In New England, counties function at most as judicial court districts and sheriff's departments (presently, in Connecticut only as judicial court districts—and in Rhode Island , they have lost both those functions and most others but they are still used by
5439-410: Is rarely a county responsibility, execution of capital punishment is never a county responsibility, and the state's responses to prisoners' appeals are the responsibility of the state attorney general , who has to defend before the state appellate courts the prosecutions conducted by locally elected district attorneys in the name of the state. Furthermore, county-level trial court judges are officers of
5586-709: Is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 2nd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Vincent J. Polistina ( R , Egg Harbor Township ) and in the General Assembly by Don Guardian (R, Atlantic City ) and Claire Swift (R, Margate City ). Atlantic County
5733-557: Is simultaneously a city, which is a municipality (municipal corporation), and a county, which is an administrative division of a state, having the powers and responsibilities of both types of entities. The city limit or jurisdiction is synonymous with the county line, as the two administrative entities become a non-dichotomous single entity. For this reason, a consolidated city-county is officially remarked as name of city – name of county (i.e., Augusta–Richmond County in Georgia). The same
5880-679: Is the largest non-casino employer, with a staff of over 5,500 people over five counties, established in 1993 by the Atlantic City Medical Center Board of Governors. Atlantic City Hospital opened in 1898, becoming Atlantic City Medical Center in 1973. Two years later, the hospital built its Mainland Division in Pomona . AtlantiCare has also opened four urgent care centers. In 1928, Dr. Charles Ernst and Dr. Frank Inksetter built Atlantic Shores Hospital and Sanitarium in Somers Point as
6027-501: Is true of the boroughs of New York City , each of which is coextensive with a county of New York State. For those entities in which the city uses the same name as the county, city and county of name may be used (i.e., City and County of Denver in Colorado). Similarly, some of Alaska 's boroughs have merged with their principal cities, creating unified city-boroughs. Some such consolidations and mergers have created cities that rank among
Atlantic County, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue
6174-540: The 2000 United States census , there were 20,499 people, 7,148 households, and 5,039 families residing in the township. The population density was 184.2 inhabitants per square mile (71.1/km ). There were 7,567 housing units at an average density of 68.0 per square mile (26.3/km ). The racial makeup of the township was 71.45% White , 19.26% African American , 0.29% Native American , 3.29% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 3.33% from other races , and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.91% of
6321-609: The 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 6,748 votes here (59.9% vs. 57.9% countywide), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 4,334 votes (38.5% vs. 41.1%) and other candidates with 130 votes (1.2% vs. 0.9%), among the 11,268 ballots cast by the township's 16,710 registered voters, for a turnout of 67.4% (vs. 65.8% in Atlantic County). In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 6,619 votes here (57.7% vs. 56.5% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 4,612 votes (40.2% vs. 41.6%) and other candidates with 148 votes (1.3% vs. 1.1%), among
6468-527: The 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 65,600 votes (57.9%) in the county, ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 46,522 votes (41.1%) and other candidates with 1,057 votes (0.9%), among the 113,231 ballots cast by the county's 172,204 registered voters, for a turnout of 65.8%. In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 67,830 votes (56.5%) in Atlantic County, ahead of Republican John McCain with 49,902 votes (41.6%) and other candidates with 1,310 votes (1.1%), among
6615-634: The Alaska Constitutional Convention wanted to avoid the traditional county system and adopted their own unique model with different types of boroughs varying in powers and duties. In some states, these powers are partly or mostly devolved to the counties' smaller divisions usually called townships , though in New York, New England and Wisconsin they are called "towns". The county may or may not be able to override its townships on certain matters, depending on state law. The newest county in
6762-657: The Atlantic City Rail Terminal in Atlantic City with the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia , with service at intermediate stations at Hammonton , Egg Harbor City and Absecon in the county. County (United States) In the United States , a county or county equivalent is an administrative or political subdivision of a U.S. state or other territories of the United States which consists of
6909-687: The Borgata and Ocean Resort Casino – have opened. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City opened in 2018, refurbishing the former Trump Taj Mahal. In 1978, Congress created the Pinelands National Reserve , which created the Pinelands Commission and a management policy for the seven counties in the Pine Barrens , including Atlantic County. Concurrent with the 1980 Presidential election , Atlantic County residents voted in favor to create
7056-454: The City and County of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; City and County of San Francisco, California ; and Lynchburg-Moore County, Tennessee A consolidated city-county may still contain independent municipalities maintaining some governmental powers that did not merge with the rest of the county. For example, the government of Jacksonville–Duval County, Florida , still provides county-level services to
7203-469: The Great Egg Harbor Bay in 1695, the same year he began ferry service across the bay to Cape May County . His son, Richard, built Somers Mansion between 1720 and 1726, which is the oldest home in existence in the county. Daniel Leeds first surveyed the coastal waters of Egg Harbor in 1698, eventually finding Leeds Point . In 1735, according to folklore, Mother Leeds gave birth to her 13th child in
7350-603: The Intracoastal Waterway . Beneath the county is a mile of clay and sand that contains the Kirkwood–Cohansey aquifer , which supplies fresh groundwater for all of the streams and rivers in the region. The interior of the county is part of the Pine Barrens, which covers the southern third of New Jersey, and is prone to forest fires. Lowland areas are swampy and contain pitch pine or white cedar trees. Upland areas in
7497-597: The Mid-Atlantic and Midwest , counties typically provide, at a minimum, courts, public utilities , libraries, hospitals, public health services, parks, roads, law enforcement, and jails. There is usually a county registrar, recorder, or clerk (the exact title varies) who collects vital statistics , holds elections (sometimes in coordination with a separate elections office or commission), and prepares or processes certificates of births, deaths, marriages, and dissolutions (divorce decrees). The county recorder normally maintains
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#17328516330627644-547: The New Jersey Pinelands Commission , which places major limitations on development in that portion of the township, which remains as pine forest with a distinctly rural character, with other portions designated as a Rural Development Area. Significant portions of the eastern quarter of the township are designated by the Pinelands Commission as part of the Regional Growth Area (RGA), in which development
7791-635: The New Jersey State Constitution , each county in New Jersey is required to have three elected administrative officials known as "constitutional officers." These officers are the County Clerk and County Surrogate (both elected for five-year terms of office) and the County Sheriff (elected for a three-year term). Atlantic County's constitutional officers are: The Atlantic County Prosecutor
7938-552: The New York City Borough of Manhattan), with 72,033 persons per square mile (27,812 persons/km ) in 2015. The Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska , is both the most extensive and the least densely populated county or county equivalent with 0.0380 persons per square mile (0.0147 persons/km ) in 2015. In the 50 states (plus the District of Columbia), a total of 981 counties have a population over 50,000; 592 counties have
8085-559: The Province of Maine founded York County . Massachusetts followed in 1643. Pennsylvania and New York delegated significant power and responsibility from the colony government to county governments and thereby established a pattern for most of the United States, although counties remained relatively weak in New England . When independence came, the framers of the Constitution left
8232-437: The U.S. Minor Outlying Islands ( Midway Atoll , Palmyra Atoll and Wake Island ) have small non-permanent human populations. The county equivalent with the smallest non-zero population counted in the census is Swains Island, American Samoa (17 people), although since 2008 this population has not been permanent either. The most densely populated county or county equivalent is New York County, New York (coextensive with
8379-541: The U.S. state of New Jersey . As of the 2020 United States census , the township's population was 27,484, an increase of 981 (+3.7%) from the 2010 census count of 26,503, which in turn reflected an increase of 6,004 (+29.3%) from the 20,499 counted in the 2000 census . The Township of Hamilton was incorporated by the New Jersey Legislature on February 5, 1813. The township calls itself "New Jersey's Largest Municipality" on its stationery and its website. At 110.90 square miles (287.2 km ), Hamilton Township has
8526-569: The USGS counts Guam's election districts (villages) as county equivalents. The U.S. Census Bureau counts the 3 main islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands as county equivalents, while the USGS counts the districts of the U.S. Virgin Islands (of which there are 2) as county equivalents. Common sources of county names are names of people, geographic features, places in other states or countries, and animals. Quite
8673-671: The United States Census Bureau and some other federal agencies for some federal functions), and most of the governmental authority below the state level is in the hands of towns and cities . In several of Maine's sparsely populated counties, small towns rely on the county for law enforcement, and in New Hampshire several social programs are administered at the state level. In Connecticut, Rhode Island, and parts of Massachusetts, counties are now only geographic designations, and they do not have any governmental powers. All government
8820-466: The county seat ("parish seat" in Louisiana, "borough seat" in Alaska, or " shire town " in several New England counties). The county seat usually resides in a municipality. However, some counties may have multiple seats or no seat. In some counties with no incorporated municipalities, a large settlement may serve as the county seat. The power of county governments varies widely from state to state, as does
8967-468: The county seat . In the same year, the Board of Freeholders was established as the county government. As of the 1830 census , the townships making up Atlantic County only had a population of 8,164, making it the least populated New Jersey county . By that time, a continuous line of houses extended from Somers Point to Absecon . Mullica Township was established from Galloway Township in 1837. In 1852, Dr. Jonathan Pitney recommended Absecon Island as
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#17328516330629114-473: The median land area of U.S. counties was 622 sq mi (1,610 km ), which is two-thirds of the median land area of a ceremonial county of England , and a little more than a quarter of the median land area of a French département . Counties in the western United States typically have a much larger land area than those in the eastern United States. For example, the median land area of counties in Georgia
9261-439: The 11,481 ballots cast by the township's 16,199 registered voters, for a turnout of 70.9% (vs. 68.1% in Atlantic County). In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 5,055 votes here (51.9% vs. 52.0% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 4,507 votes (46.2% vs. 46.2%) and other candidates with 83 votes (0.9% vs. 0.8%), among the 9,747 ballots cast by the township's 13,128 registered voters, for
9408-425: The 120,074 ballots cast by the county's 176,316 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.1%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 35,724 votes (47.7%), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 33,361 votes (44.5%), Independent Chris Daggett with 3,611 votes (4.8%) and other candidates with 913 votes (1.2%), among the 74,915 ballots cast by the county's 166,958 registered voters, yielding
9555-492: The 2021–22 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 952 students and 87.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.8:1. The high school is part of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District , a regional public high school district serving students at the district's two other schools, Absegami High School and Cedar Creek High School , from
9702-451: The 50 states and District of Columbia. There are an additional 100 county equivalents in the territories of the United States . The average number of counties per state is 62, with a range from the three counties of Delaware to the 254 counties of Texas . Southern and Midwestern states generally tend to have more counties than Western or Northeastern states, as many Northeastern states are not large enough in area to warrant
9849-454: The 50 states and the District of Columbia. If the 100 county equivalents in the U.S. territories are counted, then the total is 3,244 counties and county-equivalents in the United States. The idea of counties originated with the counties of England . English (after 1707, British ) colonists brought to their colonies in North America a political subdivision that they already used in
9996-511: The Atlantic County municipalities of Buena Vista Township , Egg Harbor Township , Estell Manor , Folsom , Galloway Township , Hammonton , Mullica Township and Weymouth Township . The township is one of 56 South Jersey municipalities that are included within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve , a protected natural area of unique ecology covering 1,100,000 acres (450,000 ha), that has been classified as
10143-973: The British metropole : the counties. Counties were among the earliest units of local government established in the Thirteen Colonies that would become the United States. Virginia created the first counties in order to ease the administrative workload in Jamestown . The House of Burgesses divided the colony first into four "incorporations" in 1617 and finally into eight shires (or counties) in 1634: James City , Henrico , Charles City , Charles River , Warrosquyoake , Accomac , Elizabeth City , and Warwick River . America's oldest intact county court records can be found at Eastville, Virginia , in Northampton (originally Accomac) County , dating to 1632. Maryland established its first county, St. Mary's in 1637. In 1639,
10290-627: The Parkway and Camden County, and a year later was extended into Atlantic City. In 2001, the Atlantic City–Brigantine Connector was built, connecting the Expressway with Atlantic City's marina district. As early as 1990, the South Jersey Transportation Authority had plans to construct an Atlantic County Beltway as a limited-access road , beginning along Ocean Heights Avenue in southern Egg Harbor Township at
10437-602: The Philadelphia iron industry. Around this time, several people and cotton mills opened. The first railroad across the county opened in 1854, intended to assist the bog iron industry; instead, it spurred development in Atlantic City, as well as the growth of farming towns. Farmers began growing grapes, cranberries, and blueberries. The competition dropped the price of travel to 50¢, affordable for Philadelphia's working class. Travelers often brought their lunch in shoe boxes, leading to their nickname " shoobies ". Legalized gambling and
10584-469: The Pleasantville and Atlantic Turnpike opened, crossing Beach Thorofare into Atlantic City. A railroad competitor, the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway , opened in 1877 after only 90 days of construction. Other rail lines connected farms and cities throughout the county by the end of the 19th century. A notable railroad tragedy occurred on October 28, 1906, when three train cars derailed on
10731-644: The U.S. Census Bureau began to also count Connecticut's Councils of Governments , which took over some of the regional powers from the state's former county governments, as county equivalents. Territories of the United States do not have counties; instead, the United States Census Bureau also divides them into county equivalents. The U.S. Census Bureau counts American Samoa 's districts and atolls as county equivalents. American Samoa locally has places called "counties", but these entities are considered to be " minor civil divisions " (not true counties) by
10878-473: The U.S. Census Bureau recognized the state's nine Councils of Governments as replacement for the state's eight legacy counties for all statistical purposes; full implementation was completed in 2024. The average U.S. county population was 104,435 in 2019, while the median county, which is Nicholas County, West Virginia , had a population of 25,965 in 2019. The most populous county is Los Angeles County, California , with 10,014,009 residents in 2020. This number
11025-475: The U.S. Census Bureau treats American Samoa's three districts and two atolls as county equivalents). American Samoa's counties are treated as minor civil divisions. Most territories are directly divided into municipalities or similar units, which are treated as equivalent of counties for statistical purposes: The U.S. Census Bureau counts all of Guam as one county equivalent (with the FIPS code 66010), while
11172-683: The U.S. Census Bureau. The number of counties per state ranges from the three counties of Delaware to the 254 counties of Texas . County populations also vary widely: in 2017, according to the Census Bureau, more than half the U.S. population was concentrated in just 143 of the more than 3,000 counties, or just 4.6% of all counties; the five most populous counties, ordered from most to least, are Los Angeles County, California ; Cook County, Illinois ; Harris County, Texas ; Maricopa County, Arizona ; and San Diego County, California . As of 2022 , there are 3,144 counties and county-equivalents in
11319-484: The United States is the city and county of Broomfield, Colorado , established in 2001 as a consolidated city-county , previously part of four counties. The newest county equivalents are the Alaskan census areas of Chugach and Copper River , both established in 2019, and the Alaskan boroughs of Petersburg established in 2013, Wrangell established in 2008, and Skagway established in 2007. A consolidated city-county
11466-477: The area during a strange thunderstorm; this child would become the Jersey Devil . In the early 18th century, George May founded Mays Landing . In 1774, the northern portion of Egg Harbor Township became Galloway Township . In 1785, residents in what is now Atlantic County requested to split from Gloucester County to the New Jersey legislature, wanting a local court. Mays Landing – the region's largest community at
11613-401: The average family size was 3.21. In the township, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 35.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males. The median income for a household in
11760-402: The board. These positions may include county clerk , county treasurer , county surrogate, sheriff , and others. District attorneys or state attorneys are usually state-level as opposed to county-level officials, but in many states, counties and state judicial districts have coterminous boundaries. The site of a county's administration, and often the county courthouse , is generally called
11907-410: The city and the county at least nominally exist, they are properly classified as counties in their own right. Likewise, the boroughs of New York City are coextensive with counties and are therefore by definition also not county equivalents. There are technically no counties in U.S. territories. American Samoa has its own counties , but the U.S. Census Bureau does not treat them as counties (instead,
12054-510: The coast on weekends. Amid pressure from motorists and cyclists, the county improved the conditions of the roads in the early 20th century. The first road bridge to Atlantic City opened in 1905, using Albany Avenue on what is now US 40 / US 322 . In 1916, the causeway that is now New Jersey Route 152 opened between Somers Point and Longport. In 1919, the White Horse Pike ( US 30 ) was completed from Atlantic City to Camden, and repaved through
12201-421: The county (which merely implements state law). A typical criminal defendant will be arraigned and subsequently indicted or held over for trial before a trial court in and for a particular county where the crime occurred, kept in the county jail (if he is not granted bail or cannot make bail), prosecuted by the county's district attorney, and tried before a jury selected from that county. But long-term incarceration
12348-529: The county in 1925. Also in 1922, the Harding Highway (US 40) opened from Pennsville Township to Atlantic City, named after then-President Warren G. Harding . In 1928, the Beesley's Point Bridge opened, replacing the ferry between Somers Point and Cape May County. The Black Horse Pike (US 322) opened in 1935, connecting Atlantic City to Camden. Most of the county's older bridges were replaced over time; formerly
12495-457: The county jail.) In several southern states, public school systems are organized and administered at the county level. As of 2024 , there were 2,999 counties, 64 Louisiana parishes , 19 organized boroughs and 11 census areas in Alaska, 9 Councils of Government in Connecticut, 41 independent cities , and the District of Columbia for a total of 3,144 counties and county equivalents in
12642-526: The county seat of Mays Landing have ranged from a low of 24 °F (−4 °C) in January to a high of 86 °F (30 °C) in July, although a record low of −11 °F (−24 °C) was recorded in February 1979 and a record high of 106 °F (41 °C) was recorded in June 1969. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.99 inches (76 mm) in February to 4.21 inches (107 mm) in March. The county has
12789-459: The county to be created were Corbin City from Weymouth Township in 1922, Estell Manor from Weymouth Township in 1925, and Buena from Buena Township in 1948. In 1938, the county's western border was clarified with Camden and Burlington counties using geographic coordinates. After a peak in prominence in the 1920s during the prohibition era , Atlantic City began declining in population in the 1950s as tourism declined. The county's growth shifted to
12936-481: The county's 2010 Census population, 62.5% were registered to vote, including 76.7% of those ages 18 and over. In the 2020 presidential election , Democrat Joe Biden received 73,808 votes (52.7%) in the county, ahead of Republican Donald Trump with 64,438 (46.0%). In the 2016 presidential election , Democrat Hillary Clinton received 60,924 votes (51.0%) in the county, ahead of Republican Donald Trump with 52,690 votes (44.1%), and other candidates with 3,677 (3.1%). In
13083-958: The county). For pre-kindergarten through eighth grade , public school students attend the Hamilton Township Schools . As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 2,974 students and 254.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.7:1. Schools in the district (with 2021–22 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Joseph C. Shaner Memorial School with 628 students in grades K-1, George Hess Educational Complex with 1,263 in pre-kindergarten and grades 2-5 and William Davies Middle School with 979 students in grades 6–8. Public school students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Oakcrest High School , located in Hamilton Township, which serves students from Hamilton Township. As of
13230-425: The county). In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 3,346 votes here (47.9% vs. 47.7% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 3,102 votes (44.4% vs. 44.5%), Independent Chris Daggett with 386 votes (5.5% vs. 4.8%) and other candidates with 93 votes (1.3% vs. 1.2%), among the 6,983 ballots cast by the township's 15,764 registered voters, yielding a 44.3% turnout (vs. 44.9% in
13377-470: The current Gerard L. Gormley Justice Facility in 1985, which can hold 1,000 inmates. The facility has been controlled by the Atlantic County Department of Public Safety since 1987. The indigenous people of New Jersey developed a series of trails across the state, including one from current-day Absecon to Camden. Early transportation relied on the region's waterways. An early coastal road
13524-435: The early 1900s, several municipalities were created in short succession – Margate City (then called South Atlantic City ) in 1885, Somers Point in 1886, Pleasantville and Linwood in 1889, Brigantine in 1890, Longport in 1898, Ventnor in 1903, Northfield and Port Republic in 1905, and Folsom in 1906. On May 17, 1906, the eastern coastal boundary of Atlantic County was established. The final municipalities in
13671-484: The east, and the Great Egg Harbor River and Tuckahoe River to the south. Great Egg Harbour Township , also called New Weymouth and later just Egg Harbor , was designated in 1693 from the eastern portions of Gloucester County. The region's early European settlers, many of them Quakers , lived along the area's waterways. In 1695, John Somers purchased 300 acres (120 ha) of land on the northern shore of
13818-399: The four independent municipalities within its borders: Atlantic Beach , Baldwin , Jacksonville Beach , and Neptune Beach . The term county equivalents is used by the United States Census Bureau to describe divisions that are comparable to counties but called by different names: Consolidated city-counties are not designated county equivalents for administrative purposes; since both
13965-401: The freeholder chairman was paid an annual salary of $ 21,500. As of 2024, Atlantic County Executive is Dennis Levinson ( R , Northfield ), whose four-year term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of the Board of County Commissioners are (with terms for chair and vice-chair ending December 31): Democrats have not won a county-wide office since 2020. Pursuant to Article VII Section II of
14112-461: The general law of the state or by a charter specific to that county. States may allow only general-law counties, only charter counties, or both. Generally, general-law local governments have less autonomy than chartered local governments. Counties are usually governed by an elected body, variously called the county commission , board of supervisors , commissioners' court , county council , county court , or county legislature . In cases in which
14259-575: The geographically largest cities in the world, though often with population densities far below those of most urban areas. There are 40 consolidated city-counties in the U.S., including Augusta–Richmond County; the City and County of Denver, Colorado; the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii ; Indianapolis–Marion County, Indiana ; Jacksonville–Duval County, Florida ; Louisville–Jefferson County, Kentucky ; Lexington–Fayette County, Kentucky ; Kansas City–Wyandotte County, Kansas ; Nashville–Davidson County, Tennessee ; New Orleans–Orleans Parish, Louisiana ;
14406-500: The growth of the casino industry employed more than 34,145 people as of 2012. In 1864, Louis Nicholas Renault brought property in Egg Harbor City and opened Renault Winery , the oldest active winery in New Jersey, and third-oldest in the United States. During the prohibition era , the winery obtained a government permit to sell wine tonic for medicinal purposes. Tomasello Winery grew its first vineyard in 1888, and opened to
14553-405: The judicial branch of the state government rather than county governments. In many states, the county controls all unincorporated lands within its boundaries. In states with a township tier, unincorporated land is controlled by the townships. Residents of unincorporated land who are dissatisfied with county-level or township-level resource allocation decisions can attempt to vote to incorporate as
14700-488: The jurisdiction of the Diocese of Camden . Atlantic Cape Community College was the second community college to be established in New Jersey, and moved to its campus in Mays Landing in February 1968 where it now serves students from both Atlantic County and Cape May County . As of May 2010 , the township had a total of 258.55 miles (416.10 km) of roadways, of which 171.15 miles (275.44 km) were maintained by
14847-409: The largest land area of any municipality in New Jersey. However, with a total area (land and water combined) of 112.94 square miles (292.5 km ) it is the second-largest municipality in New Jersey, behind neighboring Galloway Township , which has a total area of 114.49 square miles (296.5 km ). Geographically, the township, and all of Atlantic County, is part of the South Jersey region of
14994-560: The least extensive county equivalent is Kingman Reef , with a land area of 0.01 square miles (0.03 km ). In some states, a municipality may be in only one county and may not annex territory in adjacent counties, but in the majority of states, the state constitution or state law allows municipalities to extend across county boundaries. At least 32 states include municipalities in multiple counties . Dallas , for example, contains portions of five counties, while numerous other cities comprise portions of four counties. New York City
15141-416: The legislative power to enact laws for the county; it has the executive power to oversee the executive operations of county government; and it has quasi-judicial power with regard to certain limited matters (such as hearing appeals from the planning commission if one exists). In many states, several important officials are elected separately from the board of commissioners or supervisors and cannot be fired by
15288-662: The local municipality, 373 mi (600 km) by the county, 144 mi (232 km) by the NJ Department of Transportation , and 58 mi (93 km) by either the New Jersey Turnpike Authority or South Jersey Transportation Authority . State and local park services are responsible for 7 miles (11 km) of roadway, while 8 mi (13 km) fall under federal jurisdiction (either military, National Park Service , or other federal agency). Major roadways include: NJ Transit 's Atlantic City Line connects
15435-587: The mainland. In 1973, the New Jersey Coastal Area Facilities Review Act required additional state permitting for construction in the eastern half of the county. In the same ballot as the 1976 presidential election , 56.8% of New Jersey voters approved an initiative to allow legalized gambling in Atlantic City. Two years later, Resorts Atlantic City opened as the first casino in the city, and there were 15 by 1990. Since then, five have closed, including four in 2014, while two casinos –
15582-674: The matter to the states. Subsequently, state constitutions conceptualized county governments as arms of the state. Louisiana instead adopted the local divisions called parishes that dated back to both the Spanish colonial and French colonial periods when the land was dominated by the Catholic Church . In the twentieth century, the role of local governments strengthened and counties began providing more services, acquiring home rule and county commissions to pass local ordinances pertaining to their unincorporated areas . In 1955, delegates to
15729-479: The members of the Hamilton Township Committee are Mayor Carl Pitale ( R , term on committee ends December 31, 2025; term as mayor ends 2023), Deputy Mayor Richard Cheek (R, term on committee ends 2024; term as deputy mayor ends 2023), Judith Link ( D , 2023), Arthur Schenker (R, 2024; appointed to serve an unexpired term) and Thelma Witherspoon (D, 2025). In January 2023, former mayor Art Schanker
15876-433: The mid 19th century, Mays Landing reached the height of its shipbuilding. From 1830 to 1880, more than 200 vessels were built along the Great Egg Harbor River with lumber from native forests and iron from Weymouth foundries. Half of them were produced at Mays Landing. But by the end of century, wood shipbuilding began to disappear due to the lack of suitable timber. Iron was then substituted for hull construction. Hamilton
16023-652: The municipality, 40.49 miles (65.16 km) by Atlantic County, 32.91 miles (52.96 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 14.00 miles (22.53 km) by the South Jersey Transportation Authority . A variety of roads pass through the township. Hamilton hosts a 14-mile (23 km) stretch of the Atlantic City Expressway with three interchanges and the Egg Harbor Tolls. U.S. Route 40 , U.S. Route 322 , and Route 50 pass through
16170-514: The next most common source of county names are geographic features and locations, with some counties even being named after counties in other states, or for places in other countries, such as the United Kingdom (the latter is most common in the area of the original Thirteen Colonies in the case of the United Kingdom, or in places which had a large number of immigrants from a particular area for other countries). The most common geographic county name
16317-565: The ocean". European settlement by the Dutch , Sweden , and England contributed to the demise of the indigenous people. In 1674, West Jersey was established, and its provincial government designated the court of Burlington County in 1681, splitting off Gloucester County five years later from the southern portion. This county was bounded by the Mullica River to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to
16464-424: The official record of all real estate transactions. Other key county officials include the coroner / medical examiner , treasurer , assessor , auditor , comptroller , and district attorney . In most states, the county sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer in the county. However, except in major emergencies where clear chains of command are essential, the county sheriff normally does not directly control
16611-518: The oldest still in existence was a swing bridge from 1904 that crosses Nacote Creek in Port Republic, but work on that bridge's replacement began in summer of 2021. The Great Egg Harbor Bridge opened in 1956, marking the completion of the Garden State Parkway , which connected Cape May and Atlantic counties, continuing to North Jersey . In 1964, the Atlantic City Expressway opened between
16758-582: The other constituent districts of Egg Harbor City , Galloway Township and Mullica Township , together with students from the City of Port Republic and Washington Township (in Burlington County ), who attend as part of sending/receiving relationships with their respective school districts. Atlantic County Institute of Technology , established in 1974 and located on a campus covering 58 acres (23 ha), provides vocational instruction to high school students and adults from across Atlantic County, and
16905-656: The other three counties on the Jersey Shore – Monmouth , Ocean , and Cape May counties–which tend to lean Republican. It has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since George H. W. Bush in 1988. However, it is considered a swing county in down-ballot races, and Republicans hold most of its seats in the state legislature. As of October 1, 2021, there were a total of 209,135 registered voters in Atlantic County, of whom 74,565 (35.7%) were registered as Democrats , 57,223 (27.4%) were registered as Republicans and 74,404 (35.6%) were registered as unaffiliated . There were 2,943 (1.4%) voters registered to other parties. Among
17052-448: The police departments of city governments, but merely cooperates with them (e.g., under mutual aid pacts). Thus, the most common interaction between county and city law enforcement personnel is when city police officers deliver suspects to sheriff's deputies for detention or incarceration in the county jail. In most states, the state courts and local law enforcement are organized and implemented along county boundaries, but nearly all of
17199-432: The population were under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 98.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 96.0 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
17346-410: The population. There were 7,148 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and
17493-418: The population. Of the 9,490 households, 32.7% had children under the age of 18; 48.1% were married couples living together; 16.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 29.5% were non-families. Of all households, 22.7% were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.15. 24.1% of
17640-657: The public in 1933. Gross Highland Winery operated in Absecon from 1934 to 1987, when it was sold to developers. Balic Winery opened in 1966 in Mays Landing, although its vineyards date back to the early 19th century. Sylvin Farms Winery opened in 1985 in Egg Harbor City. In 2001, Bellview Winery opened in the Landisville section of Buena. A year later, DiMatteo Vineyards opened in Hammonton, and in 2007, Plagido's Winery opened in
17787-578: The relationship between counties and incorporated cities. The powers of counties arise from state law and vary widely. In Connecticut and Rhode Island , counties are geographic entities, but not governmental jurisdictions. At the other extreme, Maryland counties and the county equivalent City of Baltimore handle almost all services, including public education , although the state retains an active oversight authority with many of these services. Counties in Hawaii also handle almost all services since there
17934-1172: The same town. In 1998, Tun Tavern Brewery opened in Atlantic City across from the Atlantic City Convention Center , named after the original Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, which was the oldest brew house in the country, opening in 1685. In 2015, Tuckahoe Brewing moved from Ocean View to a facility in Egg Harbor Township capable of producing four times the amount of beer. Garden State Beer Company opened in 2016 in Galloway. In 2018, Hidden Sands Brewery opened in Egg Harbor Township. In 2014, Lazy Eye Distillery opened in Richland in Buena Vista Township. Little Water Distillery opened in Atlantic City in 2016. The 23 municipalities in Atlantic County (with 2010 Census data for population, housing units and area) are: Institutions of higher education in Atlantic County include: School districts include: Secondary: Elementary: AtlantiCare
18081-510: The state and of the Atlantic City - Hammonton metropolitan statistical area , which in turn is included in the Philadelphia - Reading - Camden combined statistical area and the Delaware Valley . Hamilton Township's origins are directly tied to the Great Egg Harbor River and its tributaries which run through it. George May, after whom the village of Mays Landing was named, built a shipyard and trading post near Babcock Creek in 1756. By
18228-541: The state's French and Spanish colonial periods. Before the Louisiana Purchase and granting of statehood, government was often administered in towns where major church parishes were located. Of the original 19 civil parishes of Louisiana that date from statehood in 1807, nine were named after the Roman Catholic parishes from which they were governed. The structure and powers of a county government may be defined by
18375-727: The states, with many providing some level of services to civil townships , municipalities , and unincorporated areas . Certain municipalities are in multiple counties ; New York City is uniquely partitioned into five counties, referred to at the city government level as boroughs . Some municipalities have been consolidated with their county government to form consolidated city-counties , or have been legally separated from counties altogether to form independent cities . Conversely, counties in Connecticut and Rhode Island , eight of Massachusetts's 14 counties , and Alaska's Unorganized Borough have no government power, existing only as geographic distinctions. The United States Census Bureau uses
18522-421: The substantive and procedural law adjudicated in state trial courts originates from the state legislature and state appellate courts. In other words, most criminal defendants are prosecuted for violations of state law, not local ordinances, and if they, the district attorney, or police seek reforms to the criminal justice system, they will usually have to direct their efforts towards the state legislature rather than
18669-399: The term "county equivalent" to describe places that are comparable to counties, but called by different names. Louisiana parishes, the organized boroughs of Alaska, independent cities, and the District of Columbia are equivalent to counties for administrative purposes. Alaska's Unorganized Borough is further divided into 11 census areas that are statistically equivalent to counties. In 2024,
18816-451: The time, had more saloons than churches. Criminals could escape custody before reaching Gloucester City on a four-day wagon ride. In 1798, the western portion split off to become Weymouth Township , and in 1813, the northwestern portion partitioned to become Hamilton Township . On February 7, 1837, the New Jersey legislature designated Atlantic County from Galloway, Hamilton, Weymouth, and Egg Harbor townships, choosing Mays Landing as
18963-585: The township was $ 50,259, and the median income for a family was $ 54,899. Males had a median income of $ 37,419 versus $ 30,089 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 21,309. About 4.5% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over. Hamilton is home to over 3,000,000 square feet (280,000 m ) of first-class retail establishments including Hamilton Mall , Consumer Square and Hamilton Commons. Balic Winery , established in 1966, produces 27 different wines on
19110-471: The township. The population density was 238.5 per square mile (92.1/km ). There were 10,196 housing units at an average density of 91.8 per square mile (35.4/km ). The racial makeup was 67.96% (18,011) White , 18.55% (4,916) Black or African American , 0.26% (68) Native American , 5.41% (1,435) Asian , 0.06% (16) Pacific Islander , 4.12% (1,092) from other races , and 3.64% (965) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.79% (3,390) of
19257-402: The vote, and Democrat Phil Murphy received 36,952 (55.1%) of the vote. In the 2021 gubernatorial election , Republican Jack Ciattarelli received 55.3% of the vote (44,977 ballots cast) to Democrat Phil Murphy 's 44.0% (35,736 votes), making it one of the three counties that Ciattarelli flipped Republican. The Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated that the county's gross domestic product
19404-548: The west of the county are hilly, containing oak and pine trees. The highest elevation in the county – about 150 ft (46 m) above sea level – is found near the border with Camden County, on the west side of Hammonton. The county's western boundary with Burlington and Camden counties, clarified in 1761, is a manmade line about halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. In recent years, average temperatures in
19551-489: Was Egg Harbor Township , with 47,842 residents at the time of the 2020 census; Galloway Township , covered 115.21 square miles (298.4 km), the largest total area of any municipality, though Hamilton Township has the largest land area, covering 111.13 square miles (287.8 km). Atlantic County forms the Atlantic City – Hammonton metropolitan statistical area , which is also part of the Delaware Valley combined statistical area / Philadelphia metro area. The county
19698-407: Was $ 12.4 billion in 2021, which was ranked 15th in the state and was an 8.8% increase from the prior year. When Atlantic County was first established in 1837, its sparse population subsided on clams, oysters, and fishing. An early industry was shipbuilding, using the sturdy oak trees of the Pine Barrens. Bog iron furnaces opened in the early 1800s, but declined by the 1850s due to the growth of
19845-425: Was $ 59,085 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 3,242) and the median family income was $ 62,354 (+/− $ 3,893). Males had a median income of $ 47,110 (+/− $ 4,411) versus $ 36,615 (+/− $ 3,549) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 25,292 (+/− $ 1,528). About 8.4% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 13.1% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over. As of
19992-558: Was 39.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 91 males. In 1974, Atlantic County voters changed the county governmental form under the Optional County Charter Law to the County executive form. Atlantic County joins Bergen , Essex , Hudson and Mercer counties as one of the five of 21 New Jersey counties with an elected executive. The charter provides for
20139-436: Was 65.40% (179,566) White , 16.08% (44,138) Black or African American , 0.38% (1,050) Native American , 7.50% (20,595) Asian , 0.03% (92) Pacific Islander , 7.36% (20,218) from other races , and 3.24% (8,890) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.84% (46,241) of the population. Of the 102,847 households, 29.8% had children under the age of 18; 45.6% were married couples living together; 15.5% had
20286-485: Was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2024 that had been held by Susan K. Hopkins until she resigned from office earlier that month. Hamilton Township is located in the 2nd Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 2nd state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). New Jersey
20433-602: Was constructed in 1716 from Somers Point to Nacote Creek in Port Republic. Roads into the county's interior were slow, unreliable, and muddy, with one main roadway along the Mullica River that eventually connected to Burlington . Roads later connected the region's industries in the 19th century, until the county's first railroad opened in 1854, which brought more people to the region. By 1870, the Camden and Atlantic Railroad Company carried 417,000 people each year. Also in that year,
20580-440: Was dissolved by the District of Columbia Organic Act . Jefferson County , for Thomas Jefferson , is next with 26. The most recent president to have a county named for him was Warren G. Harding , reflecting the slowing rate of county creation since New Mexico and Arizona became states in 1912. The most common names for counties not named after a president are Franklin (25), Clay (18), and Montgomery (18). After people,
20727-412: Was formed in 1837. Other unincorporated communities, localities, and places located partially or completely within the township include Mays Landing, the county seat of Atlantic County, and Bears Head, Carmantown, Catawba, Clarktown, Cologne , Dacosta, Emmelsville, Gravelly Run, Lake Lenape, Laureldale, McKee City , Mizpah , Reega, Thompsontown, Weymouth , and Wilsons Landing. The township borders
20874-416: Was founded from Hamilton and Mullica townships. A year later, portions of Hamilton Township split off to become Buena Vista Township . In 1872, Absecon was split from portions of Egg Harbor and Galloway townships. By 1885, more than half of the county's population lived in Atlantic City, and by 1910 this more than two-thirds of the county lived there. With more people moving to the area in the late 1800s into
21021-419: Was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 5, 1813, from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Weymouth Township , while the area was still part of Gloucester County . Hamilton became part of the newly created Atlantic County in 1837. Portions of the township were taken to form Hammonton on March 5, 1866, and to form Buena Vista Township on March 5, 1867. The township
21168-540: Was land (82.7%) and 116.32 square miles (301.3 km) was water (17.3%). The county lies along the Atlantic Coastal Plain , with sea level and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Adjacent to the coast are three barrier islands – Absecon Island (Which contains Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, and Longport), Brigantine Island , and Little Beach . To the west of the barrier islands, 4 mi (6.4 km) stretch of marshlands, inlets, and waterways connect and form
21315-523: Was named after the Atlantic Ocean , which borders the county's eastern coast. Since the 6th millennium BC , Native American people have inhabited New Jersey . By the 17th century, the Absegami tribe of the Unalachtigo Lenape tribe – "people near the ocean" – stayed along the streams and back bays of what is now Atlantic County. The group referred to the broader area as Scheyichbi – "land bordering
21462-442: Was named for Alexander Hamilton . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 112.94 square miles (292.52 km ), including 110.90 square miles (287.22 km ) of land and 2.05 square miles (5.31 km ) of water (1.81%). Mays Landing , with a 2010 population of 2,135, is a census-designated place located within Hamilton Township that has been the county seat of Atlantic County since it
21609-685: Was one of eight schools in the state recognized in 2008 as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education . Township students can also attend the Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts , located in Somers Point . Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School is a Catholic elementary school in Mays Landing, serving students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade since 1961 and operated under
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