Cape May County, New Jersey

Cape May County, New Jersey
Location in the state of New Jersey
New Jersey's location in the U.S.
Founded	1685
Seat	Cape May Court House
Largest city	Lower Township
Area  - Total  - Land  - Water	620.42 sq mi (1,607 km²) 251.42 sq mi (651 km²) 368.99 sq mi (956 km²), 59.47%
Population  - (2010)  - Density	97,265 382/sq mi (147.3/km²)
Website	www.co.cape-may.nj.us

Sunset at Cape May on the Jersey Shore.

Wildwood at night.

Cape May County is the southernmost county in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 97,265. This county is associated with, though not officially a part of, the Delaware Valley area as well as the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its county seat is the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township.

Geography

Most of the county lies on a peninsula that juts into Delaware Bay. It is flat and coastal. Sea level is the lowest point; the highest elevation is found at three areas in Belleplain State Forest in the county's northern corner which are approximately 60 feet (18.2 m) above sea level.

According to the 2010 Census, the county had a total area of 620.42 square miles (1,606.9 km²), of which 251.42 square miles (651.2 km²) (or 40.52%) is land and 368.99 square miles (955.7 km²) (or 59.47%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Atlantic County, New Jersey – north
• Cumberland County, New Jersey – northwest

National protected area

• Cape May National Wildlife Refuge

Climate

Having the southernmost point in New Jersey, Cape May has fairly mild wintertime temperatures. Contrary to that, the summertime has lower temperatures than most places in the state, making the county a popular place to escape the heat. It is in zone 7a/7b, which is the same as parts of Coastal Virginia, therefore being Humid/Temperate. Its climate is suited to growing traditional Northeastern plants, including English Yew, Boxwoods and Sugar Maples. Because of the warmer wintertime temperatures, Hardy Palms, including Trachycarpus Fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm) and Needle Palms, would work quite well in the landscape, these plants having survived for many years also in other parts of coastal New Jersey, from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Wine grapes also do particularly well, given the long growing season. The wine industry is growing – four vineyards and wineries operate in the county now – three more are planted and on the way. Wine grapes are quickly replacing the once vibrant lima bean industry.

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Cape May has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) typical of New Jersey with warm summers and cold winters.

In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Cape May Court House have ranged from a low of 22 °F (−6 °C) in January to a high of 85 °F (29 °C) in July, although a record low of −22 °F (−30 °C) was recorded in January 1942 and a record high of 103 °F (39 °C) was recorded in July 1993. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.91 inches (74 mm) in June to 4.68 inches (119 mm) in August.

Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D     3.5   42 22     3.1   45 24     4.5   53 30     4   64 39     3.7   73 47     2.9   80 58     4   85 64     4.7   82 62     4   77 54     3.9   66 43     3.6   57 34     3.4   46 26 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation totals in inches Source: The Weather Channel
Metric conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D     88   6 -6     80   7 -4     114   12 -1     102   18 4     93   23 8     74   27 14     102   29 18     119   28 17     101   25 12     100   19 6     90   14 1     86   8 -3 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation totals in mm

Demographics

Historical populations
Census	Pop.		%±
1790	2,571		—
1800	3,066		19.3%
1810	3,632		18.5%
1820	4,265		17.4%
1830	4,936		15.7%
1840	5,324		7.9%
1850	6,433		20.8%
1860	7,130		10.8%
1870	8,349		17.1%
1880	9,765		17.0%
1890	11,268		15.4%
1900	13,201		17.2%
1910	19,745		49.6%
1920	19,460		−1.4%
1930	29,486		51.5%
1940	28,919		−1.9%
1950	37,131		28.4%
1960	48,555		30.8%
1970	59,554		22.7%
1980	82,266		38.1%
1990	95,089		15.6%
2000	102,326		7.6%
2010	97,265		−4.9%
Est. 2012	96,304		−1.0%
historical census data sources: 2000-2010

Census 2010

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 97,265 people, 40,812 households, and 25,956 families residing in the county. The population density was 386.9 inhabitants per square mile (149.4 /km²). There were 98,309 housing units at an average density of 391 per square mile (151 /km²). The racial makeup of the county was 89.83% (87,369) White, 4.69% (4,565) Black or African American, 0.21% (205) Native American, 0.86% (834) Asian, 0.04% (36) Pacific Islander, 2.47% (2,399) from other races, and 1.91% (1,857) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.22% (6,054) of the population.

There were 40,812 households out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 11% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the county the population was spread out with 18.9% under the age of 18, 8% from 18 to 24, 20.1% from 25 to 44, 31.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.1 years. For every 100 females there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.

Census 2000

As of the 2000 United States Census there were 102,326 people in 27,354 families and 42,148 households residing in the county. The population density was 401 people per square mile (155/km²). There were 91,047 housing units at an average density of 357 per square mile (138/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 91.57% White, 5.06% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.35% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. 3.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.0% were of Irish, 16.7% Italian, 15.9% German, 9.4% English and 5.8% American ancestry.

There were 42,148 households out of which 26.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.50% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.10% were non-families. 30.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population age structure was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $41,591, and the median income for a family was $51,402. Males had a median income of $39,340 versus $27,621 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,172. About 6.4% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.7% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Cape May County is governed by a Board of Chosen Freeholders consisting of five members elected at large in partisan elections to serve staggered three-year terms in office. As of 2012, Cape May County's freeholders (all Republicans) are:

• Freeholder Director Jerry Thornton (2013)
• Freeholder Deputy Director Sue Sheppard (2013)
• Freeholder Lenny Desiderio (2012)
• Freeholder Kristine Gabor (2015)
• Freeholder Will Morey (2015)

Cape May County is also served by three Constitutional Officers. They include Sheriff Gary Schafer (R), Surrogate Robert Hentges(R), and County Clerk Rita Fulginiti(R).

The 2nd congressional District covers all of Cape May County. New Jersey's Second Congressional District is represented by Frank LoBiondo (R, Ventnor City).

Politics

Though New Jersey is generally a blue state, Cape May County is a red county. In the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, John McCain carried the county by an 8.6% margin over Barack Obama, with Obama winning statewide by 15.5% over McCain. Conversely, the county lies entirely within New Jersey's 1st Legislative District, which is currently represented by Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam, all Democrats.

Industry

The majority of Cape May County's industry is tourism, due to its beaches and location between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer season (which traditionally ranges from Memorial Day to Labor Day), tourists often outnumber "locals" 9 to 1. The commercial fishing industry is also important in Cape May County. In 2005, Cape May County ranked 5th nationally in commercial fishing landings, generating $68.1 million. By 2009, the total value of the catch landed at Cape May was $73.7M, good enough to be the fourth-most-valuable fishing port in the United States [1]. Cape May County ranked 13th in the nation in pounds of fish landed with 97.5 million pounds. [2]

Municipalities

The following municipalities are located in Cape May County. The municipality type is listed in parentheses after the name, except where the type is included as part of the name. Census-designated places and other unincorporated communities are listed under their municipalities.

Index map of Cape May County Municipalities (click to see index key)

• Avalon (borough)
• Cape May Point (borough)
• Cape May (city)
• Dennis Township
  • Dennisville
  • Ocean View
  • South Dennis
• Lower Township
  • Diamond Beach
  • Erma
  • North Cape May
  • Villas
• Middle Township
  • Cape May Court House
  • Goshen
  • Green Creek
  • Rio Grande
  • Burleigh
  • Whitesboro
• North Wildwood (city)
• Ocean City
• Sea Isle City
• Stone Harbor (borough)
• Upper Township
  • Beesleys Point
  • Marmora
  • Strathmere
  • Tuckahoe
• West Cape May (borough)
• West Wildwood (borough)
• Wildwood Crest (borough)
• Wildwood (city)
• Woodbine (borough)

Education

Atlantic Cape Community College, founded in 1964 with campuses in Mays Landing and Cape May Court House, serves students from both Atlantic County and Cape May County.

Rutgers University has a partnership with Atlantic Cape Community College which offers Bachelor degree completion programs at Atlantic Cape's Mays Landing campus.

Wineries

• Cape May Winery & Vineyard
• Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
• Jessie Creek Winery
• Natali Vineyards
• Turdo Vineyards & Winery
• Willow Creek Winery

Notable people

• Marla Adams, soap opera actress
• Mary O'Hara Alsop, Author, accomplished pianist and composer.
• Kevin Bramble, disabled ski racer, freeskier, and monoski designer and builder.
• Chris Ford, an American basketball player and coach.
• Greg Fulginiti, an American recording and mastering engineer.
• Joy Bright Hancock, one of the first women officers in the United States Navy.
• Thomas Millet Hand, an American Republican Party politician who represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1945 to 1957.
• Thomas "Tommy" Lee, thoroughbred horse jockey.
• Gregory Goodwin Pincus, American biologist and researcher, was co-inventor of the combined oral contraceptive pill.
• Charles W. Sandman, Jr., an American politician who represented Cape May in the New Jersey State Senate from 1956–66; the 2nd district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967–75; candidate for Governor of New Jersey, 1973.
• Witmer Stone, an American ornithologist, served as the president of the American Ornithologists' Union, 1920-1923, and is best remembered for his book, Bird Studies at Old Cape May.
• Andrew J. Tomlin, American Civil War Medal of Honor recipient and County Sheriff from Goshen, Cape May County, New Jersey buried in Goshen Methodist cemetery.
• Harriet Tubman, a leading African American abolitionist who helped liberate scores of slaves through the Underground Railroad, worked in a Cape May hotel around 1850.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Cape May County, New Jersey

External links

• Official county website
• The Cape May County Gazette Newspaper
• The Beachcomber
• Cape May County Herald Newspaper
• Rutgers at Atlantic Cape Community College