Gloucester County, New Jersey

WHERE IT IS

Located between Camden and Salem counties, Gloucester's western shore lies along the Delaware River. South of Philadelphia and Camden, Gloucester covers a total of 329 square miles.
 

ITS PROFILE

Within a few miles of the river, there is a concentration of both industry and people. East of the New Jersey Turnpike, extensive farmlands make Gloucester one of the state's leading agricultural counties. Gloucester County is also a homesite for thousands of commuters to the Philadelphia-Camden metropolitan area. This combination of industrial, commercial, and agricultural growth makes Gloucester County a unique place to live and work.
 

TRANSPORTATION

A modern high-speed road network and comprehensive rail and air routes enhance Gloucester's unique central location. Both Interstate 295 and the New Jersey Turnpike serve the many industrial concerns as they parallel the Delaware River. in the east-west direction, Route 42 and the Atlantic City Expressway provide access to many modern facilities. The country's other prominent roads include U.S. Route 130 and 322; State Route 45, 47, 77, 44, 41, and the state's latest superhighway, Route 55. Gloucester also has more than 404 miles of excellent county roads. Rail traffic is handled by the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Lines and the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Air transportation is facilitated by airfield in the Camden-Philadelphia area as well as two commercially licensed airports in the County.
 

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

As population increases, the educational needs of Gloucester County are provided by 61 elementary, 7 middle and 16 secondary schools as well as a parochial school system with elementary schools and one high school. Colleges included Glassboro State College and Gloucester County College. There also is a two-year vocational school.
 

HEALTH CARE

There are two major hospitals that provide health care for the County: John F. Kennedy in Washington Township and Underwood Memorial Hospital. Both have facilities to care for county residents.
 

RECREATION

Heading Tag Gloucester's most notable asset is the opportunity to rediscover nature. Its many parks and camp grounds provide an enjoyable experience for all ages. Gloucester County has numerous lakes and streams as well as four boat launching sites. There are six golf courses and many recreational organizations within the County.
 

FARMING

Gloucester County plays an important part in New Jersey's role as the "Garden State." Agriculture has been a major factor in strengthening the economic base of the County. With new farming techniques being developed, Gloucester County continues to flourish. As of 1987, Gloucester County has approximately 681 farms containing a total acreage of $62,128.
 

WATER SUPPLY

Gloucester County's surface water supply is centered around the Great Egg Harbor River, the Mantua and Raccoon Creeks. Its plentiful ground water supply is found in the coastal plain strata that underlies the region.
 

MANUFACTURING

Gloucester County has both a large and skilled workforce. In 1980, covered manufacturing employment was estimated to be about 13,300 or 18% of those employed in the County. The refining of petroleum is the largest manufacturing industry, followed by chemicals, electrical machinery, fabricated metal products, apparel and food. Towards the end of the decade, manufacturing firms continued to climb. In 1990, Gloucester County's manufacturing base rose to 23%
 

COMMUTERS

With its uncluttered, sophisticated highway network, Gloucester County residents find it an easy task to commute to their jobs both in and out of the County.
 

POPULATION

Heading Tag According to the 1990 census, the population or Gloucester County is 230,082. By 1988 the estimated population was 218,800, an increase of 9.4%. Between 1990 and the year 2000. Gloucester County is projected to be one of the fastest growing areas in New Jersey.
 

COUNTY PLANNING

An official County Planning Board strengthens planning at the municipal level in its 24 communities. Twenty-four communities also have zoning ordinances.
 

INDUSTRIAL PARKS

Heading Tag Pureland Industrial Park is one of the best known industrial developments in Logan Township. It covers 57 million square feet of light industrial and office space. other industrial sites include the Mid-Atlantic Corporate Center, Almo Industrial Park, the Forest Park Corporate Center, Cross Keys industrial Airport, I-295 Industrial Center, Sandyhill Industrial park, Westgrove Industrial Park and East Greenwich industrial Plaza. Plans are underway for the Commodore 295 Business Center, a 382 acre tract in Logan and Woolwich Townships