Penns Grove borough, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Penns Grove borough, New Jersey has a total population of 4,860, the 303rd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $43,889, which is 57% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 36.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 57% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (36.3%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 70/100).
- Unemployment rate of 16.9% is notably above the national average.
Penns Grove borough Quick Facts
How Penns Grove borough Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Penns Grove borough Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Salem County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem city | 5,315 | $40,650 | 31.2% | $69,300 |
| Woodstown borough | 3,690 | $101,855 | 7.5% | $231,700 |
| Elmer borough | 1,152 | $92,757 | 5.0% | $206,300 |
Cities Similar to Penns Grove borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem city | 5,315 | $40,650 | $69,300 | 12.7% | 31.2% |
| Wildwood city | 5,140 | $51,996 | $361,200 | 15.1% | 18.1% |
| Leisure Village East CDP | 4,309 | $47,231 | $211,600 | 23.0% | 8.7% |
| Holiday City South CDP | 4,294 | $55,298 | $244,300 | 18.9% | 8.5% |
| Ampere North CDP | 4,968 | $71,192 | $358,000 | 29.5% | 19.6% |
Population Overview
Penns Grove borough is a small community located in New Jersey, within Salem County. The total population is 4,860. It ranks as the 303rd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Penns Grove borough is 26.1 years. This is 35% lower than the state median of 40.1 years. With 39.7% of the population under 18, Penns Grove borough has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Penns Grove borough is $43,889. This is 57% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 44% lower. The poverty rate stands at 36.3%. This is 271% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 16.9%. This is 175% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $170,100. Housing costs are 60% lower than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 38.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 40% lower than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
Penns Grove borough is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 31.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (30.3% vs 12.3%). The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 9.8%.
Education
14.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 66% lower than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 80.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Penns Grove borough, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Penns Grove borough, New Jersey?
Penns Grove borough, New Jersey has a population of 4,860 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Penns Grove borough, NJ?
The median household income in Penns Grove borough is $43,889, which is 44% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Penns Grove borough, NJ?
The poverty rate in Penns Grove borough is 36.3%. This means approximately 1,736 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Penns Grove borough, New Jersey?
Penns Grove borough's population is 32.1% White, 30.3% Black, 31.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Penns Grove borough, NJ?
The median home value in Penns Grove borough is $170,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is Penns Grove borough, New Jersey?
14.6% of adults (25+) in Penns Grove borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.