SafekipediaCamden, New Jersey
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Camden is a city in Camden County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is part of the Delaware Valley metropolitan region. The city became official on February 13, 1828, and has been the county seat of Camden County since the county started on March 13, 1844. Camden has over 20 neighborhoods and is part of the South Jersey area of the state.
The city grew because of three big companies: RCA Victor, Campbell's Soup Company, and New York Shipbuilding Corporation. These companies left in the middle to later part of the 20th century to find cheaper workers. Even with these challenges, Camden has worked to improve itself with new projects.
Efforts to renew Camden include building up the waterfront. This area now has tourist spots like the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, and the Adventure Aquarium. The city is also home to Rutgers University–Camden, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Cooper University Hospital, and Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. These schools and hospitals provide many jobs for the city.
After having high levels of violent crime, changes to the police force in 2013 helped lower crime. By January 2021, violent crime was much lower than in the 1990s and was the lowest since the 1960s. In 2020, overall crime reports were much lower than in 1974, when the city started reporting crime.
History
Main article: History of Camden, New Jersey
The city of Camden has a long history. Its roots go back to the Lenape people, who lived in the area thousands of years before European settlers arrived.
In the early 1600s, Dutch settlers established Fort Nassau near where the Delaware River meets Big Timber Creek. Later, British settlers also arrived and claimed the land. In 1664, the area became part of a new colony called the Province of New Jersey. Quakers settled there in the late 1600s, seeking religious freedom.
Camden was officially created as a city on February 13, 1828. In the 1800s, railroads helped the city grow by connecting it to big cities like New York and Philadelphia.
By the early 1900s, Camden became an important industrial center. Companies like the Victor Talking Machine Company, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, and Campbell Soup Company brought many jobs to the area. A bridge opened in 1926 to connect Camden with Philadelphia.
After World War II, many factories closed or moved away, leading to hard times for Camden. Efforts to bring the city back began in the 1980s and continue today, with new projects focused on education, healthcare, and waterfront development.
Culture
Camden, New Jersey, has a rich cultural history. The city is home to important landmarks such as the Walt Whitman House, the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center, the Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts, and the Camden Children's Garden. These places celebrate the city's past in literature, music, and the arts.
Over the years, Camden's culture changed with its economy. Many jobs were lost as industries declined. This led to many people leaving the city, and new groups of African American and Latino families moved in. Today, organizations help support the community.
The Black community has been a big part of Camden since it was founded in 1828. Corinne's Place, a popular restaurant opened in 1989, shows this rich tradition. The Hispanic and Latino community has also grown a lot and has been part of Camden for many years.
Camden has always had a place for the arts. In the early 1900s, it was a center for music and entertainment, thanks to companies like Victor Talking Machine. Famous singers like Russ Columbo and Lola Falana were born there. Today, many groups help keep the arts alive in the city.
The city also has many places of worship, including churches and other religious groups. These groups often help with community services and support.
Camden has a long history of giving back. People in Camden have worked to help others, especially children and those in need. Non-profit groups offer many services to help residents. These efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of many people living in the city.
Economy
Camden has many jobs in schools and hospitals. They make up about half of all jobs in the city.
Some of the biggest companies and organizations that employ people in Camden include Campbell Soup Company, Cooper University Hospital, and Rutgers University–Camden. The city also has special tax rules in some areas to help create jobs. These rules let shoppers pay less tax at some stores.
Geography and architecture
Camden, New Jersey, covers an area of 10.34 square miles, including both land and water. It is located near several towns and cities, such as Collingswood, Gloucester City, and Philadelphia across the Delaware River. The Cooper River flows through Camden, and Newton Creek forms its southern boundary.
The city has many neighborhoods, including Ablett Village, Bergen Square, and Center City, among others. The waterfront area is important to Camden. In the past, it was home to shipyards, but since the 1990s, it has become a place for new development. Today, you can visit attractions like the USS New Jersey, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, and the Adventure Aquarium along the Delaware River.
Camden’s port on the Delaware River is busy with ships carrying many goods. Most homes in Camden are rowhouses, similar to those in nearby Philadelphia. The city also has a humid subtropical climate, meaning hot summers and cool to cold winters.
Education
Public schools
Main article: Camden City School District
Camden's public schools are run by the Camden City School District. The district has many schools with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers.
High schools in the district include Brimm Medical Arts High School, Camden Big Picture Learning Academy, Camden High School, Creative Arts Academy, Eastside High School, and Pride Academy.
Charter and renaissance schools
In 2012, a law allowed special schools called renaissance schools to open in Camden. These schools are run by outside companies but follow the same rules as regular public schools. This brought schools like Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), Uncommon Schools, and Mastery Schools to the city.
Private education
There are private elementary schools in Camden, including Holy Name School, Sacred Heart Grade School, and St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral School.
Higher education
Near downtown Camden is an area called the University District, home to several colleges and universities. These include Camden County College, Rowan University at Camden, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rutgers University–Camden, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Libraries
Camden once had public libraries, but they closed due to money problems. Today, the city has academic libraries, including the Paul Robeson Library at Rutgers University-Camden.
Sports
Camden Athletic Complex
The Camden Athletic Complex, finished in 2022, has many sports areas like a baseball field, a track and field area, a soccer field, and a lacrosse field. The Camden Riversharks were a professional baseball team from Camden that used to play there. Plans are in place to spend $15 million to make the area fun for everyone and help sports teams from Rutgers University.
Philadelphia 76ers training facility
The Philadelphia 76ers chose a spot at the Camden Waterfront for their training place. In 2014, they got money to start building it. The building includes two full basketball courts, a weight room, and many other spaces for the players.
Government
Main article: Government of Camden, New Jersey
Further information: Political corruption in Camden, New Jersey and Mayors of Camden, New Jersey
Since 1961, Camden has used a special way of running its city called the Faulkner Act. This system has a mayor and a council to help make decisions. The city is split into four areas, and leaders are chosen every four years.
As of 2026, the mayor of Camden is Victor Carstarphen. There are also members of the City Council who help with city decisions.
Camden often supports the Democratic Party in elections. Most people in Camden vote for Democratic leaders, and all mayors since 1935 have been from this party.
Emergency Services
Camden Fire Department (CFD)
The Camden Fire Department started in 1869 and is one of the oldest fire departments in the United States. It has five fire stations and is split into two groups, each led by a chief. The department includes engine companies, rescue teams, ladder companies, and a special fireboat on the Delaware River. In recent years, the department has had money problems, which has led to fewer firefighters and some stations closing.
Camden County Police Department (CCPD)
Main article: Camden County Police Department
Further information: Crime in Camden, New Jersey
In 2013, the old Camden Police Department was closed because it cost too much. A new police department for Camden County was created, bringing in new officers to work closely with neighborhoods and rebuild trust. Since then, more officers have been on the streets, working with residents and patrolling the city. Some people think Camden’s new approach could show how police work might change in other places.
Crime
Camden, New Jersey, used to have a lot of violent crime. But in recent years, things have gotten better. In 2017, the city had the fewest homicides in thirty years.
Experts have often ranked Camden as one of the cities with the most crime in the United States. These rankings are based on reports to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Even with these challenges, efforts to reduce crime have helped lower the numbers of serious violent incidents.
Transportation
Public transportation
The Walter Rand Transportation Center opened in 1989. It is a bus station where many NJ Transit buses stop. These buses go to Philadelphia and nearby towns. The center also has train stations and a ferry stop.
The River Line is a train that started in 2004. It goes from Camden to Trenton along the Delaware River. There are four stations in Camden, including one at the Walter Rand Transportation Center.
The PATCO Speedline is a train that runs all day and night between Camden and Philadelphia. It has 13 stops in total.
The RiverLink Ferry started in 1992. It crosses the Delaware River between Camden and Philadelphia. The ferry runs from May through September and on weekends in April and October. It stops at places like the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, and the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia.
Roads and highways
As of May 2010, Camden had about 182 miles of roads. Some roads are kept up by the city, some by the county, and some by state or other groups.
Big roads like Interstate 676 and U.S. Route 30 go through Camden to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Other roads include Interstate 76, Route 168, and several county routes.
Environmental problems
Main article: Environmental issues in Camden, New Jersey
Camden has faced environmental challenges due to its history with heavy industry and improper waste disposal. This has led to polluted air and water, as well as dirty soil. The city has several special cleanup areas called Superfund sites. Recently, illegal dumping has become a problem because of many empty lots that lack security and care.
Demographics
Racial and ethnic composition
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, Camden had a population of 71,791, making it the 14th-most populous municipality in the state. This was a decrease from the 2010 census count of 77,344. The Census Bureau calculated a population of 71,100 for 2023.
The median age in Camden was 32.1 years. About 29% of residents were under the age of 18 and 10% were 65 years or older. All residents lived in urban areas.
There were 24,385 households in Camden, with 40% having children under 18 living in them. Many households were led by women without a spouse present.
There were 27,670 housing units, with some being vacant.
2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 77,344 people in Camden. The population density was very high. The racial makeup included many Black or African American residents and a large Hispanic or Latino population.
Of the households, many had children under 18, and a lot were led by women without a husband present. The average household size was a bit more than three people.
About one-third of the population was under age 18, and the median age was 28.5 years. For every 100 females, there were about 95 males.
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 3,371 | — | |
| 1850 | 9,479 | 181.2% | |
| 1860 | 14,358 | 51.5% | |
| 1870 | 20,045 | 39.6% | |
| 1880 | 41,659 | 107.8% | |
| 1890 | 58,313 | 40.0% | |
| 1900 | 75,935 | 30.2% | |
| 1910 | 94,538 | 24.5% | |
| 1920 | 116,309 | 23.0% | |
| 1930 | 118,700 | 2.1% | |
| 1940 | 117,536 | −1.0% | |
| 1950 | 124,555 | 6.0% | |
| 1960 | 117,159 | −5.9% | |
| 1970 | 102,551 | −12.5% | |
| 1980 | 84,910 | −17.2% | |
| 1990 | 87,492 | 3.0% | |
| 2000 | 79,904 | −8.7% | |
| 2010 | 77,344 | −3.2% | |
| 2020 | 71,791 | −7.2% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 71,749 | −0.1% | |
| Population sources: 1840–2000 1840–1920 1840 1850–1870 1850 1870 1880–1890 1890–1910 1840–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020 | |||
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1990 | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 12,582 | 5,671 | 3,792 | 2,922 | 14.38% | 7.10% | 4.90% | 4.07% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 46,151 | 39,753 | 34,277 | 27,800 | 52.75% | 49.75% | 44.32% | 38.72% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 265 | 188 | 235 | 126 | 0.30% | 0.24% | 0.30% | 0.18% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 1,008 | 1,869 | 1,599 | 1,229 | 1.15% | 2.34% | 2.07% | 1.71% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | N/A | 20 | 15 | 11 | N/A | 0.03% | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 213 | 129 | 109 | 315 | 0.24% | 0.16% | 0.14% | 0.44% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | N/A | 1,255 | 938 | 1,476 | N/A | 1.57% | 1.21% | 2.06% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 27,273 | 31,019 | 36,379 | 37,912 | 31.17% | 38.82% | 47.04% | 52.81% |
| Total | 87,492 | 79,904 | 77,344 | 71,791 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| Race | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White | 7,453 | 10.4% |
| Black or African American | 30,187 | 42.0% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 760 | 1.1% |
| Asian | 1,270 | 1.8% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 52 | 0.1% |
| Some other race | 23,353 | 32.5% |
| Two or more races | 8,716 | 12.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 37,912 | 52.8% |
| Demographic profile | 1950 | 1970 | 1990 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 85.9% | 59.8% | 19.0% | 17.6% |
| —Non-Hispanic | N/A | 52.9% | 14.4% | 4.9% |
| Black or African American | 14.0% | 39.1% | 56.4% | 48.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | N/A | 7.6% | 31.2% | 47.0% |
| Asian | — | 0.2% | 1.3% | 2.1% |
Points of interest
Camden, New Jersey, has many interesting places to visit. Corinne's Place is a special soul food restaurant opened in 1989. The Adventure Aquarium, opened in 1992, is home to many animals, including hippopotamuses.
Other notable spots include the Waterfront Music Pavilion, an outdoor and indoor theater. The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, opened in 2001, lets visitors explore the famous USS New Jersey battleship. Harleigh Cemetery, established in 1885, is where famous writer Walt Whitman and other important people are buried. You can also visit the Walt Whitman House.
In popular culture
The 2013 film American Hustle has a mayor named Carmine Polito. He is based on a real mayor of Camden from the 1970s.
The 1995 film 12 Monkeys has scenes filmed on Camden's Admiral Wilson Boulevard.
Notable people
See also: Category:People from Camden, New Jersey
Actors and actresses
- Christine Andreas (born 1951), Broadway actress and singer
- James Cardwell (1921–1954), actor
- Joanna Cassidy (born 1944), actress
- Jimmy Conlin (1884–1962), character actor
- Khris Davis (born 1987), actor
- Chas. Floyd Johnson (born 1941), television producer and actor
- Ben Leonberg (born 1987), film director, screenwriter and producer
- Edward Lewis (1919–2019), film producer and writer
- Ann Pennington (1893–1971), Broadway actress, dancer and singer
- Jim Perry (1933–2015), television game show host, singer, announcer and performer
- Tasha Smith (born 1969), actress, director and producer
Architects and artists
- Vernon Howe Bailey (1874–1953), artist
- Stephen Decatur Button (1813–1897), architect
- Alex Da Corte (born 1980), visual artist
- Frank De Martini (1952–2001), architect
- Jona Frank (born 1966), portrait photographer and author
- Mickalene Thomas (born 1970), artist
Athletes
- Max Alexander (born 1981), boxer
- Rashad Baker (born 1982), professional football safety
- Martin V. Bergen (1872–1941), college football coach
- Art Best (1953–2014), football running back
- Audrey Bleiler (1933–1975), infielder
- Fran Brown (born 1982), head coach of the Syracuse Orange football team
- Jordan Burroughs (born 1988), Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling
- Sean Chandler (born 1996), safety
- Frank Chapot (1932–2016), Olympic silver medalist equestrian
- Duce Chestnut, American football cornerback
- James A. Corea (1937–2001), radio personality
- Joseph W. Cowgill (1908–1986), politician
- Donovin Darius (born 1975), professional football player
- Rachel Dawson (born 1985), field hockey midfielder
- Fadil Diggs, college football defensive lineman
- Rawly Eastwick (born 1950), Major League Baseball pitcher
- Shaun T. Fitness (born 1978), motivational speaker, fitness trainer and choreographer
- Rasheer Fleming (born 2004), basketball player
- Sean Golden (born 1983), former artistic gymnast
- Jamaal Green (born 1980), American football defensive end
- Dara Greig (born 2000), professional hockey player
- Brad Hawkins (born 1998), American football safety
- George Hegamin (born 1973), offensive lineman
- Zach Hicks (born 2003), basketball player
- Harry Higgs (born 1991), professional golfer
- Andy Hinson (born c. 1931), retired American football head coach
- Steve Hoffman (born 1958), senior assistant for special teams
- Kenny Jackson (born 1962), former wide receiver
- Sig Jakucki (1909–1979), former Major League pitcher
- Jaryd Jones-Smith (born 1995), American football offensive tackle
- Leon Lucas (1901–1971), boxer
- Mike Moriarty (born 1974), former Major League infielder
- Ray Narleski (1928–2012), baseball player
- Harvey Pollack (1922–2015), director of statistical information
- Dwight Muhammad Qawi (born 1953), boxing world champion
- Haason Reddick (born 1994), linebacker
- Buddy Rogers (1921–1992), professional wrestler
- Mike Rozier (born 1961), collegiate and professional football running back
- Anisse Saidi (born 2008), soccer player
- George Savitsky (1924–2012), offensive tackle
- Art Still (born 1955), collegiate and professional football defensive end
- Devon Still (born 1989), collegiate and professional football defensive end
- Billy Thompson (born 1963), college and professional basketball player
- Sheena Tosta (born 1982), hurdler, Olympic silver medalist
- Frank Townsend (1933–1965), professional wrestler and musician
- Dajuan Wagner (born 1983), professional basketball player
- Jersey Joe Walcott (1914–1994), boxing world heavyweight champion
- Darrell Wilson (born 1958), American football coach
- Bo Wood (born 1945), former American football player and high school coach
Authors, poets and writers
- Betty Cavanna (1909–2001), author
- Mary Chalmers (born 1927, class of 1944), author and illustrator
- Andrew Clements (1949–2019), writer of children's books
- Michael Lisicky (born 1964), non-fiction writer and oboist
- Nick Virgilio (1928–1989), haiku poet
- Walt Whitman (1819–1892), essayist, journalist and poet
Military
- Joe Angelo (1896–1978), U.S. Army veteran of World War I
- Boston Corbett (1832–1894), Union Army soldier
- Steven Ferrari (born 1962), career United States Army officer
- Joseph C. Strasser (1940–2019), rear admiral of the United States Navy
- John P. Van Leer (1825–1862), Union Army officer
Musicians
- Graham Alexander (born 1989), singer-songwriter, entertainer and entrepreneur
- Butch Ballard (1918–2011), jazz drummer
- Paul Baloche (born 1962), Christian music artist, worship leader, and singer-songwriter
- Carla L. Benson, vocalist
- Cindy Birdsong (born 1939), vocalist
- Nelson Boyd (1928–1985), jazz bassist
- Vedra Chandler (born 1980), singer and dancer
- Russ Columbo (1908–1934), baritone, songwriter, violinist and actor
- Buddy DeFranco (1923–2014), jazz clarinetist
- Sam Dockery (1929–2015), hard bop pianist
- Wayne Dockery (1941–2018), jazz double bassist
- Nick Douglas (born 1967), musician
- Lola Falana (born 1942), singer and dancer
- Billy Gallagher (c. 1869–1934), businessman and restaurant owner
- Heather Henderson (born 1973), singer, model, podcaster, actress
- Richard "Groove" Holmes (1931–1991), jazz organist
- Leon Huff (born 1942), songwriter and record producer
- Barbara Ingram (1947–1994), R&B background singer
- Eric Lewis (born 1973), pianist popularly known as ELEW
- Jimmy Lyon (1921–1984), jazz pianist
- Ronny J (born 1992), record producer, rapper and singer
- Anna Sosenko (1909–2000), songwriter and manager
- Jade Starling (born c. 1964), singer-songwriter
- Richard Sterban (born 1943), bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys
- Frank Tiberi (born 1928), band leader, Woody Herman Orchestra
- Tye Tribbett (born 1976), gospel music singer, songwriter, keyboardist and choir director
- Julia Udine (born 1993), singer and actress
- Jack Vees (born 1955), composer and bassist
- Crystal Waters (born 1967), house and dance music singer and songwriter
- Buster Williams (born 1942), jazz bassist
Politicians and public officials
- John F. Amodeo (born 1950), politician
- Rob Andrews (born 1957), U.S. representative
- David Baird Jr. (1881–1955), U.S. Senator
- David Baird Sr. (1839–1927), United States Senator
- Arthur Barclay (born 1982), politician
- U. E. Baughman (1905–1978), head of United States Secret Service
- William J. Browning (1850–1920), represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district
- William T. Cahill (1912–1996), politician
- Bonnie Watson Coleman (born 1945), politician
- Mary Keating Croce (1928–2016), politician
- Lawrence Curry (1936–2018), educator and politician
- Michellene Davis, lawyer and executive
- James Dellet (1788–1848), politician
- Thomas P. Foy (1951–2004), attorney and politician
- Angel Fuentes (born 1961), former Assmblyman
- Carmen M. Garcia, former Chief judge
- Oz Griebel (1949–2020), banker, lawyer and political candidate
- John J. Horn (1917–1999), labor leader and politician
- Robert S. MacAlister (1897–1957), Los Angeles City Council member
- Richard Mroz, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
- George F. Neutze (1908–1969), politician
- Donald Norcross (born 1958), U.S. Congressman
- Christine O'Hearn (born 1969), lawyer
- Francis F. Patterson Jr. (1867–1935), represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district
- William T. Read (1878–1954), lawyer
- William Spearman (born 1958), politician
- John F. Starr (1818–1904), represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district
- Charles A. Wolverton (1880–1969), politician
Other
- Mary Ellen Avery (1927–2011), pediatrician
- Quaesita Cromwell Drake (1889–1967), chemist
- Joe Epperson (1945–2025), camera operator and cinematographer
- Margaret Giannini (1921–2021), physician and specialist in assistive technology
- Elie Honig (born 1975), attorney and CNN senior legal analyst
- Richard Hollingshead (1900–1975), inventor of the drive-in theater
- Aaron McCargo Jr. (born 1971), chef and television personality
- Lucy Taxis Shoe Meritt (1906–2003), classical archaeologist
- Newton Morton (1929–2018), population geneticist
- Thomas J. Osler (1940–2023), mathematician, former national champion distance runner and author
- Jim Perry (1933–2015), game show host and television personality
- Dorcas Reilly (1926–2018), chef, homemaker and inventor
- Tommy Roberts (1928–2024), radio and TV broadcaster
- Richard Valeriani (1932–2018), former White House correspondent and diplomatic correspondent with NBC News
- Barbara Walden (born 1930), actress, dancer and businesswoman
- Mary Schenck Woolman (1860–1940), pioneer in vocational education for women
- Phil Zimmermann (born 1954), programmer
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