Camden, NJ

Camden, New Jersey

Introduction to Camden, New Jersey

Camden is situated in Camden County and located across the Delaware River from the city of Philadelphia. The government, the healthcare industry and education are the primary employers. A large number of employees live in the close by suburbs and commute to the city for work. The municipality is home to the headquarters of Campbell Soup.

The Camden Waterfront Area has been revitalized. The Port of Camden is a prominent location for transporting international and domestic cargo. Camden has a high crime rate and based on annual surveys by Morgan Quinto Corporation is considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.

History

Fort Nassau was constructed in the area by the Dutch West India Company in 1626. During the seventeenth century settlers from Europe continued to arrive and expand the community. The economy of Camden benefited from trade with the thriving city of Philadelphia. In 1834 the Camden and Ambroy Railroad arrived which caused a notable increase in the population and became a significant factor for the economy. The railroad brought passengers to the Camden shoreline where they were transported to Philadelphia by ferries.

Camden became a prominent center for industry, however during the 20th century the manufacturing companies relocated to other areas and the population declined. From 1901 to 1929 Camden was home to the headquarters of RCA Victor, which produced more phonographs and records than any company in the world for approximately the first two-thirds of the 20th century. During World War II the New York Ship Building Company, situated in Camden was one of the biggest shipyards in the entire world. Campbell Soup provided a large number of jobs in Camden.

Camden Waterfront

• Adventure Aquarium.
• Susquehanna Bank Center is a large open air amphitheater and is popular for concerts. During the cold months it converts into an enclosed theater and provides Broadway shows, family style entertainment and a variety of concerts.
• Campbell's Field is home to the Camden River Sharks minor league baseball team.
• USS New Jersey is a former United States Navy battle ship that is now a museum.
• Wiggins Park Riverstage and Marina.
• Walt Whitman House is a National Historic Landmark and includes his personal belongings and old photographs.
• One Port Center.
• The Victor Lofts.
• Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center.
• Camden Children's Center.
• Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts.
• South Jersey Performing Arts Center.
• Independence Seaport Museum provides demonstrations of boat building.

Transportation

The city is served by the Philadelphia International Airport. The PATCO Speedline provides train service to Philadelphia and nearby suburbs. New Jersey Transit's River Line provides light rail transportation north of the city and ends in Trenton. New Jersey Transit bus service takes passengers to Philadelphia.

Higher Education

Rutgers University, Rowan University and Camden County College have campuses in the city.

High Points

Camden strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in New Jersey):

Category	Trophy
Affordability of Rents (vs. State)	Top 1%
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. State)	Top 1%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 2%
Racial Diversity (vs. Peers)	Top 4%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. State)	Top 12%

Comparative Profile of Camden, NJ

Comparing Camden to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in New Jersey (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
People Living Alone
Housing Recently Built
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Camden Almanac

Camden Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Camden Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Camden, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Camden Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Camden Hospitals

OUR LADY OF LOURDES MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
1600 HADDON AVENUE
(856) 757-3500
Emergency Service: Yes

COOPER UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
1 COOPER PLAZA
(856) 342-2000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Camden

Camden High Schools (2004)

CAMDEN HIGH
BAIRD & PARK BLVDS
856-966-5100
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,395 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 9.8

WOODROW WILSON HIGH
31ST & FEDERAL STS
856-966-5300
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,377 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 11.7

BRIMM MEDICAL ARTS HIGH
1626 COPEWOOD STREET
856-966-2500
Serves 256 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 9.1

CREATIVE & PEFRMG ARTS HS
FILMORE AND CARL MILLER BLVD.
856-966-8955
Serves 196 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 6.1

Camden Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Cooper Health System Center for Allied Health Education

Rutgers University-Camden

(List of All New Jersey Colleges)

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