Cherry Hill named South Jersey’s largest municipality for the ninth consecutive year.
Cherry Hill has once again established itself as the largest municipality in South Jersey, surpassing Camden for the ninth consecutive year, according to population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. As of 2024, the population of Cherry Hill stands at 78,988, reflecting an increase of 1,318 residents since 2023 and a notable rise of 7,099 residents since 2014.
This steady growth can be traced back over the last decade, following a period of stagnation during the 1980s and 1990s. Officials in the township attribute this population increase to various factors, including well-established neighborhoods, plentiful shopping and dining options, access to outdoor spaces, and high-quality educational institutions. The chief of staff for Cherry Hill’s mayor’s office has emphasized that these community attributes play a crucial role in attracting residents.
In stark contrast, the neighboring city of Camden has experienced a significant population decline. Estimates indicate that Camden’s population sat at 71,749 in 2024, a slight increase from 71,413 in the previous year but well down from the peak of 74,859 in 2014 and 78,901 in 2004. Since its peak of nearly 125,000 residents in 1950, Camden has undergone a drastic demographic shift, illustrating the broader trends of urban decline and suburbanization that have characterized South Jersey since the 1960s.
Former farmland, Cherry Hill underwent significant development beginning in the mid-1950s, particularly with the establishment of the Cherry Hill Mall in 1961, which transformed the region into a prominent retail hub. The township’s assessed property values soared from .5 million in 1950 to approximately 6.2 million in 1965, subsequently surpassing Camden and establishing Cherry Hill as the wealthiest municipality in South Jersey.
Historically, the dynamics between Cherry Hill and Camden have seen a “reversal of fortune.” After the mall’s opening, population and resources shifted from Camden towards its suburbs, particularly Cherry Hill, which surpassed Camden’s resident count in 2016. While growth in Cherry Hill continues at a measured pace, recent housing developments such as 202 Park Drive and the Enclave at Woodcrest have contributed to this trend.
Cherry Hill’s population trajectory mirrors the regional patterns seen in areas surrounding Philadelphia, where many suburbs experienced growth while the city itself lost residents, particularly during the pandemic years. Between April 2020 and July 2024, South Jersey added approximately 33,656 residents, indicating a regional shift that aligns with ongoing suburban expansion trends. Despite space constraints for new construction, local officials remain optimistic about the township’s capacity to accommodate growing populations in the future.
These demographic changes underscore the broader socio-economic shifts prevalent in South Jersey, reshaping the landscape of the region as communities evolve. As Cherry Hill continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of suburban living in the face of urban challenges.
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