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Population Review

Cape May County, New Jersey Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in New Jersey

The population of Cape May County, New Jersey is 95,236 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in New Jersey. The median household income is $88,046, the median home value is $395,000, and the median age is 51.4.

The population of Cape May County has declined 3.4% since 2010 (97,222 → 93,875), a -0.25% annualized rate.

Cape May County within New Jersey · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

95,236

Population

-0.25%

Annual growth

379

People / sq mi

$88,046

Median Income

$395,000

Median Home Value

Cape May County covers 252 sq mi of land at 378.6 people per square mile.

About Cape May County, NJ

Age is the most distinctive thing about Cape May County: a median age of 51.4, older than the national median. Cape May County is a county in New Jersey with a population of 95,236. It ranks #20 among counties in New Jersey by population.

Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $88,046, above the US median of $78,538. Only 6.1% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $395,000, with typical rent around $1,345.

About 37.4% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. Around 9.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.

The age structure shapes everything downstream in Cape May County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.

Cape May County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Cape May County had a population of 97,222 in 2010 and 93,875 in 2024, a -3.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 97,222 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.25%.

2010 · 97K20102024
Cape May County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

93,875

Population (2024)

97,222

Population (2010)

97,222

Peak (2010)

-0.25%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201097,222
201196,522
201296,267
201395,540
201494,961
201594,330
201693,825
201793,283
201892,604
201992,247
202095,051
202195,720
202295,415
202394,643
202493,875

Race & Ethnicity

White87.0%
Black or African American3.4%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

51.4

Median Age

51.5%

Female

48.5%

Male

28.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.3%
5–9
4.9%
10–14
5.1%
15–19
4.6%
20–24
4.8%
25–34
9.9%
35–44
9.9%
45–54
11.0%
55–59
7.2%
60–64
9.7%
65–74
16.9%
75–84
9.0%
85+
2.7%

Children (under 15): 14.3% · Seniors (65+): 28.6%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$88,046$-13,004 vs state
Mean household income$119,743
Per-capita income$54,325
Poverty rate6.1%-0.9% vs state
Unemployment rate3.4%
Employment-to-population53.3%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
25.2%
Education & health care
14.3%
Finance & real estate
9.6%
Construction
8.8%
Public administration
7.4%
Information
7.0%
Manufacturing
4.4%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.2%

The largest employment sector in Cape May County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.

How residents commute

0.7%

Drive alone

3.9%

Carpool

73.7%

Public transit

9.9%

Work from home

22.7 min

Avg commute

Housing

$395,000$-32,600 vs state

Median home value

$1,345

Median rent

79.3%

Homeownership rate

99,625

Total housing units

44.5%

Occupied

55.5%

Vacant

20.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.4%

With health insurance

96.0%

With broadband internet

43.5%

Foreign-born

7.4%

Veterans (18+)

14.9%

With a disability

90.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

94.6%

High School+

37.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in New Jersey

Other counties in New Jersey

Part of New Jersey

Metro areas in New Jersey

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape May County, New Jersey has a population of 95,236 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in New Jersey. Population density is 379 people per square mile.

The population of Cape May County has declined 3.4% since 2010 (97,222 → 93,875), a -0.25% annualized rate.

The median household income in Cape May County, New Jersey is $88,046, with mean (average) household income of $119,743 and per-capita income of $54,325. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Cape May County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.0%), Black or African American (3.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Cape May County, New Jersey is 51.4 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.

The median home value in Cape May County is $395,000 and median monthly rent is $1,345. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 99,625 total housing units, 55.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Cape May County, New Jersey is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.

Newark is among the largest cities associated with Cape May County, New Jersey, with a population of 307,188.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.