Pennsville
RANK #156 / 996 NAT · #2 / 21 NJ · POP 64,840
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
Salem County, New Jersey, distinguishes itself with its preserved rural character and Quaker heritage, evident in towns like Woodstown with its classic Main Street feel. Located in South Jersey, it serves as the westernmost county, bordered by the Delaware River and connected to Delaware via the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Philadelphia is approximately an hour away, making it a consideration for commuters. The community offers a quieter pace of life, with extensive farmlands and natural scenery, including six rivers and over 34,000 acres of marshland. Outdoor recreation opportunities include birding at Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and hiking at Fort Mott and Parvin State Parks.
Life in Salem County often appeals to those seeking affordability, open spaces, and a small-town environment. Many residents own their homes, and the county's public schools are generally above average. Commute times are shorter than the state average, and while some residents commute to nearby cities like Philadelphia, the county also attracts remote workers. The local economy is supported by sectors such as agriculture, with a long history of farming, and manufacturing, including glass companies. Recent economic developments also show investment in energy and infrastructure.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
New Jersey Wind Port (Phase 1 & 2)
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
|
$637M | Under Construction |
|
Orchard 230kV Battery Project
Undisclosed
|
$415M | Planned |
|
Nichomus Run Solar Project
Enel Green Power
|
$150M | In Development |
|
Carneys Point Logistics Park (707,400 sq ft)
EQT
|
$70M | Planned |
|
Fenwick Creek Solar Project
AES Corporation
|
$38M | Planned |
|
Salem & Hope Creek Nuclear Plant License Extensions
PSEG Nuclear LLC
|
— | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Salem County ranks #156 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 84/100. The composite score reflects long-term strength — housing, income, and migration patterns — but near-term hiring is soft (employment is down 2.8% year-over-year). Median household income here is $73,378.
By national standards, Salem County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $208,200, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.35 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,165/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Salem County's job market is contracting (-2.8% YoY) while population is roughly stable (+0.1% change). Home values are +1.6% over the past 12 months. Hiring headwinds without an offsetting exodus — residents are staying, but local employers are shedding payroll.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.2% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Salem County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.