Lindenwold, New Jersey

Lindenwold is a borough in Camden County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 21,641, which was an increase from the 2010 census count of 17,613. Before that, in the 2000 census, the population was 17,414.

In 2020, Lindenwold had one of the highest property tax rates in New Jersey, with an equalized rate of 4.810%. This rate was higher than both the county average of 3.470% and the statewide average of 2.279%. Lindenwold is part of the South Jersey region of the state.

History

Lindenwold was created on April 23, 1929, from Clementon Township. It was one of seven areas made from that old township, and one of five new areas made on that day. The others were Hi-Nella, Pine Hill, Pine Valley (which later joined Pine Hill), and Somerdale. The town’s first meeting was on May 31, 1929, in an old Fire Hall.

The name "Lindenwold" comes from a German word meaning "linden forest." A local resident named Wimer Bedford suggested the name after reading a German book. He wanted linden trees planted along the streets, but leaders chose cheaper trees instead.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Lindenwold covers a total area of 3.94 square miles (10.21 km²). Most of this area is land, which spans 3.90 square miles (10.11 km²), with a small portion being water, covering 0.04 square miles (0.11 km²).

Lindenwold shares borders with several places in Camden County, including Berlin Borough, Berlin Township, Clementon Borough, Gibbsboro, Gloucester Township, Laurel Springs, Pine Hill, Somerdale, Stratford, and Voorhees Township. Some smaller areas within Lindenwold are named Kirkwood and Lucastown.

Demographics

2020 census

In the 2020 census, Lindenwold had 21,641 people. The middle age was 34 years. About 24% of the people were younger than 18, and 12% were 65 or older. For every 100 girls and women, there were 89 boys and men, and for people 18 and older, there were 85 boys and men for every 100 girls and women.

All of the people lived in urban areas.

There were 9,134 homes, and about 30% had children younger than 18 living in them. About 27% were homes with married couples, 22% had a man living alone without a wife, and 39% had a woman living alone without a husband. About 35% of homes had just one person living in them, and 10% had someone 65 or older living alone.

There were 9,731 places to live, but 6% were empty. About 2.5% of homes for owners were empty, and 5% of homes for renters were empty.

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 17,613 people in Lindenwold. The population density was 4,525 people per square mile (1,747 people per square kilometer). There were 8,251 places to live, with an average of 2,120 per square mile (819 per square kilometer).

The racial makeup was 48% White, 35% Black or African American, less than 1% Native American, 3% Asian, a tiny amount Pacific Islander, 10% from other races, and 4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up about 21% of all people.

Of the 7,426 homes, 27% had children younger than 18. About 31% were married couples living together, 19% had a woman living alone without a husband, and 43% were not families. About 34% of homes had just one person living in them, and 8% had someone 65 or older living alone. The average number of people per home was 2.4, and the average number per family was 3.0.

About 23% of people were younger than 18, 11% were between 18 and 24, 33% were between 25 and 44, 24% were between 45 and 64, and 9% were 65 or older. The middle age was 33 years. For every 100 girls and women, there were 91 boys and men, and for people 18 and older, there were 88 boys and men for every 100 girls and women.

2000 census

In the 2000 census, there were 17,414 people living in Lindenwold. The population density was 4,416 people per square mile (1,705 people per square kilometer). There were 8,244 places to live, with an average of 2,090 per square mile (807 per square kilometer). The racial makeup was 61% White, 28% African American, less than 1% Native American, 4% Asian, a tiny amount Pacific Islander, 3% from other races, and 3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up about 8% of all people.

There were 7,465 homes, and about 29% had children younger than 18 living in them. About 35% were married couples living together, 17% had a woman living alone without a husband, and 42% were not families. About 34% of homes had just one person living in them, and 7% had someone 65 or older living alone. The average number of people per home was 2.3, and the average number per family was 3.0.

The people were spread out in age, with 24% younger than 18, 10% between 18 and 24, 36% between 25 and 44, 21% between 45 and 64, and 9% 65 or older. The middle age was 33 years. For every 100 girls and women, there were 91 boys and men, and for people 18 and older, there were 88 boys and men for every 100 girls and women.

Government

Local government

Lindenwold uses a common way of running its local government called the borough form. This means there is a mayor and a group of council members who help make decisions. The mayor is chosen by voters for a four-year term. The council has six members who serve three-year terms, with two new members chosen each year. The mayor leads meetings and can block some decisions, but the council can override this with a big majority.

As of 2023, the mayor is Richard E. Roach Jr. The council members include Linda M. Hess, Walter F. Lenkowski, Raymond D. Morrisey, Odessa Patton, Cheryle Randolph-Sharpe, and Sandra Sinon.

Federal, state, and county representation

Lindenwold is part of New Jersey's 1st Congressional District. It is also in the 6th state legislative district. For the United States Congress, it is represented by Donald Norcross. In the New Jersey Legislature, the district is represented by James Beach in the State Senate and Louis Greenwald and Melinda Kane in the General Assembly.

Camden County has a group of commissioners who help run the county. As of 2025, the commissioners include Louis Cappelli Jr. as Director and Edward T. McDonnell as Deputy Director.

Politics

In recent elections, most people in Lindenwold have voted for Democratic candidates. For example, in the 2012 presidential election, Barack Obama won with over 80% of the votes.

Education

The Lindenwold Public Schools provide education for students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. During the 2022–23 school year, the district had five schools and about 3,100 students, with 255 teachers. This means there were about 12 students for each teacher. The schools include a preschool, two elementary schools for younger grades, a middle school, and Lindenwold High School for older students.

In the past, a Catholic school named Saint Lawrence Regional School was closed and combined with other schools to form John Paul II Regional School.

Transportation

Lindenwold has many roads and highways. As of May 2010, the borough had about 45 miles of roads. Some of these roads are taken care of by the town, some by Camden County, and a few by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The main highway in Lindenwold is U.S. Route 30.

There are also public transportation options. The Lindenwold station is the main stop for the PATCO Speedline and also serves the Atlantic City Line train, which goes from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. NJ Transit runs buses from Lindenwold to Camden and Atlantic City, as well as local bus routes.

Notable people

See also: Category:People from Lindenwold, New Jersey

Lindenwold has been home to many interesting people. Earl Harrison, born in 1961, was a professional basketball player. Suzy Hotrod, born in 1980, is known for her roller derby skating. Carlton R. Rouh received the Medal of Honor for his bravery. Jimmy Woode, who lived from 1926 to 2005, was a talented jazz bassist.