Cape May County Public RecordsNew Jersey

As of the 2020 Census, Cape May County, NJ, had a population of approximately 95,263. The median age is 49.3 years, reflecting an older population. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 48.4% male and 51.6% female. Racially, the county is 87% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 3.6% identifying as two or more races; Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 7.4% of the population.

Cape May County, New Jersey, has approximately 78,000 registered voters, with affiliations roughly 38% Republican, 25% Democrat, and 37% Unaffiliated. Elections include general, primary, municipal, and school board, with polling locations at over 60 sites countywide. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received about 58% of the vote in the county. The Cape May County Board of Elections and County Clerk oversee administration. Key local issues include coastal erosion and tourism. The Republican Party typically dominates countywide offices, reflecting consistent GOP majorities in recent election results.

Cape May County, NJ, hosts 22 public and charter K-12 schools, including 6 high schools, serving about 12,000 students. The county’s high school graduation rate is approximately 90%. Around 29% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School rankings average 6/10 (Niche, 2024), with Lower Cape May Regional High School noted for its diverse educational programs. Cape May County Technical School provides robust adult and vocational education. School safety is prioritized; annual incident rates are below the state average. Programs in STEM, arts, and advanced placement are widely available throughout the district.

As of 2023, Cape May County, NJ, had an unemployment rate of 5.7%, above the state average. Major employment sectors include leisure and hospitality (38%), retail trade (14%), and healthcare/social assistance (12%). The predominant occupations are service-related (45%) and sales/office roles (22%). Nearly 62% of the workforce is employed within the county, while 38% commute out, averaging a 27-minute commute. Tourism drives seasonal employment surges, with significant job fluctuations from May to September.

Cape May County, NJ, features a homeownership rate of approximately 73%, with median home values around $429,000 as of early 2024. Rentals are limited, and median monthly rents average $1,600. The county encompasses diverse neighborhoods, from Victorian Cape May City to coastal Wildwood and family-friendly Ocean City, offering single-family homes, condos, and seasonal rentals. Property values have risen by 7% year-over-year, driven by strong second-home demand. Property taxes average 1.6% of assessed value, with annual taxes near $6,800 for a median-priced home. The market remains competitive, favoring sellers.

Cape May County, NJ, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 1,235 crime incidents, translating to a crime rate of approximately 14.2 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes accounted for about 80% of the total, while violent crimes, including assault and robbery, comprised the remaining 20%. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and local police actively encourage public crime reporting, contributing to a high case clearance rate of over 60%. Overall, the county is considered relatively safe for residents and visitors.