RANK #21 / 996 · POP 95,456 · NJ
PROJECTED GROWTH: +4.0%
Cape May County, situated at New Jersey's southern tip, is known for its Victorian architecture in towns like Cape May City, a National Historic Landmark. The county is bordered by the Delaware Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east, offering over 30 miles of beaches. It is a popular summer destination, with its population significantly increasing during these months. The Garden State Parkway provides access to the area, though public transportation options within the county are limited, with seasonal shuttles connecting the Cape May Ferry Terminal to downtown. The community offers extensive outdoor recreation, including bird watching, hiking trails, and the Cape May County Park and Zoo.
Life in Cape May County often revolves around its coastal environment. Many residents are retirees or remote workers, drawn to the area's quieter pace outside of the peak tourist season. The economy is largely driven by tourism and maritime industries, including beachfront resorts and commercial fishing. There has been investment in sectors like oyster bed enhancement, which supports local shellfisheries. The county also has a growing food-based economy with local vineyards, breweries, and farm markets. Public schools in towns like Ocean City and Middle Township are generally well-regarded.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Cape May County Airport Mixed-Income Housing Development
Cape May County (in negotiation with DRBA)
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Woodbine Landfill Renewable Natural Gas Facility
Waga Energy / Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority (CMCMUA)
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Middle Battery Storage Project
Unknown
|
$25M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cape May County has a Boom Town Index score of 98/100, ranking #21 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $83,870, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Cape May County is $372,300 with median rent at $1,285/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2253, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +4.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.22% of Cape May County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.