Salem County

Salem County is an administrative division in southern New Jersey stretching along the Delaware River, with landscapes dominated by farmland and wetlands. The region sits within the Philadelphia metropolitan area and is connected by major highways and bridges serving regional traffic.

The county was established in 1694 by early Quaker settlers who named it after the Hebrew word shalom, meaning peace. This naming reflects the religious values of the founders who chose to build their community in this area.

The courthouse in the center of the county seat reflects how daily legal matters have been handled for nearly three centuries. Walking through the building, you see the same spaces where people have brought disputes and important decisions for generations.

The Delaware Memorial Bridge connects the area to Delaware, while Interstate 295 and the New Jersey Turnpike pass through the northern portion, providing direct access. The region is well-linked by roads, though travel times vary depending on which part of the county you visit.

Despite being in the most densely populated state, this county has the lowest population density of all New Jersey counties. This makes it an unusually rural and green region surrounded by more developed areas.

Location: New Jersey

Inception: 1694

Capital city: Salem

Shares border with: New Castle County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County

Website: https://salemcountynj.gov

GPS coordinates: 39.58000,-75.36000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:31