Barnegat Township, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barnegat Township, New Jersey
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Township
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Former bank on West Bay Avenue
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Location of Barnegat Township in Ocean County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Ocean County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (left).
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Census Bureau map of Barnegat Township, New Jersey
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 Barnegat Township, New Jersey
Location in Ocean County, New Jersey
Barnegat Township, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Barnegat Township, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  New Jersey |
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| County |  Ocean |
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| Incorporated | March 10, 1846 (as Union Township) | |
| Renamed | January 1, 1977 (as Barnegat Township) | |
| Named for | Dutch language "Barende-gat" (meaning "breaker's inlet") |
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| Government | ||
| • Type | Township | |
| • Body | Township Committee | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 40.41 sq mi (104.65 km2) | |
| • Land | 34.00 sq mi (88.07 km2) | |
| • Water | 6.40 sq mi (16.58 km2) 15.85% | |
| Area rank | 53rd of 565 in state 8th of 33 in county |
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| Elevation | 112 ft (34 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 24,296 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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25,629 | |
| • Rank | 109th of 565 in state 9th of 33 in county |
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| • Density | 709.6/sq mi (274.0/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 419th of 565 in state 23rd of 33 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
08005
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| Area codes | 609 | |
| FIPS code | 3402903050 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0882070 | |
Barnegat Township is a town in Ocean County, New Jersey. It's called a "township" because of how it's set up. In 2020, about 24,296 people lived there. This was the highest number of people ever counted in the town! The population grew a lot from 2010.
Barnegat Township was first created on March 10, 1846. Back then, it was called Union Township. It was formed from parts of other towns. At that time, it was part of Monmouth County. Later, in 1850, it became part of the new Ocean County. The town's name officially changed to Barnegat Township on January 1, 1977.
Contents
History of Barnegat Township
How Barnegat Got Its Name
The name Barnegat comes from Dutch explorers. In 1614, they mapped the coast near Barnegat Bay and Barnegat Inlet. They called the inlet "Barendegat" or "Barnde Gat." This means "inlet of the breakers" or "surf cove." They chose this name because the water there was often rough. Another idea is that "Barndegat" means a pool made when a wall breaks.
Early Inhabitants: The Lenape People
Long before Europeans arrived, the Lenape Native Americans lived in this area. They spent their summers along the shore. They would gather clams and roast them for food in winter. They also fished, hunted, and collected fruits and nuts.
European Settlers Arrive
Around 1720, European settlers started coming to Barnegat. These were mainly Dutch, English, and Swedes. They liked the area because of its good land and many natural resources. The first permanent homes were built around 1750. Settlers started farms, fishing businesses, and other small shops.
Barnegat in the American Revolution
Barnegat played a small part in the American Revolutionary War. One of the last fights of the war happened nearby in 1782. This was called the "Battle of Cedar Bridge." American Patriot soldiers fought against British Loyalists and local robbers. The Patriots won this battle. It was a symbolic end to the war in New Jersey.
Geography of Barnegat Township
Barnegat Township covers about 40.41 square miles (104.65 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. About 6.40 square miles (16.58 square kilometers) is water.
Communities Within Barnegat
- Barnegat CDP is an area within the township. It's a "census-designated place," which means it's a specific area the government counts for population.
- Ocean Acres is another census-designated place. Part of it is in Barnegat Township. The other part is in Stafford Township.
Neighboring Towns
Barnegat Township shares borders with several other towns. In Ocean County, it borders Harvey Cedars, Lacey Township, Little Egg Harbor Township, Long Beach Township, Ocean Township, and Stafford Township. It also borders Bass River Township and Woodland Township in Burlington County.
Other Localities
Other small communities and places in the township include Cedar Bridge, Howardsville, Lower Dock, and Upper Dock.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 1,759 | — | |
| 1860 | 1,918 | 9.0% | |
| 1870 | 1,923 | 0.3% | |
| 1880 | 1,024 | * | −46.7% |
| 1890 | 1,063 | 3.8% | |
| 1900 | 955 | * | −10.2% |
| 1910 | 982 | 2.8% | |
| 1920 | 803 | −18.2% | |
| 1930 | 1,037 | 29.1% | |
| 1940 | 1,045 | 0.8% | |
| 1950 | 1,173 | 12.2% | |
| 1960 | 1,270 | 8.3% | |
| 1970 | 1,539 | 21.2% | |
| 1980 | 8,702 | 465.4% | |
| 1990 | 12,235 | 40.6% | |
| 2000 | 15,270 | 24.8% | |
| 2010 | 20,936 | 37.1% | |
| 2020 | 24,296 | 16.0% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 25,629 | 22.4% | |
| Population sources: 1850–2000 1850–1920 1850–1870 1850 1870 1880–1890 1890–1910 1910–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020 * = Lost territory in previous decade. |
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What the 2010 Census Showed
In 2010, the census counted 20,936 people in Barnegat Township. There were 8,128 homes. Most people living there were White. There were also Black or African American, Asian, and Native American residents. About 6.78% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Barnegat Township was about 45.9 years old. Many people were 65 or older. About 20.9% of the population was under 18 years old.
Education in Barnegat
Public Schools
The Barnegat Township School District serves students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district has six schools. In the 2021-2022 school year, about 3,583 students were enrolled.
- Lillian M. Dunfee Elementary School (PreK)
- Cecil S. Collins Elementary School (Grades K-2)
- Joseph T. Donahue Elementary School (Grades 3-4)
- Robert L. Horbelt Elementary School (Grades 5-6)
- Russell O. Brackman Middle School (Grades 7-8)
- Barnegat High School (Grades 9-12)
Private Schools
St. Mary Academy is a private school near Manahawkin. It serves students from kindergarten to 8th grade. The school is run by St. Mary Church of Barnegat. It used to be called All Saints Regional Catholic School.
Getting Around Barnegat
_at_Exit_67_(Ocean_County_Route_554,_Barnegat)_in_Barnegat_Township,_Ocean_County,_New_Jersey.jpg)
Roads and Highways
Barnegat Township has many miles of roads. The main highway is the Garden State Parkway. It runs north and south through the middle of the town. U.S. Route 9 also goes through Barnegat. Other important roads include New Jersey Route 72 and County Route 539. County Route 554 crosses the town from west to east.
Public Transportation
NJ Transit offers bus service in Barnegat. You can take the 559 bus route to and from Atlantic City.
Media and News
WBNJ 91.9 FM is a radio station licensed to Barnegat. You can also get daily news about the town from The Asbury Park Press. WOBM-FM radio also covers local news. The town government shares news in The Southern Ocean Times. This is one of several weekly papers from Micromedia Publications.
Famous People from Barnegat Township
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Barnegat Township:
- Juan Agudelo (born 1992), a soccer player for Inter Miami CF and the United States men's national soccer team.
- Arthur Collins (1864–1933), a famous singer known as "King of the Ragtime Singers."
- Kelsey Fowler (born 1996), an actress.
- Micah Fowler (born 1998), an actor who appeared in the TV show Speechless.
- Jay Groome (born 1998), a professional baseball pitcher who went to Barnegat High School.
- Brigid Harrington (born 2000), an actress.
- Frank Molinaro (born 1988), a wrestler who competed for the U.S. team in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Heather McComb (born 1977), an actress.
- Henry R. Tilton (1836–1906), an army surgeon who received the Medal of Honor.
See also
In Spanish: Municipio de Barnegat para niños
