Mount Laurel, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
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Township
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Laurel Acres Park in Mount Laurel
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Location of Burlington County in New Jersey (left) and of Mount Laurel in Burlington County (right)
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Census Bureau map of Mount Laurel, New Jersey
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 Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Location in Burlington County, New Jersey
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Mount Laurel, 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 |  Burlington |
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| Incorporated | March 7, 1872 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Faulkner Act (council–manager) | |
| • Body | Township Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 21.99 sq mi (56.95 km2) | |
| • Land | 21.72 sq mi (56.26 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.27 sq mi (0.69 km2) 1.21% | |
| Area rank | 124th of 565 in state 12th of 40 in county |
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| Elevation | 36 ft (11 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 44,633 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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46,403 | |
| • Rank | 49th of 565 in state 2nd of 40 in county |
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| • Density | 2,054.5/sq mi (793.2/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 291st of 565 in state 15th of 40 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
08054
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| Area code(s) | 856 | |
| FIPS code | 3400549020 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0882093 | |
Mount Laurel is a township in Burlington County, New Jersey. It's part of the larger Philadelphia area. In 2020, about 44,633 people lived here. This was the highest number ever counted in Mount Laurel. The township is also home to NFL Films, which makes movies about football.
In 2020, Money magazine said Mount Laurel was one of the 50 best places to live in the United States. They liked that it was good for kids, had affordable homes, and was close to Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore.
Contents
Mount Laurel's History
Mount Laurel became a township on March 7, 1872. It was named after a hill covered with beautiful laurel trees.
Historical Places in Mount Laurel
Mount Laurel has several important historical spots. These include General Clinton's headquarters, Paulsdale, Evesham Friends Meeting House, Jacob's Chapel, Hattie Britt School, and Farmer's Hall.
The Mount Laurel Decision
The Mount Laurel Decision is a very important legal ruling in New Jersey. It means that towns must make sure there are enough homes for people with low and moderate incomes. This decision came from a lawsuit against the town by the N.A.A.C.P.. The New Jersey Supreme Court made the decision in 1975 and confirmed it again in 1983.
Before this decision, Mount Laurel was a small farming town. But then, many people from Philadelphia started moving there. This made housing prices go up a lot. Many families who had lived in Mount Laurel for a long time found it hard to afford homes. The court's decision helped make sure that everyone has a chance to find a home they can afford.
Mount Laurel's Geography
Mount Laurel covers about 21.97 square miles (56.90 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Ramblewood is a community within Mount Laurel. Other smaller communities and places in the township include Fellowship, Hartford, Masonville, and Rancocas Woods.
Mount Laurel's Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 1,739 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,699 | −2.3% | |
| 1900 | 1,644 | −3.2% | |
| 1910 | 1,573 | −4.3% | |
| 1920 | 1,667 | 6.0% | |
| 1930 | 1,929 | 15.7% | |
| 1940 | 2,189 | 13.5% | |
| 1950 | 2,817 | 28.7% | |
| 1960 | 5,249 | 86.3% | |
| 1970 | 11,221 | 113.8% | |
| 1980 | 17,614 | 57.0% | |
| 1990 | 30,270 | 71.9% | |
| 2000 | 40,221 | 32.9% | |
| 2010 | 41,864 | 4.1% | |
| 2020 | 44,633 | 6.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 46,403 | 10.8% | |
| Population sources: 1880–2000 1880–1920 1880–1890 1890–1910 1910–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020 |
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Mount Laurel's Population in 2010
As of the census of 2010, there were 41,864 people, 17,538 households, and 11,294 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,930.0 per square mile (745.2/km2). There were 18,249 housing units at an average density of 841.3 per square mile (324.8/km2)*. The racial makeup of the township was 79.42% (33,249) White, 9.70% (4,061) Black or African American, 0.16% (67) Native American, 7.26% (3,040) Asian, 0.04% (17) Pacific Islander, 1.00% (418) from other races, and 2.42% (1,012) from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.56% (1,907) of the population.
There were 17,538 households out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the township, the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.8 years. For every 100 females there were 87.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and old there were 83.5 males.
In 2010, the average household income in Mount Laurel was about $84,632. The average family income was about $100,189. About 3.6% of the people in Mount Laurel lived below the poverty line.
Arts and Culture in Mount Laurel
The pop punk band Man Overboard has several members from Mount Laurel.
Parks and Recreation in Mount Laurel
Laurel Acres Park is a popular spot. It has a Veterans Memorial, a lake for fishing, and a playground. There's also a big grassy hill used for concerts and for sledding when it snows. The Mount Laurel Baseball League and the Mount Laurel United Soccer Club play their games in the park. Mount Laurel also has two dog parks for pets.
Education in Mount Laurel
Mount Laurel has its own public school system, called the Mount Laurel Schools. These schools teach students from pre-kindergarten up to eighth grade.
Elementary Schools
Students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade go to one of six elementary schools. These schools are Countryside, Fleetwood, Hillside, Larchmont, Parkway, and Springville. Parkway Elementary School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2005–2006.
Upper Elementary and Middle Schools
After fourth grade, all students from these six schools go to Mount Laurel Hartford School for fifth and sixth grades. Then, they attend Thomas E. Harrington Middle School for seventh and eighth grades.
High School Education
For high school, students from Mount Laurel go to Lenape High School in Medford. This high school is part of the Lenape Regional High School District. This district serves students from eight different towns in Burlington County.
Vocational and Technical Education
Students in Mount Laurel can also choose to attend the Burlington County Institute of Technology. This school offers vocational and technical training. It has campuses in Medford and Westampton.
Transportation in Mount Laurel
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Roads and Highways
Mount Laurel has many roads. The New Jersey Turnpike is a major highway that goes through the township. It has a rest area called the James Fenimore Cooper rest area. The only exit for Mount Laurel on the Turnpike is Exit 4, which connects to Route 73.
Interstate 295 also passes through Mount Laurel. It has three exits in the township. Other important roads include Route 38, Route 73, and County Route 537.
Public Transportation
NJ Transit provides bus service in Mount Laurel. Buses go to and from Philadelphia on routes 317, 413, and 457. These routes connect Mount Laurel to places like Asbury Park, Camden, Burlington, and Moorestown Mall.
Notable People from Mount Laurel
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Mount Laurel. Here are a few:
- James Berardinelli (born 1967), a film critic.
- Frank Budd (1939–2014), a football player for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Larry Chatzidakis (born 1949), a former mayor of Mount Laurel.
- Chris DeStefano, a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter.
- Matt Duke (born 1985), a singer-songwriter.
- Ken Dunek (born 1957), a former professional football player.
- Todd Fedoruk (born 1979), a former NHL hockey player.
- Christina Foggie (born 1992), a professional basketball player.
- Marielle Hall (born 1992), a long-distance runner who competed in the Olympics.
- Neil Hartman, a sports anchor.
- Victor Hobson (born 1980), a former football player for the New York Jets.
- John Kruk (born 1961), a former Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Ethel Lawrence (1926–1984), a civil rights activist who fought for affordable housing in Mount Laurel.
- Carli Lloyd (born 1982), a famous soccer player for the United States women's national team.
- John Mazur (1930–2013), a former football player and coach for the New England Patriots.
- Carol A. Murphy, a politician.
- Gregg Murphy, a sports journalist.
- Alice Paul (1885–1977), a leader in the women's suffrage movement.
- Fabiana Pierre-Louis (born 1980), a justice on the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- Joe Pisarcik (born 1952), a former professional football quarterback.
- John Reid (born 1996), a football player for the Houston Texans.
- Dave Robinson (born 1941), a Pro Football Hall of Fame player.
- Sav Rocca (born 1973), a former NFL punter.
- Jon Runyan (born 1973), a former U.S. Congressman and football player.
- Scott Schoeneweis (born 1973), a former MLB baseball pitcher.
- Jill Scott (born 1972), a soul and R&B singer and actress.
- Vai Sikahema (born 1962), a former football player and news anchor.
- Slushii (born 1997), a disc jockey and music producer.
- Inge Sørensen (1924–2011), a swimmer who won an Olympic medal at age 12.
- Jason Thompson (born 1986), a former professional basketball player.
- Ryan Thompson (born 1988), a professional basketball player.
- Bryan Warrick (born 1959), a former professional basketball player.
- Kenie Wright (born 1997), a soccer player.
