Woodbridge is a township located in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2020 United States Census, the township had a total population of 99,585, making it the second-most populous municipality in the county after Edison.[1]
History
Woodbridge Township was originally incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 13, 1669, from portions of New Jersey previously part of East Jersey. It was reincorporated on October 31, 1693. Woodbridge Township derives its name from Reverend John W. Woodbridge (1613–1696) of Newbury, Massachusetts, who settled in the future township in 1664.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 24.507 square miles (63.451 km2), including 22.933 square miles (59.395 km2) of land and 1.574 square miles (4.056 km2) of water (6.42%).
Demographics
The racial makeup of Woodbridge Township was 62,251 (57.39%) White, 19,664 (18.12%) African American, 681 (0.63%) Native American, 18,108 (16.69%) Asian, 49 (0.05%) Pacific Islander, 3,924 (3.62%) from other races, and 4,229 (3.90%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15,967 persons (14.71%).
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 99,585 people living in the township. The population density was 4,290.5 per square mile (1,656.1/km2).
Economy
Woodbridge has a diverse economic base spanning retail, professional services, manufacturing, and medical industries among others. Some of the major employers in Woodbridge include Wakefern Food Corporation,Colgate-Palmolive, Majesco, and Nabisco.
Two large shopping malls provide major retail shopping in Woodbridge – Woodbridge Center and Menlo Park Shopping Center. Many other smaller strip malls and shopping complexes are spread throughout the township as well.
Sports
Woodbridge Township is home to the Woodbridge Warriors high school sports teams. The Warriors have a storied football program, having won 12 state championships since their first title in 1985. Many Warriors alumni have gone on to careers in the NFL.
Landmarks and Attractions
Popular attractions in Woodbridge Township include:
- The Woodbridge Fair – An annual agricultural fair and carnival.
- Woodbridge Community Center – Home to basketball courts, indoor track, fitness classes, and more.
- Merrill Park – Sprawling park with sports fields, walking trails and a waterpark.
- Ford Mansion – Historic 18th century home of New Jersey Governor John Cleves Symmes Ford.
Municipal Government
Woodbridge Township operates under a Mayor-Council form of municipal government. The mayor is directly elected to four-year terms of office. The Woodbridge Township Council consists of nine members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis. Four council members are elected from the township at-large and five members are elected to represent each of the five council wards.
For more information on Woodbridge Township’s government, visit the Township of Woodbridge website.
Stay Connected
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