Editor’s Note: We were wrong, guessing it was in Salem County
By Jesse P. Diaz, Newton (Ga.) County News
Lakewood, a municipality located in Ocean County, approximately 50 miles to the east of Philadelphia, holds the distinction of being the most economically challenged town in New Jersey. According to the data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019, Lakewood had a poverty rate of 40.5%, which was the highest among all places in the state with a population of at least 1,000.
Remarkably, Lakewood’s poverty rate surpasses that of nearly every city in the United States, with Pharr, Texas being the sole exception. In this blog post, we will delve into the factors contributing to Lakewood’s high poverty rate and explore both the hurdles and possibilities that the town confronts.
Established in the late 19th century as a resort destination for affluent visitors from New York and Philadelphia, Lakewood was renowned for its picturesque lake, upscale hotels, and golf courses. The town also drew in many Jewish immigrants and subsequently became a hub for Orthodox Judaism in America.
Over the course of the 20th century, Lakewood experienced transformative shifts affecting its economic landscape and demographics. The Great Depression, World War II, and suburbanization led to a decline in tourism and the closure of numerous hotels. Simultaneously, the town’s population became more diverse with an influx of African Americans, Hispanics, and immigrants from various countries.
Lakewood presents a stark contrast in terms of economic disparities, with a substantial gap between the wealthy and the impoverished. With a population of around 106,000 residents, it ranks as the seventh-largest municipality in New Jersey. The town is also home to one of the largest yeshivas (Jewish religious schools) globally, Beth Medrash Govoha, boasting over 6,500 students.
The Orthodox Jewish community accounts for approximately half of the town’s population, profoundly influencing its culture and politics. Additionally, Lakewood houses a sizable Hispanic community, primarily from Mexico and Guatemala, along with various other ethnic and religious groups. The median household income in Lakewood stands at $47,533, well below the state average of $89,703, and the town grapples with a high unemployment rate of 9.9%, compared to the state average of 6.7%.
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