Downe Township highlighted in Cumberland County. Inset map: Cumberland County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.

Downe Township is a township located in Cumberland County, New Jersey. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 1,631.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 140.5 km² (54.2 mi²). 131.5 km² (50.8 mi²) of it is land and 9.0 km² (3.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.40% water.

Downe Township borders Lawrence Township, Millville, Commercial Township, and the Delaware Bay.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,631 people, 658 households, and 438 families residing in the township. The population density is 12.4/km² (32.1/mi²). There are 1,134 housing units at an average density of 8.6/km² (22.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the township is 91.05% White, 4.84% African American, 1.47% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.98% from other races, and 1.47% from two or more races. 3.37% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 658 households out of which 26.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% are married couples living together, 10.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% are non-families. 27.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.48 and the average family size is 3.03.

In the township the population is spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 107.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township is $34,667, and the median income for a family is $39,375. Males have a median income of $35,000 versus $26,397 for females. The per capita income for the township is $17,366. 13.1% of the population and 11.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 21.1% of those under the age of 18 and 14.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.