1,399
2020 Population
A small population spread across a large coastal township.
NJTGO.com
New Jersey Town Guide Online
A rural and coastal South Jersey township of tidal creeks, fishing villages, protected marshes, Delaware Bay shoreline and small community centers.
2020 Census: 1,399 residents · Total area: about 54.3 square miles
Downe Township is one of Cumberland County’s most rural municipalities, with expansive salt marshes and Delaware Bay shoreline surrounding small villages and fishing communities. Commercial and recreational fishing, boating, nature tourism and public open space remain central to local identity.
A small population spread across a large coastal township.
About 48.4 square miles of land plus extensive tidal and bay waters.
Dividing Creek, Fortescue, Newport, Money Island and Gandy’s Beach are recognized in current township historic programming.
Home to the municipal complex and Downe Township Elementary School, Newport functions as the township’s civic center.
A Delaware Bay fishing village known for its marina, public beach, charter boats, waterfront dining and long recreational-fishing tradition.
A historic creekside village whose postal addresses can sometimes be labeled Port Norris even when the property is physically in Downe Township.
A low-lying Delaware Bay community bordered by marsh and shoreline habitat, with active resilience and shoreline-restoration work.
A small bayshore community tied to boating, Nantuxent Creek and Downe’s working-waterfront history.
288 Main Street
Newport, NJ 08345
Phone: 856-447-3100
Fax: 856-447-3533
Mayor: Michael L. Rothman
Deputy Mayor: Larry Jordan
Committee: Robert Campbell, Stephen Byrne and Edward Bart.
220 Main Street, Newport · 856-447-4673
Public PK–8 school and New Jersey Choice district. The school also operates a free after-school Kids’ Center for K–8 students.
111 N. West Avenue, Bridgeton · 856-455-8030
Downe Township students attend Bridgeton High School for grades 9–12.
Downe’s strongest visitor assets are its bay, marshes, fishing access and protected open space rather than conventional attractions.
A 125-berth state marina with launch ramp, charter/head-boat access, fuel and pumpout facilities.
A quiet Delaware Bay shoreline used for fishing, beachcombing, sunsets and seasonal wildlife viewing.
A 2,485-acre Nature Conservancy preserve with Delaware Bay views, birding and beach access. Seasonal shorebird protections can restrict beach access in May and June.
Marsh-and-bay habitat used by anglers, birders and wildlife watchers.
Public and private marinas, charter boats, ramps and bait/tackle businesses support Downe’s working and recreational waterfront.
Recent programming includes the Delaware Bay Plunge, Bounty of the Bay, nature walks, music events and community activities.
What is now Downe Township was formed by Royal Charter on January 19, 1748 as Downes Township and incorporated on February 21, 1798. Portions later became Commercial Township.
The township’s villages developed around agriculture, oystering, commercial fishing and access to the Delaware Bay. Current township planning continues to recognize Dividing Creek, Fortescue, Newport, Money Island and Gandy’s Beach as distinct historic communities.