Pennsauken is outside of the city of Camden, across the river from Philadelphia. Pennsauken was incorporated in 1892 and is home to the Pepsi plant and J&J Snack Foods. The exact origin of the name "Pennsauken" is unclear but it is probably from the tongue of the Lenni Lenape people (a Native American group which once occupied the area), an Algonquin language, and it is usually said either that it means "burial ground" or "tobacco pouch."
Geography
Pennsauken Township is located at 39°57'24" North, 75°3'21" West (39.956562, -75.055918)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 31.6 km² (12.2 mi²). 27.3 km² (10.5 mi²) of it is land and 4.3 km² (1.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 13.54% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 35,737 people, 12,389 households, and 9,093 families residing in the township. The population density is 1,310.4/km² (3,392.4/mi²). There are 12,945 housing units at an average density of 474.7/km² (1,228.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the township is 60.10% White, 24.18% African American, 0.35% Native American, 4.58% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 8.27% from other races, and 2.51% from two or more races. 14.34% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 12,389 households out of which 36.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% are married couples living together, 16.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% are non-families. 23.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.83 and the average family size is 3.34.
In the township the population is spread out with 27.5% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.8 males.
The median income for a household in the township is $47,538, and the median income for a family is $52,760. Males have a median income of $37,652 versus $30,110 for females. The per capita income for the township is $19,004. 8.0% of the population and 6.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 10.1% are under the age of 18 and 8.0% are 65 or older.