The area of the borough was first developed by Philip B. Baker in the 1900s as a southern addition to the resort of Wildwood, with the first houses going up in 1906. Rapid growth resulted in official incorporation as a borough on April 6, 1910.
The children's literature author Aliki Brandenberg was born in Wildwood Crest.
Geography
Wildwood Crest is located at 38°58'21" North, 74°50'18" West (38.972464, -74.838365)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 3.4 km² (1.3 mi²). 3.0 km² (1.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 11.45% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 3,980 people, 1,833 households, and 1,114 families residing in the borough. The population density is 1,336.2/km² (3,453.9/mi²). There are 4,862 housing units at an average density of 1,632.4/km² (4,219.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough is 94.87% White, 1.23% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.21% from other races, and 1.11% from two or more races. 4.22% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,833 households out of which 20.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.7% are married couples living together, 11.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% are non-families. 34.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 18.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.17 and the average family size is 2.76.
In the borough the population is spread out with 18.2% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 25.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 47 years. For every 100 females there are 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 84.4 males.
The median income for a household in the borough is $36,579, and the median income for a family is $47,462. Males have a median income of $42,727 versus $27,500 for females. The per capita income for the borough is $23,741. 6.0% of the population and 4.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 1.1% are under the age of 18 and 6.9% are 65 or older.