What Counties Make Up South Jersey? A Geographic & Cultural Guide

"South Jersey" isn't an official administrative region, but it's widely understood as the southern portion of New Jersey, encompassing the Delaware Valley and Atlantic coastal areas. The following eight counties are most commonly included:

1. Atlantic County – Home to Atlantic City, beaches, and casinos.
2. Burlington County – Large, agricultural, stretches from Delaware River to Pinelands.
3. Camden County – Suburban/urban, across from Philadelphia; includes Camden, Cherry Hill.
4. Cape May County – Southern tip; Victorian Cape May, wild beaches, birding.
5. Cumberland County – Rural, bayshore communities, Vineland, Millville.
6. Gloucester County – Mix of suburbs, farms, and riverfront towns (Woodbury, Glassboro).
7. Ocean County – Coastal barrier islands (LBI, Seaside), Pine Barrens, Toms River.
8. Salem County – Rural, agricultural, deep southwestern corner.

Cultural Notes

• South Jersey leans toward Philly sports teams (Eagles, Phillies) and hoagies (not subs).
• The Pine Barrens (1.1M acres) span multiple counties—a unique ecological region.
• Some debate includes Monmouth or excludes Burlington north of I-195.

Ultimately, South Jersey is as much a cultural identity as a map line—defined by shore life, farmland, and proximity to Philadelphia.