Editing Aberdeen Township, New Jersey

{{Short description|Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, US}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Aberdeen Township, New Jersey
| official_name                   = 
| settlement_type                 = [[Township (New Jersey)|Township]]
| nickname                        = 
| motto                           =

<!-- Images -->
| image_skyline                   = Matawan Creek mouth.jpg
| imagesize                       = 250x200px
| image_caption                   = Mouth of [[Matawan Creek]] at the border of [[Keyport, New Jersey|Keyport borough]] and Aberdeen Township
| image_flag                      = 
| image_seal                      = Aberdeen Seal.png

<!-- Maps -->
| image_map                       = Aberdeen_twp_nj_025.png
| mapsize                         = 250x200px
| map_caption                     = Location of Aberdeen Township in [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]] highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Monmouth County in [[New Jersey]] highlighted in black (left).
| image_map1                      = Census_Bureau_map_of_Aberdeen_Township,_New_Jersey.png
| mapsize1                        = 250x200px
| map_caption1                    = Census Bureau map of Aberdeen Township, New Jersey
| pushpin_map                     = USA New Jersey Monmouth County#USA New Jersey#USA
| pushpin_label                   = Aberdeen Township
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]]##Location in [[New Jersey]]##Location in the United States
| pushpin_relief                  = yes

<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type                = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name                = {{nowrap|{{flag|United States}}}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1               = {{flag|New Jersey}}
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of counties in New Jersey|County]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth]]
| government_footnotes            = <ref name=DataBook/>
| government_type                 = [[Faulkner Act (council–manager)]]
| governing_body                  = Township Council
| leader_title                    = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name                     = Fred Tagliarini ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]], term ends December 31, 2025)<ref name=MayorCouncil/>
| leader_title1                   = [[City manager|Manager]]
| leader_name1                    = Bryan A. Russell<ref>[https://www.aberdeennj.org/285/Township-Manager Township Manager], Township of Aberdeen. Accessed January 23, 2025.</ref>
| leader_title2                   = [[Municipal clerk]]
| leader_name2                    = Melissa Pfeifer<ref>[https://www.aberdeennj.org/195/Clerk Clerk], Township of Aberdeen. Accessed January 23, 2025.</ref>
| established_title               = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date                = February 23, 1857, as ''Matavan Township''
| established_title1              = Renamed
| established_date1               = 1882 as ''Matawan Township''
| established_title2              = Renamed
| established_date2               = November 8, 1977, as ''Aberdeen Township''

<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref                       = Imperial
| area_footnotes                  = <ref name=CensusArea>[https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_cousubs_34.txt 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 1, 2020.</ref>
| area_magnitude                  = 
| area_total_km2                  = 20.13
| area_land_km2                   = 14.10
| area_water_km2                  =  6.03
| area_total_sq_mi                =  7.77
| area_land_sq_mi                 =  5.45
| area_water_sq_mi                =  2.33
| area_water_percent              = 29.95
| area_rank                       = 234th of 565 in state<br />15th of 53 in county<ref name=CensusArea/>

<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of               = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes           = <ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/>
| population_total               = 19329
| population_rank                = 143rd of 565 in state<br>11th of 53 in county<ref name=LWD2020Density>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/dmograph/est/mcd/density.xlsx Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021], [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed March 1, 2023.</ref>
| population_density_km2         = auto
| population_density_sq_mi       = 3550.2
| population_density_rank        = 189th of 565 in state<br>20th of 53 in county<ref name=LWD2020Density/>
| population_est                 = 19230
| pop_est_as_of                  = 2023
| pop_est_footnotes              = <ref name=Census2020/><ref name=PopEst/>

<!-- General information -->
| timezone                        = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| utc_offset                      = −05:00
| timezone_DST                    = [[Eastern Daylight Time|Eastern (EDT)]]
| utc_offset_DST                  = −04:00
| elevation_footnotes             = <ref>{{Gnis|882121|Township of Aberdeen}}, [[Geographic Names Information System]]. Accessed March 4, 2013.</ref>
| elevation_m                     = 
| elevation_ft                    = 13
| coordinates_footnotes           = <ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR1">[https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref>
| coordinates                     = {{coord|40.430068|-74.225075|region:US-NJ_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type                = [[ZIP Code]]
| postal_code                     = 07747 - Aberdeen<ref>[http://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupResultsAction!input.action?resultMode=0&city=aberdeen&state=NJ Look Up a ZIP Code for Aberdeen, NJ], [[United States Postal Service]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref> <br>07721 - [[Cliffwood, New Jersey|Cliffwood]] <br>07735 - [[Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey|Cliffwood Beach]]{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}}
| area_codes                       = [[Area codes 732 and 848|732]]<ref>[http://www.area-codes.com/search.asp?frmNPA=&frmNXX=&frmState=NJ&frmCounty=Monmouth&frmCity=Aberdeen Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Aberdeen, NJ], Area-Codes.com. Accessed October 28, 2013.</ref>
| blank_name                      = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info                      = 3402500070<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR2">[https://www.census.gov U.S. Census website], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://mcdc.missouri.edu/applications/geocodes/?state=34 Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey], Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 1, 2022.</ref>
| blank1_name                     = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info                     = 0882121<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR3">[http://geonames.usgs.gov US Board on Geographic Names], [[United States Geological Survey]]. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref>
| website                         = {{URL|https://www.aberdeennj.org/}}
| footnotes                       = 
}}
[[Image:Cliffwood beach.jpg|thumb|250x200px|[[Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey|Cliffwood Beach]], located in Aberdeen Township, was a popular resort until multiple hurricanes from 1954 through 1960 destroyed its boardwalk and amusement areas. The beach has reverted to its natural state.]]
'''Aberdeen Township''' is a [[Township (New Jersey)|township]] situated on the [[Jersey Shore]] in [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth County]], in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Jersey]]. The township is located within the [[Raritan River|Raritan Valley region]] and is a part of the [[New York Metropolitan Area]], bordering both [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey]], in adjacent [[Middlesex County, New Jersey]], as well as [[Staten Island]] in [[New York City]].<ref>Capuzzo, Jill P. [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/06/realestate/aberdeen-nj-reasonably-priced-housing-not-far-from-the-beach.html "Living In: Aberdeen, N.J.: Reasonably Priced Housing Not Far From the Beach"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', Published: October 6, 2021. Accessed June 9, 2022.</ref> As of the [[2020 United States census]], the township's population was 19,329,<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=LWD2020/> its highest [[United States census|decennial count]] ever and an increase of 1,119 (+6.1%) from the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]] count of 18,210,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which had in turn reflected an increase of 756 (+4.3%) from the 17,454 recorded at the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]].<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2010/2010data/table7cm.xls Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010], [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]], February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref>

Aberdeen Township was part of the [[Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan]], an effort by nine municipalities in northern Monmouth County to reinvigorate the area's economy by emphasizing the traditional downtowns, residential neighborhoods, maritime history, and natural environment of the [[Raritan Bay]] coastline. The plan has since been integrated into the county's 2016 Master Plan.<ref>[https://www.visitmonmouth.com/Documents/24/FINAL%20Master%20Plan%20Volume%20I.pdf 2016 Monmouth County Master Plan], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]], adopted October 17, 2016. Accessed September 17, 2023.</ref> Aberdeen has worked with neighboring [[Matawan, New Jersey|Matawan]] to build [[transit-oriented development]] around the [[Aberdeen–Matawan station|Aberdeen-Matawan]] train station.

== History ==

=== Origins ===
Those who settled in this area developed into the [[Lenape|Lenni Lenape]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. About the year 1000, an agricultural society developed, and small villages dotted what was to become New Jersey. The Lenape began a westward retreat in the face of European settlement and disease beginning in the late seventeenth century, beginning in Monmouth County by the mid-eighteenth century. Although the Lenape presently live in [[Ontario]] and [[Oklahoma]], their legacy survives in such names as Mohingson, Luppatatong and Matawan Creeks and Raritan Bay.

The earliest known attempt at European settlement was in 1650 when the south side of [[Raritan Bay]] was purchased from the Lenni Lenape by the [[New Netherland]] Colony.

===New Jersey===
The earliest English land grant in New Aberdeen was in 1677 when Sir [[George Carteret]] granted {{convert|36|acre|m2}} to Jonathan Holmes.<ref name=Birth>Chang, Kathy; and Kesten, Karen L. [http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2010-01-07/Front_Page/Birth_of_a_town.html "Birth of a town"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130102234917/http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2010-01-07/Front_Page/Birth_of_a_town.html |date=2013-01-02 }}, ''The hub'', January 7, 2010. Accessed July 11, 2012.</ref> This is in present-day Oakshades on [[Mohingson Creek]].

Matawan Township changed its name in 1977 to Aberdeen Township, which harkened back to the name of the portion of Monmouth County referred to by Scottish settlers as "New Aberdeen." New Aberdeen included the Northern portions of Monmouth County in the 1680s settled by [[Quakers]] and [[Presbyterian]]s who fled [[Scotland]] to avoid religious persecution.<ref>Henderson, Helen. [https://books.google.com/books?id=yVC30cjY2HwC&dq=%22New+Aberdeen%22+matawan+quakers&pg=PA26 ''Matawan and Aberdeen: Of Town and Field''], p. 26. [[Arcadia Publishing]], 2003. {{ISBN|0738524034}}. Accessed July 11, 2012.</ref>

In 1684, Surveyor General [[Thomas Rudyard]] received a grant of {{convert|1038|acre|km2}} on [[Raritan Bay]] and [[Matawan Creek]], the present location of [[Cliffwood, New Jersey|Cliffwood]] and [[Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey|Cliffwood Beach]].<ref name=Birth/> Owing to Rudyard's high office, this was quite controversial, and in 1685, the Board of Proprietors issued an order regarding the laying out of land. Section 7 addressed questionable activity such as Rudyard's, and he sold his land to his son-in-law, Samuel Winder.

The 1680s saw an influx of Scottish immigrants fleeing religious persecution in response to a 1683 book by [[George Scot of Pitlochie|George Scott]] extolling the virtues of Scottish settlement in [[East Jersey]]. In 1701, a village site of {{convert|100|acre|km2}} was granted by the Proprietors to 24 Scottish settlers of the area. These men and six others also purchased a landing site on Matawan Creek. The village site eventually came to be called Mount Pleasant, and the landing, as it became an important shipping point for the produce of [[Middletown Township, New Jersey|Middletown Township]], became Middletown Point. A third, very scattered settlement developed in the eighteenth century west of Matawan Creek, and was called Matawan or Matavan.<ref>[http://www.trinitymatawan.com/articles/article/7653778/145238.htm Our Community (History)], Trinity Episcopal Church. Accessed July 11, 2012.</ref>

===Middletown Township===
In 1693, what was to become Aberdeen Township became part of Middletown Township which, at the time, consisted of what is now Aberdeen, [[Holmdel Township, New Jersey|Holmdel Township]], [[Hazlet, New Jersey|Hazlet Township]], Middletown (including [[Sandy Hook, New Jersey|Sandy Hook]]), [[Matawan, New Jersey|Matawan Borough]], [[Keyport, New Jersey|Keyport]], [[Union Beach, New Jersey|Union Beach]], [[Keansburg, New Jersey|Keansburg]], [[Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey|Atlantic Highlands]], [[Highlands, New Jersey|Highlands]] and a sliver of [[Colts Neck Township, New Jersey|Colts Neck Township]]. A portion of the township that extended as far northwest as [[Cheesequake Creek]], was ceded to [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex County]] in 1710.<ref name=Story/>

===Raritan Township===
Middletown was considered too large and unwieldy, and legislation was passed in February 1848 that took the western half of Middletown Township to create a new municipality, Raritan Township (now Hazlet Township).<ref>Aumack, Catherine I. [http://matawan.ididigital.com/TheIndependent/1998/1998-09-30/pg_0012.pdf "Hazlet encompassed six other towns in 1848; High school still bears township's original Raritan name"], ''Matawan Independent'', September 30, 1998. Accessed July 11, 2012.</ref>

===Matawan Township===
Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Beers passed the State [[New Jersey General Assembly|General Assembly]] and [[New Jersey Senate|Senate]], was signed by [[Governor of New Jersey]] [[William A. Newell]], and on February 23, 1857, Matavan Township was incorporated from portions of what was then Raritan Township.<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. [https://nj.gov/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf ''The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968''], Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 182. Accessed May 30, 2024.</ref> This included the village of Middletown Point, Mt. Pleasant, and Matavan. The Township was named for the creek as well as the village of Matavan. The spelling of "Matawan" or "Matavan" had been interchangeable, however, when the act was published "Matavan" had been used, which may derive from a Lenape word meaning "where two rivers come together".<ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. [http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/356/nj_place_names_origin.pdf#page=20 ''The Origin of New Jersey Place Names''], New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed July 19, 2015.</ref> It may also originate from the [[Unami language|Southern Unami]] ''Matawonge'', "bad riverbank" or "bad hill", a possible reference to bluffs along Raritan Bay which were subject to erosion and collapse prior to the construction of a [[seawall]] in the 1970s. Another possible source is ''Matawan'', Northern Unami for "bad fog", which may have referred to [[fog]] generated on Raritan Bay.<ref>Grumet, Robert S. [https://books.google.com/books?id=PIwjQeh-Ke4C&pg=PA84 ''Manhattan to Minisink: American Indian Place Names in Greater New York and Vicinity''], p. 84. [[University of Oklahoma Press]], Norman, OK, 2013. {{ISBN|9780806189130}}.</ref>

In 1865, due to postal confusion with Middletown, the Middletown Point [[post office]] was renamed "Matawan", to reflect the name of the Township. This section is the present downtown area of Matawan Borough. In 1882, the spelling of the Township was officially changed to "Matawan".<ref name=Story/>

A small railroad station was erected along the [[New York and Long Branch Railroad]] tracks at a point called Hutchler's Crossing in 1875. Soon known as the Cliffwood Station, it operated on Cliffwood Avenue until the station closed in 1932.<ref>Staff. [https://archive.today/20130201070815/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1813621581.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+22,+2004&author=&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=ABERDEEN&pqatl=google "Aberdeen"], ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', January 22, 2004. Accessed July 11, 2012. "To avoid duplication, "Hutschler's Crossing" is briefly used; the railroad then changes the station name to "Cliffwood."</ref><ref>Henderson, Helen. ''Around Matawan and Aberdeen'', p. 73.</ref>

In 1885, the Cliffwood post office was established and the name of the old Matavan settlement passed into obsolescence. [[Matawan, New Jersey|Matawan]] was formed as a borough on June 28, 1895, from portions of Matawan Township, based on the results of a referendum held that day. Matawan expanded with portions of Matawan Township in 1931 and 1933.<ref name=Story/>

In response to demand, a post office was established at Mount Pleasant in 1889. As that name was in use elsewhere, a new name was needed. "Freneau" was chosen, in honor of [[Philip Morin Freneau]], the "Poet of Revolution," and a former Mount Pleasant resident who is buried in the area.<ref>[http://aberdeennjlife.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-freneau-got-its-name.html "How Freneau Got Its Name"], Aberdeen Nj Life, April 19, 2009. Accessed August 20, 2013. "When the US Post Office sought to eliminate duplicate town names, Matavan Township's Mount Pleasant section was renamed Freneau in honor of Philip Freneau (1752-1832), a local poet who inspired the cause of liberty during the time of the American Revolution."</ref> This post office has since been closed.

Cliffwood Beach, formed in the 1920s, was originally a resort community until after [[World War II]] when year-round homes were the norm. River Gardens developed in the late 1940s. Strathmore was built starting in the early 1960s by [[Levitt & Sons]], marketed as a higher-end version of the [[Levittown]] communities that the firm was known for.<ref>Murray, Ed; and Strunsky, Steve. [https://www.nj.com/monmouth/2018/09/60s-era_pool_club_redeveloped_as_modern_retreat_no.html "This pool club was stuck in the '60s. Now, it's a posh modern retreat in suburbia"], NJ Advance Media for [[NJ.com]], September 25, 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. "The community originally known as Strathmore at Matawan was developed starting in 1961 by Levitt & Sons, the firm best known for its much larger Levittown community on Long Island, developed beginning in 1947 largely to provide low-cost housing for the young families of veterans returning from World War II. Unlike the unabashedly working-class nature of Levittown, Strathmore was more aspirational, taking its name from Levitt's more upscale, Strathmore subdivisions built before the war."</ref><ref>[http://levittownbeyond.com/StrathmoreMatawan.html Strathmore at Matawan, New Jersey], LevittownBeyond.com. Accessed October 9, 2024.</ref> The 2,000 new homes in the development led to a jump in the township's population of 10,000 over the decade, a jump of more than 140%.<ref>Evans, Scott. [https://www.phillyburbs.com/story/opinion/columns/2012/06/24/levitt-was-no-homebody/17918526007/ "Levitt was no homebody"], PhillyBurbs.com, June 24, 2012. Accessed October 9, 2024. "Strathmore, N.J. Originally known as Strathmore-at-Matawan, the approximately 2,000 houses that Levitt erected, beginning in 1964, more than doubled the population of what was then called Matawan Township. In 1977, voters changed the municipality’s name to Aberdeen."</ref><ref name=Census1940to2000/>

===Aberdeen Township===
On November 8, 1977, the residents of Matawan Township voted to change the name of the Township to create a community identity separate from that of Matawan Borough. The residents voted to call their community Aberdeen Township.<ref>via [[Associated Press]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/1978/06/13/archives/new-jersey-pages-aberdeen-told-to-vote-on-changing-address.html "Aberdeen Told to Vote On Changing Address"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', June 13, 1978. p. NJ 23. Accessed September 22, 2018.</ref> Officials believed the new name would draw attention to the Township, as it is listed first alphabetically among New Jersey's municipalities.<ref>Ziegler, Harry. [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108215318/renaming-of-matawan-township-to/ "At 5 years, road to identity rocky"], ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', October 15, 1982. Accessed August 24, 2022. "Nov. 8, 1977 was a red letter day for this suburban community: Residents voted to change the township's name to Aberdeen by a slim 182-vote margin. Peter J. Koelsch, a member of the Matawan Historical Society, said Scottish settlers originally called the area New Aberdeen in the 17th century. Powers said one reason for the name was to place the township at the head of the alphabetical list of state municipalities, giving the township some needed recognition."</ref>

Today, Aberdeen is a suburban township of {{convert|5.4|sqmi|km2}} containing a mix of residential, light industry and shopping centers. Sections of the township include Cliffwood, Cliffwood Beach, Freneau, Oakshades, River Gardens, Strathmore, Santa Fe Junction and Woodfield. Three postal [[ZIP Code]]s serve the township: 07721, 07735, and 07747.

The Township is served by two volunteer fire companies, the Aberdeen Township Hose and Chemical Co. No. 1, organized in 1918, and the Cliffwood Volunteer Fire Co., organized in 1927. The Aberdeen Township Hose and Chemical Co. No. 1 marked its 100th anniversary on June 10, 2018, with a celebration at Lloyd Road Park and a parade along Lloyd Road. Two volunteer First Aid Squads response to the community's emergency medical needs; the Aberdeen Township First Aid and Rescue Squad, organized in 1954, and the South Aberdeen Emergency Medical Service, organized in 1970. A full-time Police Department was established in 1935.<ref>[http://www.aberdeennj.org/police Police Department] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010091014/http://www.aberdeennj.org/police |date=2013-10-10 }}, Township of Aberdeen. Accessed August 20, 2013.</ref>

The [[Henry Hudson Trail]] is a {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on}} paved trail built on a former [[Central Railroad of New Jersey]] right-of-way and extending from Aberdeen Township east to [[Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey|Atlantic Highlands]].<ref>[http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2525 Henry Hudson Trail], Monmouth County Park System. Accessed August 20, 2013.</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the township had a total area of 7.77 square miles (20.13&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), including 5.45 square miles (14.10&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of land and 2.33 square miles (6.03&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of water (29.95%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

The township is broken into two non-contiguous sections, with a small wedge-shaped [[exclave]] on the township's southwest corner separated from the rest of the township by a portion of [[Matawan, New Jersey|Matawan]] on the opposite side of [[New Jersey Route 79|Route 79]].<ref>O'Dea, Colleen. [http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/03/23/the-list-donuts-holes-and-exclaves-new-jersey-s-weird-geography/ "The List: Donuts, Holes, and Exclaves -- New Jersey's Weird Geography"], NJ Spotlight, March 24, 2014. Accessed July 19, 2015. "The two sections of Aberdeen are separated by a piece of Matawan borough that is only about a third of a mile wide."</ref>

[[Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey|Cliffwood Beach]] (2010 Census population of 3,194<ref>[https://archive.today/20200212135558/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3413630 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Cliffwood Beach CDP, Monmouth County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref>) and [[Strathmore, New Jersey|Strathmore]] (2010 population of 7,258<ref>[https://archive.today/20200212135712/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3471280 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Strathmore CDP, Monmouth County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref>) are [[Local government in New Jersey#Unincorporated communities|unincorporated communities]] and [[census-designated place]]s (CDPs) located within Aberdeen Township.<ref>[https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf New Jersey: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts - 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH-2-32)], [[United States Census Bureau]], August 2012. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20150420010654/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34025 GCT-PH1 - Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County -- County Subdivision and Place from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for Monmouth County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref> Other unincorporated communities within Aberdeen Township include [[Cliffwood, New Jersey|Cliffwood]] and [[Henningers Mills, New Jersey|Henningers Mills]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}}<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt Locality Search], State of [[New Jersey]]. Accessed May 21, 2015.</ref>

The township borders [[Hazlet, New Jersey|Hazlet Township]], [[Holmdel Township, New Jersey|Holmdel Township]], [[Keansburg, New Jersey|Keansburg]], [[Keyport, New Jersey|Keyport]], [[Marlboro Township, New Jersey|Marlboro Township]] and [[Matawan, New Jersey|Matawan]] in Monmouth County; and [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey|Old Bridge Township]] in [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex County]]. The township has a maritime border with the borough of [[Staten Island]] in [[New York City]].<ref>[https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/1085073/touches.html Areas touching Aberdeen Township], MapIt. Accessed March 5, 2020.</ref><ref>[http://co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/24/Figure%201.1__.png Regional Location Map], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. Accessed March 5, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf New Jersey Municipal Boundaries], [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1860= 2072
| 1870= 2839
| 1880= 2699
| 1890= 1092
| 1900= 1310
| 1910= 1472
| 1920= 1856
| 1930= 2496
| 1940= 2633
| 1950= 3888
| 1960= 7359
| 1970=17680
| 1980=17235
| 1990=17038
| 2000=17454
| 2010=18210
| 2020=19329
| estimate=19230
| estyear=2023
| estref=<ref name=Census2020/><ref name=PopEst>[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2023/mcds/totals/SUB-MCD-EST2023-POP-34.xlsx Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023], [[United States Census Bureau]], released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.</ref>
| footnote=Population sources:<small><br />1860–1920<ref>[https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full ''Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905''], [[New Jersey Department of State]], 1906. Accessed August 20, 2013.</ref> 1860–1870<ref>Raum, John O. [https://books.google.com/books?id=5qZ4AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA250 ''The History of New Jersey: From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Volume 1''], p. 250, J. E. Potter and company, 1877. Accessed August 20, 2013. "Matawan township was formed from Raritan in 1857, and contained in 1860, 2,072 inhabitants, and in 1870 2,839. The village of Matawan, formerly called Middletown Point, is upon a narrow point of land formed by the Matawan creek, three miles from Raritan bay. The first settlers were Scotch, principally from Aberdeen, and it was called by them New Aberdeen."</ref><br />1870<ref>Staff. [https://books.google.com/books?id=gNwIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA260 ''A compendium of the ninth census, 1870''], p. 260. [[United States Census Bureau]], 1872. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref> 1880–1890<ref>Porter, Robert Percival. [https://books.google.com/books?id=8gUkQkJdLpsC&pg=PA98 ''Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III - 51 to 75''], p. 98. [[United States Census Bureau]], 1890. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref><br />1890–1910<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=T9HrAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA338 ''Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890''], [[United States Census Bureau]], p. 338. Accessed July 10, 2012. Listed as Matawan Township.</ref> 1910–1930<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA717 ''Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I''], [[United States Census Bureau]], p. 717. Accessed July 10, 2012. Listed as Matawan Township.</ref><br />1940–2000<ref name=Census1940to2000>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=41 Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000], Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref> 2000<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/><br>2010<ref name=Census2010>[http://factfinder2.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3402500070 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Aberdeen township, Monmouth County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref><ref name=LWD2010>[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_mon/aberdeen1.pdf Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Aberdeen township], [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref> 2020<ref name=Census2020>[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/aberdeentownshipmonmouthcountynewjersey/ QuickFacts Aberdeen township, Monmouth County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed March 31, 2023.</ref><ref name=LWD2020>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities], [[New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development]]. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref></small>}}

===2010 census===
The [[2010 United States census]] counted 18,210 people, 6,876 households, and 4,923 families in the township. The [[population density]] was {{convert|3343.0|/sqmi}}. There were 7,102 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1303.8|/sqmi}}. The racial makeup was 76.63% (13,954) [[White (U.S. census)|White]], 11.87% (2,161) [[Black (U.S. census)|Black or African American]], 0.23% (41) [[Native American (U.S. census)|Native American]], 6.43% (1,171) [[Asian (U.S. census)|Asian]], 0.04% (8) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.77% (504) from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census#Race|other races]], and 2.04% (371) from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. census)|Hispanic or Latino]] of any race were 10.43% (1,900) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 6,876 households, 32.5% had children under the age of 18; 56.0% were married couples living together; 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.4% were non-families. Of all households, 22.5% were made up of individuals and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.13.<ref name=Census2010/>

23.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 29.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 92.0 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 [[American Community Survey]] showed that (in 2010 [[inflation adjustment|inflation-adjusted]] dollars) [[median household income]] was $89,365 (with a margin of error of +/− $4,048) and the median family income was $101,174 (+/− $5,850). Males had a median income of $65,488 (+/− $5,575) versus $52,615 (+/− $3,635) for females. The [[per capita income]] for the borough was $39,830 (+/− $3,017). About 2.6% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref>[https://archive.today/20200212085216/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402500070 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Aberdeen township, Monmouth County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref>

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census]]<ref name="GR2" /> there were 17,454 people, 6,421 households, and 4,770 families residing in the township. The population density was {{convert|3,152.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 6,558 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,184.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the township was 78.82% [[White American|White]], 12.02% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.14% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 5.51% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.75% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.75% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 7.02% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402500070.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Aberdeen township, Monmouth County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040113203915/http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402500070.pdf |date=2004-01-13 }}, [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>[https://archive.today/20200212092328/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402500070 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Aberdeen township, Monmouth County, New Jersey], [[United States Census Bureau]]. Accessed July 10, 2012.</ref>

There were 6,421 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.14.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 35.0% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the township was $68,125, and the median income for a family was $76,648. Males had a median income of $51,649 versus $35,707 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the township was $28,984. About 3.8% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

== Government ==

=== Local government ===
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The township operates within the [[Faulkner Act]] under the [[Faulkner Act (council–manager)|Council-Manager]] form of government (Plan 3), implemented in its current form based on a direct petition as of January 1, 1990; the citizens of Aberdeen Township voted in November 1964 to change from the traditional [[Township (New Jersey)|Township Committee]] form of government, which had been in force since 1857.<ref>[http://www.dudley-2010.com/Faulkner%20Act%2046pages.pdf "The Faulkner Act: New Jersey's Optional Municipal Charter Law"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012040522/http://www.dudley-2010.com/Faulkner%20Act%2046pages.pdf |date=2013-10-12 }}, [[New Jersey State League of Municipalities]], July 2007. Accessed October 28, 2013.</ref> The township is one of 42 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government.<ref>[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf ''Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey''], [[Rutgers University]] Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref><ref>Cerra, Michael F. [https://www.njlm.org/809/3982/Forms-of-Govt-Magazine-Article "Forms of Government: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask"], [[New Jersey State League of Municipalities]], March 2007. Accessed January 1, 2025.</ref> The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the Township Council. In this Council-Manager form, all policy making power is concentrated in the council. The Mayor is a member of the council and presides over its meetings. The Manager, appointed by and reporting to the council, is the chief executive and oversees the day-to-day operation of the borough. A seven-member Township Council is elected at large for staggered, four-year terms of office in partisan elections held every in odd-numbered years as part of the November general election; four seats are up together, followed two years later by the mayoral seat and the two other council seats. The mayor is directly elected, while the council selects a deputy mayor from among its members.<ref name=DataBook>''2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book'', [[Rutgers University]] [[Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy]], March 2013, p. 67.</ref><ref>[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=12 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"], p. 12. [[Rutgers University]] Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref><ref>[https://www.aberdeennj.org/325/About-Aberdeen About], Aberdeen Township. Accessed May 6, 2022. "On November 3, 1964, the citizens of Aberdeen Township voted to change from the Township Committee form of government, in force since 1857, to the Council-Manager form, under the Faulkner Act.... A seven-member Township Council is elected at large for staggered, four-year terms of office in partisan elections held in November."</ref>

{{As of|2024}}, the [[Mayor]] of Aberdeen Township is [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] Fred Tagliarini, whose term of office ends December 31, 2025.<ref>[https://www.aberdeennj.org/300/Mayor-Fred-Tagliarini Mayor Fred Tagliarini], Township of Aberdeen. Accessed January 23, 2025.</ref> Members of the Aberdeen Township Council are Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone (D, 2025), Greg J. Cannon (D, 2027), Arthur S. Hirsch (D, 2027), Concetta B. Kelley (D, 2027), Joseph J. Martucci Sr. (D, 2025) and Robert L. Swindle (D, 2027).<ref name=MayorCouncil>[https://www.aberdeennj.org/299/Mayor-and-Town-Council Mayor and Town Council], Township of Aberdeen. Accessed January 23, 2025. "Aberdeen Township has a Mayor and six other Council Members. The Mayor and all Council Members are elected at large in 4-year staggered terms."</ref><ref>[https://www.aberdeennj.org/Archive/ViewFile/Item/105 2024 Municipal Data Sheet], Township of Aberdeen. Accessed May 15, 2024.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2023>[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Monmouth/119047/web.317647/#/summary November 8, 2023 General Election Official Results], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]], updated January 18, 2024. Accessed January 22, 2024.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2021>[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Monmouth/111499/web.278093/#/summary November 2, 2021 General Election Official Results], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]], December 13, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.</ref>

=== Federal, state and county representation ===
Aberdeen Township is located in the 6th Congressional district<ref name=PCR2012>[https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf Plan Components Report], [[New Jersey Redistricting Commission]], December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 13th state legislative district.<ref name=Districts2011>[https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District], [[New Jersey Department of State]]. Accessed February 1, 2020.</ref><ref name=LWV2019>[https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf ''2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government''], New Jersey [[League of Women Voters]]. Accessed October 30, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp Districts by Number for 2011-2020], [[New Jersey Legislature]]. Accessed January 6, 2013.</ref>

{{NJ Congress 06}} {{NJ Senate}}

{{NJ Legislative 13}}

{{NJ Monmouth County Commissioners}}

===Politics===
{{PresHead|place=Aberdeen|source=<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive |url=https://nj.gov/state/elections/election-information-results.shtml |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=nj.gov}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|5,600|5,087|185|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|5,021|5,989|150|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|4,126|4,328|284|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|3,054|4,109|85|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|3,817|4,635|88|New Jersey}}
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|3,644|4,105|67|New Jersey}}{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|2,559|4,262|297|New Jersey}}{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,136|3,912|634|New Jersey}}{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|2,857|3,352|1,128|New Jersey}}
|}
As of March 2011, there were a total of 11,162 registered voters in Aberdeen Township, of which 3,145 (28.2%) were registered as [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]], 1,988 (17.8%) were registered as [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and 6,021 (53.9%) were registered as [[Unaffiliated (New Jersey)|Unaffiliated]]. There were 8 voters registered as [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarians]] or [[Green Party (United States)|Greens]].<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-monmouth-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary - Middlesex], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref>

The township had been reliably Democratic in federal elections until Republican Donald Trump won it by 51.5% (5,600 votes) in the [[2024 United States presidential election]]. This was the first time a Republican candidate had won Aberdeen Township and achieved over 50% of votes cast since at least [[1992 United States presidential election|1992]]. Republican United States Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw simultaneously won the township with 49.4% of the vote (5, 124).

In the [[2020 United States presidential election in New Jersey|2020 presidential election]], Democrat [[Joe Biden]] received 53.7% of the vote (5,989 votes), ahead of Republican [[Donald Trump]] with 45% (5,021 votes), and other candidates receiving 1.3% (150 votes), among 11,160 votes cast by the township's 14,130 voters for a turnout 80%.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Presidential November 3, 2020 General Election Results|url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2020/2020-official-general-results-president-monmouth.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111075628/https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2020/2020-official-general-results-president-monmouth.pdf |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=|website=NJ Division of Elections}}</ref> In the [[2016 United States presidential election in New Jersey|2016 presidential election]], Democrat [[Hillary Clinton]] received 49.5% of the vote (4,328 votes), ahead of Republican Donald Trump with 47.2% (4,126 votes), and other candidates receiving 3.3% (284 votes), among 8,738 votes cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2016/2016-gen-elect-presidential-results-monmouth.pdf|title=2016 Monmouth County Presidential Election Results|website=New Jersey Department of State}}</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2012|2012 presidential election]], Democrat [[Barack Obama]] received 56.7% of the vote (4,109 cast), ahead of Republican [[Mitt Romney]] with 42.1% (3,054 votes), and other candidates with 1.2% (85 votes), among the 7,298 ballots cast by the township's 11,602 registered voters (50 ballots were [[Spoilt vote|spoiled]]), for a turnout of 62.9%.<ref name="2012Elections">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-presidential-monmouth.pdf |title=Presidential General Election Results - November 6, 2012 - Monmouth County |date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name="2012VoterReg">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 6, 2012 - General Election Results - Monmouth County|date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2008|2008 presidential election]], Democrat Barack Obama received 53.5% of the vote (4,635 cast), ahead of Republican [[John McCain]] with 44.0% (3,817 votes) and other candidates with 1.0% (88 votes), among the 8,667 ballots cast by the township's 11,751 registered voters, for a turnout of 73.8%.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-monmouth.pdf 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Monmouth County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref> In the [[United States presidential election in New Jersey, 2004|2004 presidential election]], Democrat [[John Kerry]] received 51.7% of the vote (4,105 ballots cast), outpolling Republican [[George W. Bush]] with 45.9% (3,644 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (67 votes), among the 7,944 ballots cast by the township's 11,084 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 71.7.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_monmouth_co_2004.pdf 2004 Presidential Election: Middlesex County], [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref>

In the [[2020 United States Senate election in New Jersey|2020 Senate election]], Democrat [[Cory Booker]] received 53.3% (5,880 votes), ahead of Republican Rik Mehta with 44.8% (4,938 votes), and other candidates received 2% (217 votes), among 11,035 votes cast.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=United States Senate November 3, 2020 General Election Results|url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2020/2020-official-general-results-us-senate-monmouth.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111095536/https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2020/2020-official-general-results-us-senate-monmouth.pdf |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=|website=NJ Division of Elections}}</ref>

In the [[2020 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey|2020 House of Representatives election]], Democrat [[Frank Pallone]] received 56% (6,437 votes), ahead of Republican Christian Onuoha with 44% of the vote, among 11,018 votes cast.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=United States House of Representatives November 3, 2020 General Election Results|url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2020/2020-official-general-results-us-house-district6.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111112007/https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2020/2020-official-general-results-us-house-district6.pdf |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=|website=NJ Division of Elections}}</ref>

In the [[2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election|2017 gubernatorial election]], Democrat [[Phil Murphy]] received 50.5% (2,583 votes), ahead of Republican [[Kim Guadagno]] with 47.2% (2,418 votes), and other candidates receiving 2.3% (119 votes).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2017/2017-general-election-results-governor-monmouth.pdf|title=2017 Governor Election Results Monmouth County|website=New Jersey Department of State}}</ref> In the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2013|2013 gubernatorial election]], Republican [[Chris Christie]] received 64.8% of the vote (3,085 cast), ahead of Democrat [[Barbara Buono]] with 33.7% (1,603 votes), and other candidates with 1.6% (74 votes), among the 4,814 ballots cast by the township's 11,686 registered voters (52 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 41.2%.<ref name="2013Elections">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-monmouth.pdf |title=Governor - Monmouth County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name="2013VoterReg">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Monmouth County|date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref> In the [[New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009|2009 gubernatorial election]], Republican Chris Christie received 55.7% of the vote (3,140 ballots cast), ahead of  Democrat [[Jon Corzine]] with 36.3% (2,048 votes), Independent [[Chris Daggett]] with 5.7% (322 votes) and other candidates with 1.1% (63 votes), among the 5,642 ballots cast by the township's 11,371 registered voters, yielding a 49.6% turnout.<ref>[http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-monmouth.pdf 2009 Governor: Middlesex County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017230351/http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-monmouth.pdf |date=2012-10-17 }}, [[New Jersey Department of State]] Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref>

== Education ==
Aberdeen Township is part of the [[Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District]], together with the neighboring community of [[Matawan, New Jersey|Matawan]].<ref>[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0110&id=78c1959a04d748eaa04445dc80646188 Matawan Aberdeen Regional Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed December 5, 2024. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelve in the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Composition: The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Aberdeen Township and Matawan Borough."</ref><ref>''2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book'', [[Rutgers University]] [[Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy]], March 2013, p. 211.</ref> The district is a comprehensive system with seven schools, which includes one preschool for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, three elementary schools for grades PreK–3, one school for grades 4–5, one middle school for grades 6–8 and a high school for grades 9–12. As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of seven schools, had an enrollment of 3,950 students and 352.3 classroom teachers (on an [[full-time equivalent|FTE]] basis), for a [[student–teacher ratio]] of 11.2:1.<ref name=NCES>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3409750&DistrictID=3409750 District information for Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref> Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from the [[National Center for Education Statistics]]<ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3409750 School Data for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District], [[National Center for Education Statistics]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>) are 
Cambridge Park Elementary School<ref>[https://cpes.marsd.org/ Cambridge Park Elementary School], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed April 19, 2020.</ref> with 266 students in grades PreK–K, 
Cliffwood Elementary School<ref>[https://ces.marsd.org/ Cliffwood Elementary School], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed April 19, 2020.</ref> with 369 students in grades PreK–3, 
Ravine Drive Elementary School<ref>[https://rdes.marsd.org/ Ravine Drive Elementary School], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed April 19, 2020.</ref> with 399 students in grades PreK–3, 
Strathmore Elementary School<ref>[https://ses.marsd.org/ Strathmore Elementary School], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed April 19, 2020.</ref> with 461 students in grades PreK–3, 
Lloyd Road Elementary School<ref>[https://lres.marsd.org/ Lloyd Road Elementary School], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed April 19, 2020.</ref> with 528 students in grades 4–5, 
Matawan Aberdeen Middle School<ref>[https://mams.marsd.org/ Matawan Aberdeen Middle School], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed April 19, 2020.</ref> with 795 students in grades 6–8 and 
[[Matawan Regional High School]]<ref>[https://mrhs.marsd.org/ Matawan Regional High School], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed April 19, 2020.</ref> with 1,154 students in grades 9–12.<ref>[https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?Id=239 County School List L-M], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey]]. Accessed March 1, 2024.</ref><ref>[https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/selectreport/2022-2023/25/3040 School Performance Reports for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District], [[New Jersey Department of Education]]. Accessed April 3, 2024.</ref><ref>[https://homeroom6.doe.state.nj.us/directory/school/districtid/3040 New Jersey School Directory for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District], [[New Jersey Department of Education]]. Accessed February 1, 2024.</ref>  The MARSD Central Offices are located at 1 Crest Way, in Aberdeen. Seats on the district's nine-member [[board of education]] are allocated based on the population of the constituent municipalities, with six assigned to Aberdeen Township.<ref>[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0141&id=78c1959a04d748eaa04445dc80646188 Matawan Aberdeen Regional Board of Education District Policy 0141 - Board Member Number and Term], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed December 5, 2024. "The Board of Education shall consist of nine members six from Aberdeen Township and three from Matawan Borough."</ref><ref>[https://www.marsd.org/board-of-education Board of Education], Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Accessed December 5, 2024.</ref>

The township is home to the [[Yeshiva Gedolah of Cliffwood]], which is listed as a higher education institution by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/colleges/schools_county.shtml NJ Colleges & Universities by County], New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Accessed March 31, 2023.</ref>

==Transportation==

===Roads and highways===
[[File:2021-05-27 17 46 18 View south along New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) from the overpass for Monmouth County Route 516 (Main Street) in Aberdeen Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|The [[Garden State Parkway]] in Aberdeen]]
{{As of|2010|5}}, the township had a total of {{convert|65.76|mi}} of roadways, of which {{convert|55.74|mi}} were maintained by the municipality, {{convert|5.35|mi}} by Monmouth County, {{convert|2.69|mi}} by the [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]] and {{convert|1.98|mi}} by the [[New Jersey Turnpike Authority]].<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Monmouth.pdf Monmouth County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction], [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]], May 2010. Accessed July 18, 2014.</ref>

The [[Garden State Parkway]] is the largest highway in Aberdeen, with exit 118 in the township.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/00000444__-.pdf#page=43 Garden State Parkway Straight Line Diagram], [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]. Accessed October 28, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/our-roadways.html Travel Resources: Interchanges, Service Areas & Commuter Lots], [[New Jersey Turnpike Authority]]. Accessed October 28, 2013.</ref> [[New Jersey Route 34|Route 34]] passes through in the southern area of the township, while [[New Jersey Route 35|Route 35]] runs through the northern area.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/00000034__-.pdf#page=8 Route 34 Straight Line Diagram], [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]. Accessed October 28, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/00000035__-.pdf#page=16 Route 35 Straight Line Diagram], [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]. Accessed October 28, 2013.</ref>

===Public transportation===
[[NJ Transit]] provides bus transportation between the township and the [[Port Authority Bus Terminal]] in [[Midtown Manhattan]] via the [[133 (New Jersey bus)|133]], which also stops in Old Bridge and Matawan, and the [[135 (New Jersey bus)|135]], which also stops in [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold]], Marlboro, and Matawan. Additionally, the [[817 (New Jersey bus)|817]] route, which operates between [[Middletown Township, New Jersey|Middletown]] and [[Perth Amboy, New Jersey|Perth Amboy]], also stops in [[Keansburg, New Jersey|Keansburg]], [[Hazlet, New Jersey|Hazlet]], [[Union Beach, New Jersey|Union Beach]], [[Keyport, New Jersey|Keyport]], [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey|Old Bridge]], and [[South Amboy, New Jersey|South Amboy]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100726183326/http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusRoutesMonmouthCountyTo Monmouth County Bus / Rail connections], [[NJ Transit]], backed up by the [[Internet Archive]] as of July 26, 2010. Accessed July 29, 2012.</ref>

The [[Aberdeen-Matawan station]], located in Aberdeen, is a rail station on the [[NJ Transit]] [[North Jersey Coast Line]], with service north to [[New York Penn Station]] and south to [[Bay Head station]].<ref>[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NJCL North Jersey Coast Line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723025516/http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NJCL |date=July 23, 2013 }}, [[NJ Transit]]. Accessed June 16, 2014.</ref>

==Notable people==
{{Category see also|People from Aberdeen Township, New Jersey}}
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Aberdeen Township include:

* [[Jay Bellamy]] (born 1972), [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]] who played in the NFL for the [[Seattle Seahawks]] and [[New Orleans Saints]]<ref>[http://www.njsportsheroes.com/jaybellamyfb.html Jay Bellamy], NJSports.com. Accessed March 14, 2018. "Jay Bellamy was born July 8, 1972 in Perth Amboy. He grew up in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen, where he distinguished himself in youth sports leagues with his remarkable strength and speed."</ref>
* [[Andrew Bowne]] ({{circa|1638}} – {{circa|1708}}), colonial politician and jurist<ref>Launay, Michael J. [https://books.google.com/books?id=J2XlaA1H3CQC&pg=PA21 ''Old Bridge''], p. 21. [[Arcadia Publishing]], 2002. Accessed October 2, 2016. "His brother, Capt. Andrew Bowne, owned 1,000 acres of land along the Raritan Bay between Whales Creek and Margaret's Creek. Their heirs built the Bowne Mansion, pictured here, on land owned by Andrew, where Laurence Harbor and Cliffwood Beach are today."</ref>
* [[Anthony Brown (quarterback)|Anthony Brown]] (born 1998), [[American football]] [[quarterback]] for the [[Las Vegas Raiders]] of the NFL<ref>Carino, Jerry. [https://www.app.com/story/sports/college/2019/09/22/anthony-brown-boston-college-football/2405227001/ "At Rutgers, Aberdeen's Anthony Brown has victorious homecoming for Boston College"], ''[[Asbury Park Press]]'', September 22, 2019. Accessed April 19, 2020. "For quarterback Anthony Brown, though, it took place Saturday at Rutgers. 'I used to talk to my dad about coming back here and playing all the time,' the Aberdeen native said after leading the Eagles to a 30-16 victory."</ref>
* [[Philip N. Gumbs]] (1923–2005), who served on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders<ref>Staff. [http://record-bergen.vlex.com/vid/philip-n-gumbs-groundbreaking-judge-62718721 "Philip N. Gumbs, 82; Groundbreaking Judge"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120718050832/http://record-bergen.vlex.com/vid/philip-n-gumbs-groundbreaking-judge-62718721 |date=2012-07-18 }}, ''[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]'', October 21, 2005. Accessed August 13, 2012. "Philip N. Gumbs, the first black judge and freeholder in Monmouth County and a former mayor of Aberdeen, has died."</ref>
* [[Erison Hurtault]] (born 1984), sprinter who has represented [[Dominica]] in international events<ref>[http://www.gonyuathletics.com/news/2014/9/11/MXC_0911140143.aspx "Erison Hurtault Joins Cross Country and Track & Field Coaching Staff; Former Olympian Will Serve as Assistant"], [[NYU Violets]], September 11, 2014. Accessed January 22, 2015. "A native of Aberdeen, NJ, Hurtault lives in New York City."</ref>
* [[Jodi Lyn O'Keefe]] (born 1978), actress and model, who at age 17 portrayed Cassidy Bridges on ''[[Nash Bridges]]''<ref>Martinez, J.W. [http://www.vervesocialmag.com/verve-exclusive-with-actress-jodi-lyn-okeefe-on-new-roles-balance-career-beginnings/ "Verve Exclusive with Actress Jodi Lyn O'Keefe on New Roles, Balance & Career Beginnings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150124163653/http://www.vervesocialmag.com/verve-exclusive-with-actress-jodi-lyn-okeefe-on-new-roles-balance-career-beginnings/ |date=January 24, 2015 }}, VerveSocialMag, April 3, 2013. Accessed January 23, 2015. "Born Jodi Lyn O'Keefe in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, a small close-knit community located in the Eastern most corner of the state, she began her career as a childhood model whose agency merged with a talent company."</ref>
* [[Thomas J. Powers]], politician who served on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and as Mayor of Aberdeen Township<ref>DeNicola, Linda. [http://www.digifind-it.com/DATA/matawan/independent/1998/1998-01-07.pdf "Aberdeen Dems promise harmony; With reorganization, party holds all seven council seats"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123051755/http://www.digifind-it.com/DATA/matawan/independent/1998/1998-01-07.pdf |date=2015-01-23 }}, ''Independent'', January 7, 1998. Accessed January 22, 2015. "David Lipman, the first elected mayor and one of the lefties, was there for the reorganization of the all-Democratic council as was former Republican mayor and Monmouth County Freeholder Thomas Powers."</ref>
* [[Retta]] (born 1970), comedian and actress, best known for her roles of [[Donna Meagle]] on [[NBC]]'s ''[[Parks and Recreation]]'' and Ruby Hill on NBC's ''[[Good Girls (TV series)|Good Girls]]''<ref>Feuer, Ryan. [https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2015/07/comedian_retta_talks_jersey_roots_parks_and_rec_an.html "Comedian Retta talks Jersey roots, ''Parks and Rec'' and ''Geeks Who Drink''"], NJ Advance Media for [[NJ.com]], July 16, 2015. Accessed October 8, 2024. "'Growing up in Jersey makes you a little bit ballsier, a little more outspoken,' says the comedian/actress, who was born in Newark and raised in Edison and Cliffwood Beach."</ref>
* [[Charlie Rogers]] (born 1976), former NFL running back and wide receiver who played for the [[Seattle Seahawks]], [[Buffalo Bills]] and [[Miami Dolphins]]<ref>Morgan, Sue M. [http://sub.gmnews.com/news/2002-07-18/Front_page/003.html " NFL player faces charges from After Dark fracas; Buffalo Bills receiver charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150124163635/http://sub.gmnews.com/news/2002-07-18/Front_page/003.html |date=2015-01-24 }}, ''Suburban'', July 18, 2002. Accessed January 23, 2015. "One officer was injured in the parking lot altercation, which occurred after the NFL star, Charlie Rogers, 26, of Aberdeen, allegedly refused to leave the area despite repeated police orders to do so."</ref>
* [[Melissa (computer virus)#David L. Smith|David L. Smith]], creator of the [[Melissa (computer virus)|Melissa computer virus]] first identified in March 1999.<ref>[http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/melissa.htm Creator of "Melissa" Computer Virus Pleads Guilty to State and Federal Charges] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206165906/http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/melissa.htm |date=2007-02-06 }}, [[United States Department of Justice]] press release dated December 9, 1999.</ref> Smith was sentenced in 2002 to serve 20 months in a federal prison<ref>[http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/melissaSent.htm Creator of Melissa Computer Virus Sentenced to 20 Months in Federal Prison] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820090416/http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/melissaSent.htm |date=2006-08-20 }}, [[United States Department of Justice]] press release dated May 1, 2002.</ref>
* [[Eileen Tell]] (born 1966), former professional tennis player<ref>Young, Josh. [https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/28/sports/backtalk-with-a-match-point-in-her-pocket.html "Backtalk; With a Match Point in Her Pocket"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', August 28, 1994. Accessed August 24, 2022. "Tell grew up in Aberdeen, N.J., one of many nationally ranked teen-agers whose parents poured every available dollar into her tennis."</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.aberdeennj.org/ Aberdeen Township website]

{{Monmouth County, New Jersey}}
{{Raritan Valley navigation}}
{{Raritan Bayshore}}
{{Jersey Shore region}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Aberdeen Township, New Jersey| ]]
[[Category:1857 establishments in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Faulkner Act (council–manager)]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1857]]
[[Category:Raritan Bayshore]]
[[Category:Townships in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Townships in Monmouth County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Discontiguous municipalities in New Jersey]]