As a new member of the Burlington Regional Chamber of Commerce, I am honored to share my perspective on the place I both live and work. Burlington County is in a period of steady growth and transformation—driven by a rising population, diversified employment opportunities, and the unique presence of Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst (JBMDL). Coupled with the growing influence of our Hispanic community, these factors create an environment of resilience, diversity, and opportunity.

A County on the Rise

Burlington County’s population continues to grow, with an estimated 475,500 residents in 2024, up from 461,860 in 2020. This 3% increase demonstrates sustained demand for housing, services, and community resources.

Our economy remains equally strong. As of mid-2025, Burlington County supports approximately 238,800 jobs—a slight increase from late 2024, though modestly below the mid-2024 peak of just over 239,000. Employment continues to be led by healthcare, education, and retail, the largest sectors in the county.

The unemployment rate averaged 4.2% in 2024, with about 10,400 county residents unemployed out of a labor force of nearly 248,000. More recent data shows unemployment at 4.8% as of June 2025, still below the county’s long-term average.

Median household income remains robust. According to the most recent estimates, households in Burlington County earned approximately $102,500 in 2023, well above the national average and comparable to the state median. Updated 2024 income data is not yet finalized, but the county continues to demonstrate strong earning power that supports both families and small businesses.

These indicators point to a stable, diversified economy that continues to sustain growth for residents and businesses alike.

JBMDL: A Strategic and Economic Anchor

JBMDL is more than a military installation—it is the heartbeat of our county. As the nation’s only tri-service base, it spans 42,000 acres and sustains thousands of jobs. Its impact is felt daily in our schools, housing markets, and local businesses.

Military families bring both unique challenges and opportunities. They contribute to our economy through housing demand, retail spending, and education enrollment. Institutions like Wilmington University, which operates on-base, deepen the ties between military personnel and the broader Burlington community. For local businesses, JBMDL represents a reliable and long-term partner in growth.

The Hispanic Community: A Growing Influence

Burlington County is also home to a vibrant and growing Hispanic community. As of the 2020 census, 8.7% of the county’s population identified as Hispanic or Latino, with certain towns like Mount Holly reaching over 17%. By 2023, more than 10% of county residents were foreign-born, further diversifying our cultural and economic landscape.

This growth brings opportunity. Businesses that prioritize inclusivity, cultural fluency, and bilingual engagement are better positioned to serve this population. From real estate to retail, embracing diversity is not just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business strategy.

What This Means for Local Businesses

The trends shaping Burlington County offer clear opportunities for Chamber members:

Population Growth Creates Demand – Housing, healthcare, education, and local services are all poised to expand as our community grows.

Military Presence Drives Stability – JBMDL ensures consistent economic activity, while also creating niche opportunities to support military families.

Cultural Diversity Fuels Innovation – A growing Hispanic and immigrant population presents opportunities for businesses to expand their reach through inclusive practices.

Strong Workforce Development Potential – With educational resources tied to both the base and local institutions, Burlington County is positioned to train and retain top talent.

Moving Forward Together

Burlington County stands as a community of resilience, diversity, and opportunity. Our steady growth, anchored by JBMDL and enriched by our Hispanic population, creates a future that benefits residents, businesses, and the economy alike.

As a realtor and business owner, I see firsthand how these dynamics shape families’ decisions to buy homes, invest locally, and build legacies here. For fellow Chamber members, these same forces create fertile ground for innovation, partnerships, and sustainable growth.

Together, through the Burlington Regional Chamber of Commerce, we can continue to build a county where businesses thrive, families flourish, and opportunities are accessible to all.