Mercerville-Hamilton Square, New Jersey


Mercerville-Hamilton Square is a census-designated place and unincorporated community located within Hamilton Township, in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2000 United States Census, the CDP's population was 26,419. As part of the 2010 Census, the area was split into two CDPs, Mercerville and Hamilton Square.

History

There are a number of historical markers in Mercerville, many detailing the path of the Continental Army under the command of George Washington through the area during the American Revolutionary War, especially related to the night march from the Second Battle of Trenton to the Battle of Princeton.
Originally called "Sandtown," Mercerville is named after General Hugh Mercer who died on January 12, 1777 due to wounds incurred at the Battle of Princeton. Hamilton Square was named after Alexander Hamilton in a wave of anti-British sentiment at the time of the War of 1812. It previously had been called Nottingham after the British town.

Historic places

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Mercerville-Hamilton Square CDP had a total area of 20.0 km2, all of it land.

Demographics

Census 2000

As of the 2000 United States Census there were 26,419 people, 9,403 households, and 7,362 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,323.0/km2. There were 9,539 housing units at an average density of 477.7/km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.14% White, 1.45% African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.52% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.78% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.54% of the population.
There were 9,403 households out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.5% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.7% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $67,896, and the median income for a family was $75,559. Males had a median income of $52,163 versus $35,182 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $27,080. About 1.7% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Most high school students in Mercerville attend Nottingham High School while Hamilton Square high school students attend Steinert High School.