Report calls this South Jersey city worst in New Jersey; where is it and what’s wrong?

A New Jersey city with just over 26,000 residents has been ranked the worst place to live in the Garden State.

Financial news site 24/7 Wall St. compiled a list naming the "worst community" in each U.S. state, considering three main categories — economy, community and overall quality of life. The study pulled data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, focusing on areas including employment growth, poverty rates, average hospital stays, crimes and community engagement.

Here's what to know about the New Jersey city where overall quality of life may not be the best, according to 24/7 Wall St. Do you agree?

Where is Bridgeton NJ?

Bridgeton, the governmental seat of Cumberland County, earned a suboptimal rank among the "worst cities in the U.S." list, compiled by 24/7 Wall St.

Located on the Cohansey River near the Delaware Bay in South Jersey, the city had a population of 26,763 in 2023, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The population has dropped roughly 2% since 2020.

Here's the stats 24/7 Wall St. pulled that led to their decision, and how it compares to New Jersey:

It's important to note that since the time this data was collected, Bridgeton has seen a median house value increase to $210,000 as of February, a 9.1% jump compared to last year, according to Redfin. It's also key to mention median sale prices across the state averaged $520,700 in February, an increase of 9.2% since last year, Redfin reports.

Despite the challenges the city faces, Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly "remains inspired and motivated" by the people who live there that "bridge the distance between problem and solution."

Kelly called the community "unfinished," stating it has been ever-changing, always growing and always searching for ways to make the community "great."

The community is home to the City Park, which spans 1,100 acres and features walking trails, picnic area, basketball courts and playing fields. It also has a new 7,500 Splash Park next to the city's Cohanzick Zoo — named the most visited destination in Cumberland County, according to the city's website. The area also includes the historic Potter's Tavern, said to have been built in the 1750s, and is the headquarters of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation.

Once a thriving manufacturing and agricultural hub, the largest employer in Bridgeton is likely South Woods State Prison, the largest and newest NJ Department of Corrections facility in the state.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.