A Landscape of Pines and Waterways: The Geography of Lakewood

Located in northern Ocean County, Lakewood, New Jersey, is a township whose geography is a defining element of its history and character. Situated on the New Jersey Coastal Plain, its landscape is a subtle blend of flat, sandy terrain, dense pine forests, and a surprising number of man-made lakes that give the township its name.

Topography and Coastal Plain Location

Geographically, Lakewood is part of the Outer Coastal Plain, a region known for its relatively flat topography. The township is not characterized by dramatic hills or valleys; rather, it sits at a low elevation, with most of the land lying between 20 and 80 feet above sea level. Its highest point is only about 150 feet. This flat terrain was ideal for the development that shaped its history, from a 19th-century resort town to the bustling, fast-growing municipality it is today.

An Ecological Part of the Pine Barrens

While Lakewood lies just outside the borders of the federally designated Pinelands National Reserve, it is ecologically and geologically a part of the greater Pine Barrens ecosystem.

• Sandy, Acidic Soil: The region is defined by its characteristic soil, which is so representative that it is officially known as the "Lakewood series" soil. This is a very deep, sandy, and acidic soil that is excessively drained and rapidly permeable.
• Pine Forests: This unique soil is what supports the vast pine and oak forests that historically covered the area. The name "Lakewood" was chosen in 1880 to reflect this defining landscape of lakes and pine woods, which were considered therapeutic and were a primary draw for its original resort hotels.

A Network of Rivers and Man-Made Lakes

Despite its sandy, well-drained soil, Lakewood is rich with water. The township is bordered and traversed by several key waterways.

• Metedeconk River: The North Branch of the Metedeconk River forms the township's northern border, while the South Branch of the Metedeconk River flows directly through its center.
• Kettle Creek: A portion of southern Lakewood is drained by the north branch of this creek.
• The Four Lakes: The most prominent features of the landscape are its four man-made lakes, all created when these rivers were dammed for industrial purposes (like sawmills) in the 19th century. These lakes are
  • Lake Carasaljo
  • Lake Manetta
  • Lake Shenandoah
  • Lake Waddill

These bodies of water, particularly Lake Carasaljo in the center of town, are now the primary recreational and scenic hubs of the community, standing in sharp contrast to the dense pine forests that surround them.

Lakewood's Population: A Story of Explosive Growth

Lakewood, New Jersey, stands as one of the most demographically unique and rapidly expanding municipalities in the United States. Once a quiet resort town, its population has seen an explosive surge, transforming it into one of New Jersey's largest and youngest cities.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Lakewood was 135,158, a staggering 45.6% increase from its 2010 population of 92,843. This continues a trend of remarkable growth, with recent estimates suggesting the population has climbed even higher, nearing 142,000 residents. This boom has cemented Lakewood as the most populous township in Ocean County and one of the largest cities in the state.