Mullica Hill, New Jersey

History

Spicerville was the name of a village on the south bank of Raccoon Creek, which is also called Raccoon River, named after prominent landowner Jacob Spicer. Mullica Hill originally referred to the village on the north bank of Raccoon Creek, named after the sons of Eric Pålsson Mullica, whose sons William, Eric, Olag and John Mullica began purchasing land here in 1704. Eventually, both villages became known as just Mullica Hill as the original name of Eric's grandfather's house in the Middle of Finland "Mullikkamäki" (mäki means hill). Some of Mullica Hill's historic buildings were built following the Civil War, notably the town hall that still stands today. The period of industrial and agricultural growth during and after the Civil War is commemorated by a reenactment every fall. In 1991, the entire village was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Mullica Hill Historic District.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 3.626 square miles (9.392 km²), including 3.603 square miles (9.333 km²) of land and 0.023 square miles (0.059 km²) of water (0.63%).

Census 2010

The 2010 United States Census counted 3,982 people, 1,456 households, and 1,104 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,105.1 per square mile (426.7/km²). The CDP contained 1,502 housing units at an average density of 416.8 per square mile (160.9/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.87% (3,698) White, 3.84% (153) Black or African American, 0.08% (3) Native American, 1.33% (53) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.45% (18) from other races, and 1.43% (57) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 3.16% (126) of the population.

Out of a total of 1,456 households, 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.2% were non-families. 20.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the CDP, 26.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 33.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.6 years. For every 100 females the census counted 90.2 males, but for 100 females at least 18 years old, it was 86.9 males.

Census 2000

As of the 2000 United States Census there were 1,658 people, 697 households, and 432 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 533.5/km² (1,382.0/mi²). There were 737 housing units at an average density of 237.1/km² (614.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.07% White, 6.88% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.84% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.05% of the population.

There were 697 households out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.9% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.09.

The population is spread out with 28.3% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 82.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,628, and the median income for a family was $62,321. Males had a median income of $48,295 versus $35,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,503. About 6.4% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Mullica Hill hosts Harrison Township Elementary School which serves students in grades K - 3 as part of the Harrison Township School District. It also hosts South Harrison Elementary School which serves grades K-6.

Public school students from Mullica Hill also attend Pleasant Valley School (grades 4 - 6), Clearview Regional Middle School (grades 7 & 8), and Clearview Regional High School (grades 9-12). All are located in Mullica Hill. Students that live in South Harrison in Mullica Hill also attend Kingsway Regional Middle School (grades 7 and 8) and Kingsway Regional High School (grades 9-12).

Friends School Mullica Hill is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational day school, serving students in pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as giving private music lessons. The current school was originally established in 1969, but is part of a local Quaker tradition in the area extending back over 300 years.

Transportation

New Jersey Transit bus service between Mullica Hill and Philadelphia is available on the 410 route.

In January 2012, U.S. Route 322 (which at one time ran through the heart of town) opened on a new alignment that brings it around the downtown area.

Wineries

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Mullica Hill include: