The start of the 2020s was a transformative time for personal income in the United States, particularly for those in middle-and lower-income brackets.
While the pandemic introduced unexpected financial relief through government programs, it also triggered a series of events that reshaped how Americans earned their living.
In Gloucester County, New Jersey, the ripple effects of these changes were felt throughout 2022, although the overall impact varied compared to state and national averages.
For many workers, the pandemic offered a temporary boost, partly thanks to pandemic-era welfare programs such as stimulus checks, child tax credits, and other financial aid.
This windfall and an ongoing cultural shift known as the “Great Resignation” saw millions leave their jobs to pursue better pay, benefits, and career fulfillment.
However, by 2022, inflation had escalated to its highest level in decades, peaking around 9%.
This increase in living costs quickly eroded some of the purchasing power gained in the previous years, causing personal income growth to slow considerably.
Nationally, personal income grew much slower in 2022 compared to 2021.
On average, Americans in metropolitan areas saw a modest 1.7% rise in income in 2022, following an impressive 8.9% growth in 2021.
Meanwhile, the increase for those living in nonmetropolitan and rural areas was slightly smaller, at 1.2%. In this context, Gloucester County experienced a more subtle shift.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the per capita personal income in Gloucester County stood at $62,405 in 2022, marking a slight increase of 0.1% from the previous year.
While this represents a modest rise, Gloucester County’s income per capita remains lower than the state and national averages.
In comparison, New Jersey’s statewide average per capita income was considerably higher, with Gloucester County trailing by $14,794. It was also below the average by $3,065 on a national scale.
Gloucester County’s economy is diverse, with its workforce of over 156,000 people employed across various sectors.
The largest industries in the region include Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade.
Of these, the healthcare sector stands out as the largest employer, with 23,373 individuals working in this field.
This sector is followed by education with 19,077 employees and retail with 18,444.
The highest-paying industries in the area include Utilities, with an average annual salary of $107,464, followed by Public Administration and Management of Companies & Enterprises, with median salaries of $84,746 and $80,104, respectively.
Gender disparity in earnings remains a key factor in New Jersey’s income landscape. On average, men in the state earn 1.36 times more than women.
In Gloucester County, men had a median income of $77,965, while women earned $46,446 on average.
This reflects the broader income inequality across New Jersey, with a Gini index of 0.489—significantly higher than the national average.
Despite these disparities, Gloucester County has seen steady growth in employment.
Between 2021 and 2022, employment in the county grew by 1.33%, adding around 2,000 jobs to the local economy.
The most common occupations in the area are management, office and administrative support, and sales and related roles, all of which contribute significantly to the local workforce.
When it comes to earnings by industry, some sectors show better opportunities than others.
For example, men working in Public Administration earned a median income of $95,313, while women in the same industry had a median income of $71,095.
Meanwhile, theFinance & Insurance and Manufacturing sectors also offered competitive wages for both genders.
As of early 2023, New Jersey’s employment levels continued to grow, with 4.24 million people employed across the state, a 2.27% increase from the previous year.
This trend of recovery and growth post-pandemic signals a resilient labor market, even as industries and workers adjust to the shifting economic landscape.
For those working in Gloucester County, the average wages and employment opportunities reflect a mixed picture.
While personal income growth was modest in 2022, the region’s economic foundation remains strong; key industries like healthcare, education, and retail continue to support the workforce.
As the cost of living continues to rise, residents and businesses must adapt to the evolving landscape of wages and employment in the coming years.
For now, Gloucester County remains an essential part of New Jersey’s growth, offering a snapshot of the opportunities and challenges faced by residents in the early 2020s.
