The Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands or simply the Pines, is a heavily forested area of coastal plain stretching across more than seven counties of New Jersey. The name "pine barrens" refers to the area's sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil. Although European settlers could not cultivate their familiar crops there, the unique ecology of the Pine Barrens supports a diverse spectrum of plant life, including orchids and carnivorous plants. The area is also notable for its populations of rare pygmy Pitch Pines and other plant species that depend on the frequent fires of the Pine Barrens to reproduce. The sand that composes much of the area's soil is referred to by the locals as sugar sand.

Population data is useful both as an indicator of demand for housing and for private and public goods and services, as well as for various per capita and per household calculations. The population in group quarters10 is also important as changes in institutional and non- institutional housing can influence the apparent overall population changes of a municipality. 

Population data is compiled at the municipal level and regionally aggregated to allow for inside/outside the Pinelands and state analysis. 

Population in the Pinelands grew quickly in the 1980’s, jumping about 30% over the decade. Elsewhere, population grew only by 7% in the Non-Pinelands and 5% in the state. The following decade showed a decreased growth rate in the Pinelands at 12%; however it was still much higher than that of the Non-Pinelands (7%) and the state (9%). In the 2000’s, the Pinelands showed continued fast growth of 13% relative to both the Non-Pinelands and the state at around 5% and 4%, respectively. According to the U.S. Census, the 2010 Pinelands municipal aggregate population was 698,092 while the Non-Pinelands had a population of 1,723,949 and the state’s population was 8,791,894. During the 30-year period, the population in the Pinelands grew by 65%. Comparatively, the Non-Pinelands grew by 21% and the state grew by 19% during the same period. 

At the municipal level, Woodland Township grew by 53% from 2000 to 2010 (618 additional people). Egg Harbor Township saw the next highest percent growth, increasing by 41% and upping its population by 12,597.