Galloway, N.J. — Atlantic City’s economy has shown robust job growth of 4.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, according to the Summer 2025 edition of the South Jersey Economic Review. The report highlights broad-based job gains, particularly in restaurants, bars, and retail trade. The review also examines the implications of the newly redefined Atlantic City metropolitan area, which now includes Cape May and Atlantic counties. Oliver Cooke, editor of the Review and associate professor of Economics at Stockton, noted that while there are analytical challenges with the redefinition, it emphasizes the importance of regional thinking. The publication discusses the potential impact of New York City-area casinos on Atlantic City’s economy and stresses the urgency of diversification efforts. Cooke mentioned that although some diversification initiatives are gaining momentum, restructuring a metropolitan economy takes significant time. The report places Atlantic City’s efforts in a national context, suggesting opportunities in sectors like information and finance. Other key points include a 10% increase in single-family home prices last year and a 7% decline in casino hotel employment during the first quarter.
— new from Stockton University
