Vineland was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 28, 1880, from portions of Landis Township, based on the results of a referendum held three days earlier. On July 1, 1952, Vineland borough and Landis Township were merged to form Vineland city, based on the results of a referendum held on February 5, 1952.
As of the census of 2000, there were 56,271 people, 19,930 households, and 14,210 families residing in the city. The population density was 819.2 people per square mile (316.3/km²). There were 20,958 housing units at an average density of 305.1/sq mi (117.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 67.47% White, 13.62% African American, 0.54% Native American, 1.16% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 14.01% from other races, and 3.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 30.00% of the population.
There were 19,930 households out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 16.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.17.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $40,076, and the median income for a family was $47,909. Males had a median income of $35,195 versus $25,518 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,797. About 9.8% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.3% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.
Route 47, Route 55 and Route 56, as well as County Route 540, County Route 552 and County Route 555 all pass through Vineland. Two general aviation airports are located nearby. Vineland-Downstown Airport is located 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of the central business district, and Kroelinger Airport, 3 miles (4.8 km) north.