[19] The borough is nestled within central New Jersey, and is roughly equidistant between New York City and Philadelphia.

Allentown was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on January 29, 1889, from portions of Upper Freehold Township, based on the results of a referendum held that day.

The 2010 United States census counted 1,828 people, 704 households, and 499 families in the borough.

[33] As of the 2000 United States census[14] there were 1,882 people, 708 households, and 526 families residing in the borough.

[5] The borough form of government used by Allentown is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie.

The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council.

[36][37] As of 2025[update], the mayor of Allentown is Independent Thomas C. Fritts, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027.

Darling (D, 2027), Erica DeKranes (I, 2026), Michael Drennan (I, 2027), Martha A. Johnson (I, 2025) and Daniel Payson (I, 2025).

[44][45][46] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 3rd congressional district is currently represented Herb Conaway (D, Delran Township).

[48] For the 2024-2025 session, the 12th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Owen Henry (R, Old Bridge Township) and in the General Assembly by Robert D. Clifton (R, Matawan) and Alex Sauickie (R, Jackson Township).

[80][81][82] The operations of the district are overseen by a nine-member board of education, with the board's trustees elected directly by voters to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with three seats up for election each year.

[83] The nine seats are allocated to the two constituent municipalities based on population, with four assigned to Allentown.

[84] The Allentown Historic District is a 17-acre (6.9 ha) historic district encompassing the community along North and South Main streets, Church, Pearl and Hamilton streets, Lakeview Drive and Yardville Road.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 1982, for its significance in architecture, commerce, education, industry, invention, religion, and transportation.

[87] The Allentown Presbyterian Church was built in 1837, expanded in 1858, and features Greek Revival architecture.

The Georgian-style John Imlay House, built c. 1790, was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1936.

Allentown is about one hour southwest of Manhattan via the Turnpike and about 50 minutes northeast of Philadelphia.

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