The township was formally incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798.

[20] The name Alloway is derivative of Allowas, a local Native American chief.

[21][22][23] Ranch Hope, a nonprofit organization founded in 1962 by Reverend David L. Bailey Sr. and Eileen Bailey, provides behavioral health care, education, short-term shelter care, supportive housing and adventure-based services for thousands of children and families annually on a 100-acre (40 ha) campus in the township.

[26][27][28] Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Aldine, Alloway Junction, Dilkes Mile, Friesburg, Lake Sycamore, Mower, New Boston, Oakland, Penton, Remsterville, Riddleton and Watsons Mills.

[30][31] The 2010 United States census counted 3,467 people, 1,193 households, and 945 families in the township.

Of all households, 17.4% were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[44] As of the 2000 United States census[14] there were 2,774 people, 948 households, and 742 families residing in the township.

18.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[56] For the 2024-2025 session, the 3rd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by John Burzichelli (D, Paulsboro) and in the General Assembly by David Bailey (D, Woodstown) and Heather Simmons (D, Glassboro).

[57] Salem County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners who are elected at-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year.

[58][59] Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Clerk Dale A.

Cross (R, Pennsville Township, 2029),[60][61] Sheriff Charles M. Miller (R, Salem, 2027)[62][63] and Surrogate Nicki A. Burke (D, Woodstown, 2025).

[66] Among the township's 2010 Census population, 65.4% (vs. 64.6% in Salem County) were registered to vote, including 88.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 84.4% countywide).

[85] New Jersey Route 77 (Pole Tavern-Bridgeton Road) passes through the far eastern corner of the township.