[21] Linwood was originally incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 20, 1889, from portions of Egg Harbor Township, based on the results of a referendum held the previous day.

Among the names proposed and considered by local residents were "Brinola", "Geneva", "Pearville" and "Viola", with "Linwood" ultimately chosen.

[23] Geographically, the city, and all of Atlantic County, is part of the South Jersey region of the state and of the Atlantic City-Hammonton metropolitan statistical area, which in turn is included in the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden combined statistical area and the Delaware Valley.

[25][26][27][28] Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Bellhaven and Seaview.

[39] The governing body is comprised of a Mayor and a seven-member City Council who are chosen in partisan balloting held as part of the November general election.

In addition, the council is responsible for the approval of the city budget, the establishment of financial controls and setting of all salaries of elected and appointed officers and employees.

[41] As of 2023[update], the Mayor of the City of Linwood is Republican Darren H. Matik, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023.

[49] Todd Michael was appointed in June 2021 to fill the Ward 2 seat expiring in December 2022 that had been hele by Brian Heun until he resigned from office the previous March.

[50] Michael served on an interim basis until he won election for the balance of the term of office in November 2021.

[46] In January 2020, Matthew B. Levinson was appointed to fill the at-large city council seat expiring in December 2020 that was vacated by Darren H. Matik when he took office as mayor.

[51] In May 2016, Eric Ford was selected from three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the Ward 1 seat expiring in December 2017 that became vacant following the resignation of Timothy Tighe.

[52] Darren Matik was named in August 2012 to fill the vacant at-large seat that had been held by Matthew Levinson, who resigned the previous month.

[53] Todd Gordon was appointed in January 2013 to fill the seat of Alex Marino, who had resigned following his taking office on the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

[57][58][59] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew (R, Dennis Township).

[61] For the 2024-2025 session, the 2nd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Vincent J. Polistina (R, Egg Harbor Township) and in the General Assembly by Don Guardian (R, Atlantic City) and Claire Swift (R, Margate City).

[63][64] As of 2025[update], Atlantic County's Executive is Dennis Levinson (R, Northfield), whose term of office ends December 31, 2027.

[83] Among the city's 2010 Census population, 73.3% (vs. 58.8% in Atlantic County) were registered to vote, including 97.5% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 76.6% countywide).

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 1989 for its significance in architecture and social history.

[112] Borough public school students are also eligible to attend the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in the Mays Landing section of Hamilton Township[113] or the Charter-Tech High School for the Performing Arts, located in Somers Point.

[116] U.S. Route 9 is the main highway directly serving Linwood, running nearly 2.5 miles (4.0 km) south into Somers Point and north into Northfield.