What is now Maple Shade was originally formed as Chester Township on November 6, 1688, and was also known as Cropwell Township from June 5, 1690 through February 22, 1699. Chester was incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial 104 townships by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Portions of the township were taken to form Cinnaminson Township and Moorestown Township . The name was changed to Maple Shade township as of November 6, 1945, based on the results of a referendum passed that same day.
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,079 people, 8,462 households, and 4,721 families residing in the township. The population density was 4,959.4 people per square mile (1,913.4/km²). There were 9,009 housing units at an average density of 2,341.8/sq mi (903.5/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 83.17% White, 7.21% African American, 0.16% Native American, 6.10% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.69% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.46% of the population.
There were 8,462 households out of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.2% were non-families. 36.0% 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 2.22 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the township the population was spread out with 19.4% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 36.0% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $45,426, and the median income for a family was $53,912. Males had a median income of $40,290 versus $30,858 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,812. About 3.8% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over. People born and raised in Maple Shade are called "Shaders."
New Jersey Transit provides bus service to Philadelphia on the 317, 407 and 413 bus routes.