RANK #285 / 996 · POP 643,064 · NJ
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.6%
Monmouth County, New Jersey, distinguishes itself with its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, offering numerous beaches from Sandy Hook to Manasquan. The county, located in central New Jersey, is roughly an hour's drive from New York City, with various commute options including NJ Transit rail and bus services, and ferry routes from towns like Belford, Atlantic Highlands, and Highlands. Beyond its shore, Monmouth County features a mix of suburban and agricultural landscapes, including horse farms, orchards, and wineries in its inland areas. The Monmouth County Park System manages over 18,000 acres across more than 40 sites, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, and environmental education.
Life in Monmouth County appeals to a range of residents, from families drawn to its highly-rated public school districts, including Holmdel Township and Freehold Regional, to commuters seeking access to New York City. The economy is diverse, with significant sectors in healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and professional and technical services. Recent economic developments show strong growth in non-residential construction, particularly in industrial warehousing and office spaces. Institutions like Brookdale Community College also contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting jobs and increasing earning potential for residents.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Monmouth County has a Boom Town Index score of 72/100, ranking #285 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.8% and a median household income of $118,527, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Monmouth County is $519,300 with median rent at $1,683/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2282, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.8%. Home values changed +2.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.39% of Monmouth County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.