RANK #132 / 996 · POP 638,691 · NJ
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.5%
Ocean County, New Jersey, is defined by its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, featuring popular destinations like Point Pleasant Beach and Long Beach Island. Located in the south-central part of the state, it sits about 70 miles south of New York City and 50 miles east of Philadelphia. Commuting to New York City is possible via bus routes from locations like Toms River and Brick, though the ride can be lengthy. The county offers a mix of suburban and coastal communities, with abundant outdoor recreation including 27 parks and conservation areas, over 4000 acres of preserved land, and access to the Pine Barrens.
Life in Ocean County often appeals to families and retirees seeking a balance of suburban living and coastal access. The county is home to various school districts, with some areas like Point Pleasant Borough and Stafford Township noted for their schools. The economy is significantly influenced by tourism and hospitality, driven by attractions such as Six Flags Great Adventure, Jenkinson's Boardwalk, and the numerous beaches. Healthcare and retail also contribute to the local economy, with major medical systems like RWJBarnabas Health present. Ocean County has experienced population growth, making it one of New Jersey's faster-growing counties.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 8.9x — 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.
Ocean County has a Boom Town Index score of 87/100, ranking #132 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.7% and a median household income of $82,379, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ocean County is $343,500 with median rent at $1,639/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2398, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.7%. Home values changed +3.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.34% of Ocean County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.