countyscore
47.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.8Schools 85.4Health 81.2

County Report Card

About Ocean County, New Jersey

Strong Performance Near the National Median

Ocean County’s composite score of 47.4 is very close to the national median of 50.0. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its high-cost New Jersey neighbors.

Surpassing the New Jersey Average

The county scores 47.4, notably higher than the state average of 41.4. It provides a more accessible entry point into the state's high-income economy compared to northern counties.

Balanced Wealth and Strong Schools

Ocean earns a high income score of 89.8 and a strong school score of 85.4. It also offers more relative affordability than its neighbors, with home values averaging $366,600.

Environmental Risk and Tax Burdens

The risk score of 3.8 indicates a vulnerability to coastal and environmental factors. Its cost score of 5.0 and tax score of 5.5, while better than many NJ counties, still present budget challenges.

A Haven for Retirees and Families

Ocean County is ideal for those seeking a mix of shore living and solid community services without the extreme prices of Monmouth or Morris. It suits anyone looking for a high-quality suburban or coastal lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax5.5Cost5Safety60.8Health81.2Schools85.4Income89.8Risk3.8Water63Weather63.3
🏛5.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Monmouth County
New Jersey
46
Burlington County
New Jersey
46.6
Atlantic County
New Jersey
31.9
Mercer County
New Jersey
35
Camden County
New Jersey
32.1
Middlesex County
New Jersey
41.9
Philadelphia County
Pennsylvania
28.8
Gloucester County
New Jersey
41.7

Deep Dives

Ocean County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ocean County

via TaxByCounty

Ocean taxes rank in bottom fifth

Ocean County's 1.773% effective tax rate places it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 2.11%. The median property tax of $6,499 is the lowest among these eight counties, reflecting both a favorable rate and more modest home values averaging $366,600.

Ocean ranks third-lowest in Jersey

Ocean County's 1.773% effective tax rate ranks third-lowest in New Jersey, behind only Monmouth (1.765%) and Morris (1.796%), and significantly below the state average of 2.211%. Ocean offers one of Jersey's most tax-friendly environments.

Ocean delivers lowest tax bill regionally

Ocean's 1.773% rate beats Hudson (1.851%), and nearly matches Monmouth (1.765%) and Morris (1.796%), while crushing Hunterdon (2.005%) and Mercer (2.508%). Critically, Ocean's median tax bill of $6,499 is far lower than any peer because homes are substantially less expensive.

A $366K home costs $6,499 yearly

The median Ocean County home is valued at $366,600, the most affordable in this county group, generating only $6,499 in annual property taxes. With mortgage deductions, homeowners effectively pay $6,776.

Ocean homeowners can appeal overassessments

Ocean County residents who believe their properties are overassessed on tax rolls can file a formal appeal with the county assessor. Since roughly 15-20% of Jersey properties are valued above fair market value, it's worth checking your assessment against recent local sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ocean County

via CostByCounty

Ocean County faces affordability squeeze

Ocean County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among New Jersey's highest, with a median household income of just $86,411 paying $1,702 monthly rent. This stretched affordability reflects Ocean's character as a working- to middle-class beach community where coastal living doesn't pay a premium wage.

Ocean ranks among Jersey's tightest

At 23.6%, Ocean's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds New Jersey's 19.1% state average, making it one of the state's least affordable counties for renters. Combined with a below-state-average median income of $86,411, Ocean residents face real affordability pressure.

Affordable rents, but lower income

Ocean's $1,702 median rent is competitive—cheaper than Hudson ($1,811) and Middlesex ($1,810)—but its median income of $86,411 trails most neighbors significantly. This income-to-rent mismatch creates Ocean's affordability challenge: reasonable rents on lower paychecks.

Renters bear the affordability burden

Renters pay $1,702 monthly while homeowners face just $1,630—a rare reversal where renters cost more than owners. The median household income of $86,411 stretches thin across both options, with rents claiming nearly a quarter of gross income.

Homeownership makes economic sense

Ocean County offers an unusual opportunity: homeowner costs ($1,630) actually undercut rents ($1,702), making purchase viable for households with strong down payment savings. If you're relocating to the Jersey Shore, consider homeownership to escape Ocean's rental affordability squeeze.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ocean County

via IncomeByCounty

Ocean County earns 15% above national median

Ocean County's median household income of $86,411 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $11,656, positioning residents solidly above the national average. This moderate advantage reflects a mixed economy combining retirement communities, tourism, and manufacturing with professional employment.

Below-average income among New Jersey counties

At $86,411, Ocean County ranks toward the lower end of New Jersey's 21 counties, falling $14,480 short of the state median of $100,891. The county's income profile reflects its significant retiree population and mix of working-class and middle-income households.

Ocean County faces income headwinds regionally

Ocean County's $86,411 median income ranks among the lowest in this coastal region, trailing Monmouth County ($122,727) substantially and falling below Mercer County ($96,333) and Hudson County ($90,032). Only Passaic County ($87,137) earns slightly more, reflecting Ocean's economic challenges relative to northern New Jersey's prosperous counties.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Ocean residents spend 23.6% of household income on rent, well above the 20% affordability threshold and indicating tight housing affordability. With a median home value of $366,600, residents face constrained capacity to save and invest after covering core housing expenses.

Start small, think long-term

Ocean County's median household income of $86,411 requires disciplined financial planning to build wealth amid higher housing cost burdens. Begin with modest contributions to employer 401(k) plans, establish an emergency fund first, and gradually increase savings rates as income grows or housing costs stabilize.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ocean County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety

Ocean County maintains a strong safety score of 98.6, with a total crime rate of 904.0 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Standalone Shore Security

The county outperforms the New Jersey average crime rate of 1,525.9 and the state safety score of 97.6. It remains a standout performer in the Jersey Shore region.

Comparing to Shore Neighbors

Ocean County is safer than neighboring Monmouth County, which reports 1,259.5 crimes per 100,000. Local law enforcement keeps the rate well below many of its suburban peers.

Focusing on Property Issues

Property crime occurs at 807.9 per 100,000, while violent crime is limited to 96.1. Most reported incidents involve non-violent offenses like theft or vandalism.

Protecting Your Coastal Home

Homeowners can further reduce property crime by installing visible security cameras. Being active in your local community helps police maintain these impressive safety numbers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ocean County

via HealthByCounty

Ocean County life expectancy lags nationally

Ocean County's 78.1-year life expectancy is 0.9 years below the US average of 77.2 years, though still competitive. The county's 15.9% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.1% by 2.8 percentage points, signaling health challenges.

Below-average outcomes in New Jersey

Ocean County's 78.1-year life expectancy falls below New Jersey's state average of 78.5 years, ranking among the state's lower performers. The county's 15.9% poor or fair health rate is among the worst statewide.

Severe primary care provider shortage

Ocean County's 38 primary care providers per 100K is critically low—less than half neighboring Monmouth's 110 per 100K—creating major access barriers. The county's 5.8% uninsured rate is relatively good, but provider scarcity limits care availability for insured residents.

Provider shortage drives poor health

Ocean County residents face a critical shortage of primary care access with just 38 providers per 100K population, severely limiting appointment availability. Though 5.8% uninsured is relatively low, the few insured residents who obtain insurance struggle to find available doctors.

Coverage is essential but incomplete

If you're uninsured in Ocean County, healthcare.gov and Get Covered NJ at getcoverednj.org provide coverage options. While insurance is vital, Ocean County urgently needs more primary care providers to fulfill the promise of that coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ocean County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expanding Education Near the Shore

Ocean County manages 116 public schools within 30 districts, serving a student body of 66,348. The county features a diverse mix of 64 elementary, 20 middle, and 24 high schools.

Strong Results and Consistent Funding

The county's graduation rate of 92.7% beats both the state average of 91.4% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $13,447, ensuring the county stays well-funded relative to the $13,000 national average.

Toms River and Brick Township Giants

Toms River Regional is the dominant district with 14,501 students across 18 schools, followed by Brick Township with 8,273 students. Only one charter school exists in the county, making traditional public districts the primary choice for residents.

A Substantial Suburban Footprint

Ocean County schools are mostly suburban (91) with 16 rural locations, averaging 587 students per school. Toms River High School North is the largest in the county, providing for 1,931 students in a bustling high school environment.

Coastal Living and Quality Classrooms

Ocean County's combination of high graduation rates and reasonable per-pupil spending offers great value for families. Look for homes in the Toms River or Jackson districts to find some of the county's most established school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ocean County

via RiskByCounty

Ocean County faces elevated disaster risk

Ocean County scores 96.15 out of 100 for composite risk, placing it firmly in the relatively high category and well above national and state averages. This score reflects coastal and environmental factors that create significant multi-hazard exposure.

Fifth-highest risk among NJ counties

Ocean County ranks fifth statewide in disaster risk with a composite score of 96.15, trailing only Middlesex, Hudson, Mercer, and Monmouth counties. Its score exceeds the state average of 90.81 by more than 5 points.

Nearly equal risk to Monmouth County

Ocean County (96.15) carries virtually the same composite risk as neighboring Monmouth County (96.31) to the north and substantially more than inland Morris County (92.88). Both Ocean and Monmouth face elevated coastal hazards.

Flooding and wildfires are critical threats

Ocean County faces exceptional flood risk at 98.20, driven by coastal exposure and low-lying terrain across much of the county. Wildfire risk scores an unusually high 95.23 for New Jersey, reflecting extensive pine forests and dry conditions, while hurricane risk (93.24) adds coastal storm exposure.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

Ocean County residents must secure flood insurance immediately given the 98.20 flood risk score—among the highest in the state. Add earthquake and wildfire coverage to your policy, maintain firebreaks around your property if applicable, and stay informed about coastal storm warnings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ocean County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm coastal air dominates the year

Ocean County averages 53.8°F annually, sitting just above the national median. Its coastal position ensures that the climate remains mild and humid throughout the year.

Above average state temperatures

The county’s average temperature exceeds the state benchmark of 53.6°F. This makes it part of the warmer southern coastal belt of New Jersey.

Dry coastal winters and less snow

Ocean County receives only 10.2 inches of snow, far less than the 29.0 inches seen in Middlesex. It is also drier than its northern neighbor Monmouth, recording 46.5 inches of rain.

Mild winters and rare extreme heat

Despite the coastal warmth, the county only sees 17 extreme heat days per year. Winters are relatively gentle, with a January average of 32.8°F and minimal snowfall.

Enjoy a lighter winter wardrobe

With only 10.2 inches of snow, residents can skip the heavy-duty plows required in northern counties. Proper home sealing is still recommended to manage the 46.5 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ocean County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Chemistry and Pine Barrens Edge

Ocean County soil averages a pH of 5.44, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 4.24. This still falls below the national median of 6.5, but offers a slightly more balanced environment for many plants. The soil reflects its proximity to both the Atlantic and the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem.

Sandy Shores and Low Clay

The soil is overwhelmingly sandy at 64.5%, with a very low 7.7% clay content. This composition is typical for coastal plains, ensuring that the ground is light and never becomes sticky or heavy. However, such high sand levels mean that nutrients can wash away easily without regular amendments.

High Organic Content, Low Water Retention

Organic matter is quite high at 11.37%, but the available water capacity is low at 0.110 in/in. This is significantly below the state average of 0.168, indicating that the sandy soil doesn't hold onto moisture for long. Plants in this county will need more frequent watering during the height of summer.

Subaqueous Soils and Slow Infiltration

The county features 'Subaqueous' drainage and falls into Hydrologic Group D. This indicates that while the surface is sandy, the overall system can have very slow infiltration or high water tables in certain spots. This paradox requires careful site-specific drainage planning for any construction or agriculture.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 7b

Zone 7b provides Ocean County with a warm, long growing season influenced by the ocean. Local favorites like cranberries and blueberries are perfectly adapted to these sandy, carbon-rich conditions. Start a coastal-inspired garden with salt-tolerant species that thrive in high-sand environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ocean County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawns in New Jersey

Ocean County is a standout performer with a lawn difficulty score of 60.2, significantly higher than the state average of 48.0. This makes it the most lawn-friendly county in this group, well exceeding the national median of 50.0. The temperate zone 7b climate provides a perfect backdrop for coastal greenery.

Perfect Weather for Grass

With 46.5 inches of rain, Ocean County falls right into the ideal precipitation sweet spot for healthy turf. It experiences only 17 extreme heat days, keeping the grass from drying out as quickly as it does in the state's urban centers. The long growing season lasts until mid-November, providing ample time for lawn care.

The Sandy Shore Soil

The soil is very sandy (64.5%) and has a pH of 5.44, which is closer to the 6.0 target than many other NJ counties. This 'subaqueous' drainage class means the soil can be quite wet in some areas but generally provides good aeration for roots. Adding organic matter will help the sandy base retain the nutrients your grass needs.

Managing Variable Dryness

The county is currently 72.1% abnormally dry, having faced 29 weeks of drought over the past year. Because sandy soil loses water fast, your lawn will show signs of wilt sooner than inland varieties during a dry spell. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets about one inch of water per week, including rainfall.

Maximize Your Long Season

Ocean's zone 7b allows for a wide range of grass types, including heat-tolerant tall fescues and even some warm-season varieties. You can safely start your lawn projects after April 23rd, knowing you have until November 15th before the first frost. This extended window is a major advantage for local homeowners.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ocean County's county score?
Ocean County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 47.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Ocean County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Ocean County ranks #7 among all counties in New Jersey on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Ocean County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Ocean County is $6,499, with an effective tax rate of 1.77%. This earns Ocean County a tax score of 5.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ocean County?
The median household income in Ocean County, New Jersey is $86,411 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ocean County earns an income score of 89.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ocean County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Ocean County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Ocean County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Ocean County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.