Ocean County, New Jersey Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in New Jersey
The population of Ocean County, New Jersey is 646,434 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in New Jersey. The median household income is $86,411, the median home value is $366,600, and the median age is 41.4.
The population of Ocean County has grown 15.4% since 2010 (577,574 → 666,434), a +1.03% annualized rate.
646,434
Population
+1.03%
Annual growth
1029
People / sq mi
$86,411
Median Income
$366,600
Median Home Value
Ocean County covers 628 sq mi of land at 1028.9 people per square mile.
About Ocean County, NJ
Ocean County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 1,029 people per square mile. With 646,434 residents, Ocean County is a county in New Jersey. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in New Jersey in the country, at #5 by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $86,411, above the US median of $78,538. Only 6.5% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $366,600, with typical rent around $1,702.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 33.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. About 11.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Ocean County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Ocean County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ocean County had a population of 577,574 in 2010 and 666,434 in 2024, a 15.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 666,434 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.03%.
666,434
Population (2024)
577,574
Population (2010)
666,434
Peak (2024)
1.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 577,574 |
| 2011 | 578,922 |
| 2012 | 580,013 |
| 2013 | 582,166 |
| 2014 | 584,563 |
| 2015 | 587,238 |
| 2016 | 591,142 |
| 2017 | 595,564 |
| 2018 | 601,649 |
| 2019 | 607,498 |
| 2020 | 638,554 |
| 2021 | 649,990 |
| 2022 | 656,386 |
| 2023 | 660,445 |
| 2024 | 666,434 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.4
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
22.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.9% · Seniors (65+): 22.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,411$-14,639 vs state |
| Mean household income | $115,709 |
| Per-capita income | $43,900 |
| Poverty rate | 6.5%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ocean County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.2%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
11.6%
Work from home
30.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$366,600$-61,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,702
Median rent
80.2%
Homeownership rate
295,201
Total housing units
81.8%
Occupied
18.2%
Vacant
19.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.8%
With health insurance
92.8%
With broadband internet
23.8%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
12.5%
With a disability
86.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
33.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Ocean County, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocean County, New Jersey has a population of 646,434 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in New Jersey. Population density is 1029 people per square mile.
The population of Ocean County has grown 15.4% since 2010 (577,574 → 666,434), a +1.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ocean County, New Jersey is $86,411, with mean (average) household income of $115,709 and per-capita income of $43,900. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ocean County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.0%), Black or African American (3.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ocean County, New Jersey is 41.4 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Ocean County is $366,600 and median monthly rent is $1,702. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 295,201 total housing units, 18.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ocean County, New Jersey is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Newark is among the largest cities associated with Ocean County, New Jersey, with a population of 307,188.
Ocean County, NJ Climate
Ocean County, NJ has an average annual temperature of 11.6°C (53°F) and receives about 1134 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.6°C
Avg Temp
1134
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 92 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 81 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 106 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 97 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 93 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 86 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 116 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 90 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 81 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 97 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 95 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Ocean County, NJ
The most comfortable months to visit Ocean County, NJ are typically June, September and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ocean County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.