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 is a county in New Jersey with a population of 646,434. It ranks #5 among counties in New Jersey by population. The median age is 41.4, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Ocean County is $86,411, above the US median of $74,580. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $366,600, with monthly rent averaging $1,702. The homeownership rate of 80.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ocean County reflects 33.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.7 minutes each way.
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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.