Ocean County, New Jersey Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Ocean County is located in New Jersey with a total population of 646,434. It is the 5th most populous county out of 21 in New Jersey. The county encompasses 19 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ocean County is 41.4 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 10.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Ocean County is $86,411. This is 14% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 10% higher. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%. This is 7% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. The unemployment rate is 5.5%. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $366,600. Housing costs are 14% lower than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% higher than the state average of 63.7%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Ocean County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (81.8% vs 51.9%). The Black or African American population (2.9%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (10.6%) is well below the state average of 21.9%. The Asian population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 9.8%.

Education

33.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.3%.