Is Eatontown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Eatontown

Eatontown, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban charm and convenient access to major hubs, making it an attractive location for a diverse range of residents. This Monmouth County borough provides a community-focused atmosphere with proximity to the Jersey Shore and metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. Its historical roots are evident, yet it embraces modern amenities and a dynamic local economy.

The borough’s development has been influenced by its past, including the significant presence of Fort Monmouth, a former U.S. Army installation. Today, Eatontown is characterized by its main commercial thoroughfare, Route 35, which hosts a variety of businesses, from local shops to national retailers, anchored by the Monmouth Mall. This creates a lively commercial landscape alongside residential areas, offering a balance for those seeking both quiet living and accessible services.

Is it Safe to Live in Eatontown?

Eatontown presents a generally safe environment for its residents, though like any community, specific areas may have varying crime rates. The overall crime rate in Eatontown is comparable to the national average, with violent crimes being lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that for many, the risk of becoming a victim of crime is relatively low.

NeighborhoodScout data indicates that the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Eatontown is about 1 in 377, with property crime at 18 per 1,000 population. While Eatontown’s combined crime rate is higher than 84% of New Jersey’s cities, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rates. CrimeGrade.org notes that the violent crime rate is lower than the average U.S. city, and residents often consider the west and southeast parts of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The housing market in Eatontown reflects its desirable location, with home values generally higher than the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $840,000, showing a significant year-over-year increase (as reported by Redfin). Another report indicates the average home value was $619,848 in March 2026, up 4.9% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Eatontown varies by unit size. As of May 2026, the average rent was approximately $1,979 per month, with one-bedroom apartments around $1,979 and two-bedroom units averaging $2,437 (as reported by Apartments.com). RentCafe noted an average rent of $2,121 in April 2026, a slight decrease from the previous year.

Cost of Living

Eatontown’s cost of living is higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. PayScale reports that Eatontown’s overall cost of living is 18% higher than the national average, with housing costs 48% higher than the national average. Salary.com indicates that living costs are 41% higher than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being a primary driver.

Utility prices are slightly higher than the national average, and transportation expenses such as bus fares and gas prices are also elevated. Food costs in Eatontown are also noted to be less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by PayScale and ERI Economic Research Institute).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Eatontown’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and employers. Key sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by World Atlas). Major employers in the area include retail giants like Target and Lowe’s, as well as service providers such as FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service (as identified by Indeed.com).

Companies like Aptar, Festo Corporation, and Tyco represent the manufacturing sector within Eatontown. Additionally, Yorktel, a global company in the communications and media industry, is headquartered in Eatontown, contributing to the local employment landscape (as found on Indeed.com and Zippia).

Employment and Salaries

The employment rate in Eatontown is robust, with the employment rate currently at 91.17% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The most common job sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as noted by Data USA). Sales & Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Management Occupations are among the top job groups held by residents.

The average salary in Eatontown varies depending on the source and scope. ZipRecruiter reported an average annual salary of $48,656 as of April 2026, with a range typically between $33,869 and $61,235. Data USA indicates a median household income of $90,463 in 2024. However, other sources suggest higher figures for specific roles or average pay within the borough, such as an average annual salary of $83,931 for employees at Borough Of Eatontown (as reported by Zippia and doxo).

Climate and Environment

Weather Patterns

Eatontown experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of around 23°F in winter to a high of 85°F in summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 50 inches, with approximately 26 inches of snowfall (as noted by myPerfectWeather).

Summers are warm and can be humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 84°F and a low of 67°F. Winters are cold and windy, with January seeing average highs of 41°F and lows of 24°F. The chance of wet days varies throughout the year, with the wetter season occurring from March to August (as detailed by myPerfectWeather and World Atlas).

Environmental Features

Residents can enjoy various outdoor recreational opportunities within and around Eatontown. The Leon Smock 80-Acre Park offers fields for sports, playgrounds, and nature trails, providing ample space for activities (as described by World Atlas). Bliss Price Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary also offers a natural retreat for visitors.

The borough is also home to the Monmouth Mall, a significant commercial hub, and is conveniently located near coastal attractions and larger urban centers. Proximity to Red Bank and Long Branch offers additional access to arts, culture, and transportation options, while New York City and Philadelphia are within an hour’s drive, providing access to major metropolitan amenities (as noted by Apartments.com).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

The Eatontown Public School District serves students from PK to 8th grade and is considered above average (as reported by Niche). It has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, with 43% of students proficient in math and 53% proficient in reading according to state test scores (as noted by Niche). Memorial Middle School has been recognized among the best middle schools in New Jersey, demonstrating strong performance in NJSLA Algebra I and English Language Arts (as detailed by SchoolDigger.com).

While the district shows strong academic performance in some areas, it also faces challenges, including high chronic absenteeism rates. The district also shows variations in spending per student and student-teacher ratios, suggesting potential needs for resource allocation adjustments (as identified by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics

Eatontown has a population of approximately 13,584 residents as of 2026, with a median age of 49 years (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The racial composition is predominantly White, followed by Asian and Black or African American residents. Hispanic or Latino individuals also form a notable portion of the population (as per Data USA and Wikipedia).

The median household income in Eatontown was reported as $90,463 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The borough has a homeownership rate of approximately 58.1% (as reported by Data USA), with a mix of families and individuals comprising its households. Approximately 90.9% of residents are citizens, which is slightly lower than the national average (as noted by Data USA).