Is Brigantine Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brigantine
Brigantine, New Jersey, is an island city located in Atlantic County, offering a unique coastal living experience. It is part of the Atlantic City-Hammonton metropolitan statistical area. The city is known for its beaches and recreational opportunities, appealing to those seeking a seaside lifestyle.
Brigantine’s population has seen a decline in recent censuses, with the 2020 census recording 7,716 residents. This represents a decrease from previous years, reflecting a broader trend in the area. The median age in Brigantine is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a significant population of retirees and older adults.
Is it Safe to Live in Brigantine?
Brigantine’s overall crime rate is considered to be around the average for cities of all sizes in America. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Brigantine is approximately 1 in 118 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). The violent crime rate in Brigantine is reported as 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is about average for all communities across America.
Property crime in Brigantine is also at a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents. This includes offenses such as burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson. While Brigantine’s violent crime rate is comparable to the national average, its property crime rate is also in line with national figures. Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Brigantine shows a significant increase in home values. The median property value in Brigantine was approximately $524,800 in 2024 (Data USA). This represents an increase of 8.21% from the previous year. The homeownership rate in Brigantine is high, standing at 76.8% (Data USA).
For those looking to rent, the median gross rent in Brigantine is around $1,517 per month (Point2Homes). The median listing home price was approximately $649,950 in early 2026 (Realtor.com). However, other sources indicate a higher average home value, with Zillow reporting an average home value of $697,787 as of March 2026, up 4.7% over the past year (Zillow).
Economic Landscape and Employment
Brigantine’s economy supports a population of approximately 7,674 residents (Data USA). The median household income in Brigantine was reported as $97,250 in 2024 (Data USA), showing a growth of 9.39% from the previous year. The poverty rate is 9.38%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA).
The employment sector in Brigantine sees residents working in various industries. The most common employment sectors include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (Data USA). The unemployment rate in Brigantine was reported at 5.8% (Point2Homes), and in 2020, the city’s unemployment rate was 14.8% (NJ.gov).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Brigantine experiences a climate with warm, muggy summers and very cold, wet, and windy winters. Temperatures typically range from 27°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 91°F (Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 70°F.
Winter months bring colder temperatures, with January having average highs of 42°F and lows of 28°F (myPerfectWeather). Brigantine receives an average annual precipitation of about 45 inches (myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically August, while February sees the least amount of rain.
Education and Schooling
Brigantine is served by the Brigantine Public School District, which includes Brigantine Community School. This school serves students from Prekindergarten through 8th grade. Brigantine Community School has a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 (Public School Review).
In terms of academic performance, Brigantine Community School ranks within the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey for overall test scores. Math proficiency is reported at 48%, while reading proficiency is at 41% (Public School Review). The school has a diversity score of 0.43, which is lower than the state average (Public School Review).
Demographics and Population
Brigantine is home to approximately 7,674 residents, with a median age of 60.6 years (Data USA). The population is predominantly White, making up about 85% of residents (Point2Homes, World Population Review). Other racial groups include Asian (around 6%), Hispanic (around 5%), and African American (around 1%).
The gender distribution shows a higher percentage of females, with 56.4% identifying as female and 43.6% as male (Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, around 31.2%, is aged 65 or older (Wikipedia).
Cost of Living and Affordability
Brigantine’s cost of living is higher than both the national and state averages. Overall living costs are estimated to be 19% higher than the U.S. national average and 57% higher than New Jersey’s state average (Salary.com). This increase is largely driven by housing costs, transportation, and food prices.
Housing expenses are approximately 0.5% higher than the national average for Brigantine. Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,584, while a family of four could expect to spend around $5,745 per month (Salary.com). The median home value is around $423,000 (Kurby AI), and the median rent is approximately $1,481 per month (Kurby AI).
Major Employers and Job Market
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, key industries in Brigantine include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (Data USA). The city also has a presence of well-known companies such as Dollar Tree, CVS Health, and Wawa (Indeed.com).
The job market includes roles in management, office and administrative support, and sales. The average salary in Brigantine is reported to be around $50,000 per year, with an hourly rate of $24.04 (Zippia). However, other sources suggest a higher median household income of $97,250 (Data USA) and an average salary for city employees of $84,279 (GovSalaries).