Is Manasquan Safe, Pros and cons of living in Manasquan

Manasquan, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience, making it an attractive destination for many. Nestled on the Jersey Shore, this borough provides residents with access to beautiful beaches and a vibrant community atmosphere. Its location also offers a reasonable commute to major employment centers, combining the appeal of a smaller town with the advantages of proximity to larger metropolitan areas.

The town boasts a rich history and a strong sense of community, evident in its well-maintained public spaces and active local organizations. From its charming downtown area with local shops and restaurants to its picturesque natural surroundings, Manasquan provides a desirable living environment for families and individuals alike. Understanding the key aspects of life in Manasquan, including safety, cost of living, and local amenities, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this desirable New Jersey borough.

Is it Safe to Live in Manasquan?

Manasquan is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The FBI reports that violent crime rates are 84.1% below the national average, and property crime rates are 48.4% below the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). This low crime rate contributes to a high quality of life for residents.

Year over year, crime in Manasquan has seen an increase of 10% (as reported by AreaVibes). However, overall, Manasquan has a crime safety grade of A, with its overall crime rate being 52% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents have a 1 in 95 chance of becoming a victim of crime (as reported by AreaVibes), and the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 638 (as reported by DoorProfit).

Violent Crime

Violent crimes in Manasquan are notably low, standing at 76% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 1173 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The murder rate in Manasquan is also very low, with a rate of 0.0143 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Manasquan’s violent crime rate is about average when compared to all communities in America across all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, relative to New Jersey, Manasquan’s crime rate is higher than 57% of the state’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Property Crime

Property crimes in Manasquan are also well below the national average. The annual rate for property crime is 84.5 per 100k residents, which is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Manasquan is about 1 in 104 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The FBI data indicates that property crime is the most common type of offense recorded in Manasquan over the past five years (as reported by FBI crime data). Despite this, the overall property crime rate remains substantially lower than the national average, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe community.

Cost of Living in Manasquan

Manasquan’s cost of living is higher than both the national and state averages. Overall living expenses in Manasquan are 66% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by AreaVibes) and 36% higher than the national average when considering monthly expenses for singles and families (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant contributor to this higher expense, being 209% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

For a single person, total monthly expenses in Manasquan are estimated at $2,650, while for a family of four, they are approximately $5,851 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect elevated costs across various categories, including housing, transportation, and food.

Housing Costs

Housing in Manasquan is considerably more expensive than the national average. The median home price in Manasquan is approximately $1,103,000, with a year-over-year growth of 1.8% (as reported by Rentcast). The median listing price is even higher, at $1,870,000 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

Rental prices are also substantial. The median rental price in Manasquan is around $4,500 per month (as reported by Rentcast), with some sources indicating an average rent of $4,500 (as reported by Zumper) or even $5,000 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This high cost of housing reflects the desirability of the area and its prime location on the Jersey Shore.

Average Salary and Income

The median household income in Manasquan is notably high, standing at $142,944 (as reported by World Population Review). This is significantly higher than the national median household income of $80,734 (as reported by World Population Review). The average annual household income was reported as $219,551 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Despite the high incomes, the cost of living, particularly housing, means that a significant portion of income is allocated to expenses. For renters, the median household income was $49,397, with a rent-to-income ratio of 51.1% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Job Market and Economy

Manasquan’s job market is characterized by a high proportion of white-collar workers, with 91.4% of residents in such roles (as reported by Point2Homes). A substantial 65.8% of employment is within private companies, with self-employed individuals making up 14.7% (as reported by Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate in New Jersey was 4.9% as of March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). While specific unemployment data for Manasquan is not readily available, the broader state figures suggest a relatively stable job market. Major employers in the area are diverse, including businesses in retail, services, and healthcare, contributing to the local economy.

Major Employers

While a comprehensive list of Manasquan’s largest employers is not detailed in the provided data, general business directories indicate a presence of various sectors. These include retail establishments, restaurants, professional services, and healthcare providers (as indicated by Manasquan-nj.gov business directories). Companies like Sabre Systems and Westinghouse are mentioned among businesses in the broader region, suggesting a diversified employment landscape.

The presence of numerous local businesses, from small shops to service providers, also contributes significantly to employment opportunities within the borough. These local enterprises cater to the community’s needs and enhance the town’s economic vitality.

Climate in Manasquan

Manasquan experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 26°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The average high temperature in July is 83°F, while the average low in January is 27°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).

The borough receives a considerable amount of precipitation annually, averaging around 1211 mm (48 inches) (as reported by Weather and Climate). December is typically the wettest month, while November is among the drier months. July is the sunniest month, with an average of 9.0 hours of sunshine per day (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Temperature and Rainfall

Summers in Manasquan are warm, humid, and wet, with average daily high temperatures above 75°F from June to September (as reported by Weather and Climate). Winters are very cold, often accompanied by snow and wind, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F from December to March (as reported by Weather and Climate).

The average annual precipitation is substantial, with April being the rainiest month and February receiving the least rain (as reported by Weather and Climate). This consistent rainfall supports the area’s lush environment, contributing to its appeal as a coastal community.

Education in Manasquan

Manasquan is served by a highly-rated public school system, with the Manasquan School District receiving an overall Niche Grade of A (as reported by Niche). The district serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade, boasting a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Manasquan High School is recognized for its athletic programs and college preparatory offerings, ranking well within New Jersey (as reported by Niche). Manasquan Elementary School also receives high marks, with an overall Niche Grade of A- and a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

Manasquan Elementary School is rated an A- overall, with strong scores in academics and teachers (as reported by Niche). The Manasquan School District as a whole is ranked highly in New Jersey, particularly for its athletic programs and the quality of its teachers (as reported by Niche). These strong educational foundations provide a solid environment for students’ development.

Manasquan High School is also well-regarded, earning an A- grade from Niche and ranking among the best public high schools in New Jersey (as reported by Niche). The school is particularly noted for its athletes and has a strong showing in college preparation categories.

Demographics of Manasquan

As of the most recent census data, Manasquan has a population of approximately 5,938 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Manasquan is around 48.3 years, indicating a population that skews slightly older than the national average (as reported by World Population Review). The borough has a nearly even gender distribution, with 49.8% males and 50.2% females (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Manasquan is predominantly White, with 92.4% of locals identifying as Caucasian (as reported by Point2Homes). A small percentage of residents identify with Asian or multiracial backgrounds, and the foreign-born population is around 4.14% (as reported by Data USA).

Population and Age Distribution

Manasquan’s population has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase of 0.7% from 2010 to 2020 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age of 48.3 years (as reported by World Population Review) suggests a community with a significant portion of established residents and retirees. Approximately 22.4% of residents are 65 years of age or older (as reported by Wikipedia).

Conversely, 18.1% of the population is under the age of 18 (as reported by Wikipedia). This age distribution indicates a balanced community with both younger families and a mature demographic, contributing to a diverse and stable social fabric.

Household and Family Structure

Manasquan has a homeownership rate of 83.9% (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average. There are approximately 2,462 households in Manasquan, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by Wikipedia). A significant portion of these households, 71.9%, are considered families (as reported by Point2Homes).

The median household income is substantial, as noted earlier, reflecting a community with a strong economic base. The poverty rate in Manasquan is reported at 3.04% (as reported by World Population Review), which is considerably lower than the national average.