Is Morganville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Morganville
Morganville, New Jersey, offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community. It is a census-designated place within Marlboro Township, known for its well-regarded schools and generally peaceful atmosphere. The area provides a mix of local and national amenities, making daily life convenient for its residents.
The community is situated in Monmouth County, providing access to various surrounding areas and attractions. Its location along U.S. Highway 9 offers straightforward commuting options. Morganville is a place where many families choose to settle, drawn by its safe environment and educational opportunities.
Is it Safe to Live in Morganville?
Morganville is considered a safe place to live, with a crime rate significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 10 per 1,000 residents, and the violent crime rate is notably lower than in most of America (NeighborhoodScout). This safety profile contributes to its appeal for residents seeking a secure environment.
While the overall crime rate is low, property crime in Morganville is slightly above the national average for communities of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout). However, residents generally find the southern parts of the community to be the safest. The cost of crime per resident is also lower than the state and national averages (CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Home Values and Ownership
The housing market in Morganville reflects a desirable, established community. The median home value in Morganville is approximately $681,800 (Data USA). This figure is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a robust real estate market. The homeownership rate in Morganville is high, standing at 88.1%, which is well above the national average (Data USA).
Recent trends show an increase in property values, with the median value growing by 18.4% between recent years (Data USA). This appreciation suggests a stable and potentially growing investment for homeowners. The majority of residents own their homes, reinforcing the community’s stable, family-oriented character.
Rental Market
For those considering renting, Morganville offers a range of options, though at a higher price point than the national average. The average apartment rent in Morganville is around $1,266 for a one-bedroom unit, with two-bedroom units averaging $2,658 (Apartments.com). Some sources indicate a higher average rent, with one estimate placing it at $3,300, which is 65% higher than the national average (Zillow).
Apartment rents have seen an increase over the past year, with a 4.0% rise reported (Apartments.com). This trend suggests a strong demand in the rental market as well. The median rent price is reported to be $2,692, with most residents opting to own their homes rather than rent (Niche).
Overall Cost of Living
Morganville’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average. Expenses are estimated to be 18% higher than the national average overall (Payscale). Housing is a significant contributor, with expenses in this category being 48% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Beyond housing, utility prices are slightly higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas and bus fares, are also elevated (Payscale). Food costs are also marginally higher than the national average. Healthcare expenses are also higher, approximately 17% above the national average (Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Average Salaries and Income
The economic landscape of Morganville shows a strong income potential for its residents. The median household income is substantial, with figures reported around $161,500 (Data USA, ERI SalaryExpert). This high median income reflects the professional nature of the community and its proximity to major employment centers.
The average salary in Morganville is approximately $21.20 per hour or $44,087 per year (ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary for jobs in Morganville, placing it at $78,316 per year (ERI SalaryExpert). The median income for a household was reported as $119,215 in a previous census (Wikipedia).
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers within Morganville are not extensively detailed, the surrounding region offers diverse employment opportunities. Major employers in the broader Monmouth County and nearby areas include healthcare networks like RWJBarnabas Health, retail giants such as Costco Wholesale and Lowe’s Home Improvement, and service providers like the United States Postal Service (Indeed.com, Zippia). These diverse sectors provide a stable job market for residents.
The town itself hosts various businesses, including those in IT services, manufacturing, and retail. Companies like Cenogenics Corporation and Innospire Systems are noted as significant employers within the area (Zippia). The presence of these varied industries contributes to the local economy and provides a range of job options for the community.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Seasons
Morganville experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (Weather Spark). The temperature typically ranges from 26°F to 85°F throughout the year, with extremes being rare (Weather Spark).
The hot season lasts for about 3.5 months, from June to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 76°F. July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 85°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 27°F (Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Other Weather Factors
Annual precipitation in Morganville averages around 47 inches (Livability.com) to 49 inches (myPerfectWeather), including both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow. April typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 3.7 inches (Weather Spark), while February receives the least (Weather Spark). Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, occur more frequently from April to August.
Snowfall is a notable feature of Morganville’s winters, with an average annual snowfall of 25 inches (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather). The snowy period generally lasts from late November to late March, with January experiencing the most snow (Weather Spark). The drier season extends from late August through March, with October having the fewest wet days.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Districts
Morganville is served by the Marlboro Township Public School District, which is highly regarded. Public schools in Morganville boast impressive proficiency scores in math and reading, significantly exceeding the state averages (Niche.com). Schools in the area generally receive high rankings, placing them in the top tier of New Jersey public schools.
Notable schools include Robertsville Elementary School, Asher Holmes Elementary School, and Marlboro Memorial Middle School, all of which are highly rated (Niche.com). These institutions contribute to Morganville’s reputation as a family-friendly community with strong educational opportunities.
Population and Demographics
As of the most recent census data, Morganville has a population of approximately 6,203 residents (Wikipedia). The community is growing, with its population increasing since the last census. The median age in Morganville is around 43.2 years, indicating a community with a mix of age groups (Wikipedia).
The racial makeup of Morganville is diverse. White residents constitute the largest group, followed by Asian residents. Hispanic or Latino individuals also form a notable portion of the population (Wikipedia). A significant percentage of residents are foreign-born, and a majority of the population are U.S. citizens (Data USA).
Lifestyle and Community
Housing Distribution and Household Composition
Morganville has more homeowners than renters, with approximately 82% of residents owning their homes (Apartments.com). This high ownership rate contributes to the stable, residential feel of the community. The average household size is around 3 members (Point2Homes).
A large percentage of households consist of families, with about 73.1% being families and the remainder comprising individuals living alone or with non-relatives (Point2Homes). This family-centric composition is a key characteristic of Morganville’s community structure.
Area Feel and Commute
Morganville offers a sparse suburban feel, characterized by a quieter, more residential atmosphere compared to urban centers (Niche.com). The community provides a mix of local eateries and national chains, ensuring convenient access to shopping and entertainment. Residents generally have a longer average commute time, often driving alone to work, with an average commute of around 34.9 minutes (Data USA).
The community’s layout and the prevalence of car ownership support this commuting pattern. While public transportation options exist, they are limited, making personal vehicles essential for many residents’ daily travel needs (Apartments.com).