Is Absecon Safe, Pros and cons of living in Absecon

Absecon, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and coastal proximity, making it an appealing locale for a diverse range of residents. This Atlantic County municipality provides a community atmosphere with access to the vibrant attractions of the Jersey Shore. Understanding the various facets of life in Absecon, from its safety and economic landscape to its educational opportunities and climate, is essential for anyone considering a move to this South Jersey town.

The town’s strategic location provides a balance between a peaceful residential environment and convenient access to major employment centers and recreational areas. Absecon is known for its community-oriented feel, making it a place where residents can find both a sense of belonging and a connection to the broader South Jersey region.

Is it Safe to Live in Absecon?

Absecon presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate in Absecon is 12% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, violent crimes in Absecon are 45% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are 23% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Absecon is 1 in 43 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 514, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 47 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the northeast part of Absecon is generally considered the safest, crime risks can vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 28 in the southwest to 1 in 87 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing and Cost of Living

Absecon’s housing market offers a range of options, with a median home value that is lower than the national average. The median home value in Absecon was approximately $286,300 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This is lower than the national average median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Absecon is 79.3%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

The cost of living in Absecon is generally higher than the national average, largely driven by housing expenses. Absecon is 15% more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being 23% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). For renters, the average rent for an apartment in Absecon is around $1,864 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This is 14% higher than the national average rent price of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Absecon employs approximately 4,025 individuals, though employment saw a slight decline of 6.72% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The primary industries in Absecon include Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation (as reported by Data USA). Major job sectors for residents include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Education Instruction, & Library Occupations, and Management Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in Absecon was $73,676 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is slightly below the national median household income of $74,580 (as reported by Livability.com). The unemployment rate in New Jersey was 4.9% in March 2026, which is higher than the U.S. overall unemployment rate at that time (as reported by USAFacts). Atlantic County, where Absecon is located, had an unemployment rate of 7.4% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).

Climate and Environment

Absecon experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 27°F to 85°F (as reported by Livability.com). The warmest month is July, with average highs of 84°F and lows of 68°F, while January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 43°F and lows of 28°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The area receives a significant amount of precipitation annually, averaging around 46 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with August typically being the wettest month and February the driest (as reported by Climate-Data.org). Absecon also experiences an average annual snowfall of about 10 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Absecon’s public school system serves a student population of approximately 5,388, with 86% of students attending public schools (as reported by Niche). The public schools in Absecon have an average math proficiency score of 31% and a reading proficiency score of 32%, which are below the New Jersey state averages (as reported by Niche). The schools in Absecon have an average ranking of 2 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools (as reported by Niche).

Top-ranked public schools in Absecon include Reeds Road Elementary School, Emma C. Attales, and Arthur Rann Elementary School (as reported by Niche). The Absecon Public Schools District itself is ranked 360 out of 609 districts in New Jersey and holds a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community

Absecon is home to a population of approximately 9,170 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for about 69.87% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 10.82%, and Asian at 6.17% (as reported by World Population Review). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 7.50% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).

The median age in Absecon is 38.2 years (as reported by World Population Review). The poverty rate in Absecon is 7.93%, which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of Absecon residents, 94.4%, are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

Key industries contributing to Absecon’s economy include Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include retail giants like Dollar Tree and The Home Depot, as well as healthcare providers such as CVS Health (as reported by Indeed.com). Other notable companies with a presence in Absecon include AutoZone, Dairy Queen, and Burger King (as reported by Indeed.com).

The town’s proximity to Atlantic City also provides employment opportunities in the hospitality and casino sectors. While specific local employer data is limited, the presence of these national brands indicates a diverse job market within and surrounding Absecon. The educational sector is also a significant employer, with Absecon Public Schools being a notable entity within the community (as reported by Lensa).