Is Hammonton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hammonton

Hammonton, a town nestled in the heart of Atlantic County, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and community-focused living. Known for its rich agricultural heritage, particularly its title as the “Blueberry Capital of the World,” Hammonton has evolved into a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The town provides a welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of local identity, supported by its accessible amenities and a commitment to preserving its historical charm. This makes it an appealing option for individuals and families looking for a place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Hammonton?

Hammonton presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Hammonton is lower than the national average, with a total crime rate that is 38% lower per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This suggests a community where safety is a priority, contributing to a secure living experience.

Violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average, with 19 reported violent crimes, equating to 128 per 100,000 individuals, which is 64.3% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates also remain below the national average, with 176 reported property crimes, or 1187 per 100,000 residents, which is 32.6% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).

Housing and Cost of Living

The housing market in Hammonton offers a range of options, with the average home value standing at $373,850 as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow). The median list price for homes in Hammonton was $432,966 as of the same date (as reported by Zillow).

When considering rental properties, the average rent for an apartment in Hammonton is approximately $1,610 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,555, while a two-bedroom apartment can be expected to cost about $2,000 (according to Apartments.com). Houses for rent in Hammonton are generally more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,372 (as reported by Apartments.com).

The overall cost of living in Hammonton is considered to be 11% higher than the U.S. national average, although it is 10% lower than New Jersey’s state average (according to Salary.com). This is influenced by factors such as housing, transportation, and food expenses, which tend to be higher than the national averages.

Job Market and Economy

The average annual salary in Hammonton is approximately $47,953, which translates to about $23.05 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Hammonton typically range between $34,274 and $58,366 annually, depending on occupation and experience (according to ZipRecruiter).

Major industries in Hammonton include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). Highest paying industries in the area are Wholesale Trade, Utilities, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in the Atlantic City-Hammonton area saw a significant increase from July 2019 to July 2020, rising by 19.0 percentage points to 24.0 percent (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, more recent data indicates a decrease in the jobless rate over the year ended January 2023, with a reduction of 2.6 percentage points (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Weather

Hammonton experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, windy winters with snowfall. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 12°F or exceeding 93°F (according to Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 85°F and lows of 68°F.

Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 26°F and a high of 41°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The town receives an annual precipitation of about 48 inches, with an average of 20 inches of snowfall per year (according to myPerfectWeather).

Wet days are more common from late March to late August, with July having the most wet days on average. Conversely, October typically sees the fewest wet days (as reported by Weather Spark). The amount of cloud cover also varies seasonally, with September being the clearest month and January being the cloudiest.

Education and Schools

The Hammonton School District has received a B+ rating, indicating a good quality of education (according to Niche). Hammonton High School, part of this district, also holds a B+ rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores show that 37% of students are proficient in math and 64% are proficient in reading at Hammonton High School (according to Niche). Hammonton Middle School has earned a B rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (as reported by Niche).

Overall, the Hammonton school system is described as welcoming, with teachers who are often willing to provide extra help and create an engaging learning environment. Students frequently report feeling well-prepared for further education (according to Niche).

Demographics and Community

Hammonton has a population of approximately 14,711 residents as of the 2020 census (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The median age in Hammonton is 41.4 years, with 22.0% of residents under 18 and 18.7% aged 65 or older (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

The racial makeup of Hammonton is predominantly White, accounting for 74.3% of the population, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at 24.7% (according to Data USA). Other racial groups, including African American and Asian residents, make up smaller percentages of the population.

Households in Hammonton number around 5,456, with 31.8% of these households including children under 18 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The median household income was $78,087 in 2024 (according to Data USA), with a poverty rate of 9.58% (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Hammonton

Hammonton offers a peaceful living environment with lower-than-average crime rates, making it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking safety. The town’s strong community feel and agricultural roots, particularly its connection to blueberries, add to its unique charm.

However, the cost of living in Hammonton is above the national average, primarily driven by housing and transportation expenses. While the job market shows potential, past unemployment figures indicate some economic volatility.

The climate, with its distinct seasons, offers variety but can include harsh winters with snow. While schools are generally well-regarded, potential residents should research specific school performance data.