Is Keansburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Keansburg

Keansburg, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of coastal living and suburban accessibility, situated along the Raritan Bay. This Monmouth County borough provides a distinct atmosphere shaped by its history as a seaside resort. Prospective residents often consider various factors when evaluating a move, including safety, cost of living, and community amenities.

Understanding the local landscape of Keansburg involves examining its demographics, economic indicators, and environmental conditions. This comprehensive overview aims to provide potential movers with the essential information to make an informed decision about whether Keansburg is the right place for them.

Is it Safe to Live in Keansburg?

Keansburg’s crime rates present a mixed picture. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Keansburg is 1 in 570, with a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are higher, with a rate of 13 per one thousand population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to other communities nationwide (NeighborhoodScout). Overall, Keansburg’s crime rate is 14 crimes per one thousand residents, which is higher than the national average (NeighborhoodScout).

However, other reports suggest a different perspective. One analysis indicates that Keansburg’s overall crime rate is 31% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 51% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This source states that you have a 1 in 69 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Keansburg and that the borough is safer than 49% of cities in the United States (AreaVibes). It is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within Keansburg, with some areas considered safer than others (Crime Explorer).

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Keansburg is reported to be 175.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 65.2% above the national average (Crime Explorer). Specifically, the rate for rape is 10.3 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 3.5 per 100,000 (Niche). Robbery rates are also above the national average, at 10.3 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 5.8 per 100,000 (Niche). Aggravated assault rates are also higher than the national average, standing at 41.3 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 22.3 per 100,000 (Niche).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in Keansburg averages 185.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 13.5% above the national average (Crime Explorer). While burglary rates are lower than the national average, with an annual rate of 10.3 per 100,000 residents (Niche), larceny rates are considerably higher. The larceny rate is 175.4 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 116.4 per 100,000 (Niche). Overall, property crimes in Keansburg have an annual rate of 185.8 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 163.6 per 100,000 (Niche).

Cost of Living in Keansburg

The overall cost of living in Keansburg is higher than the national average. Keansburg’s cost of living is approximately 18% higher than the U.S. national average (PayScale, Redfin). This is driven up by several key expense categories, particularly housing.

Housing Expenses

Housing expenses in Keansburg are notably higher than the national average. Specifically, housing costs are 48% higher than the national average (PayScale). The median home value in Keansburg was approximately $311,800 in March 2026, reflecting a 13.6% increase from the previous year (Data USA). Other reports indicate a median sale price of $413,000 in March 2026, which was down 1.8% year-over-year (Redfin). The median listing price for homes in Keansburg is around $425,000 (Home.com).

Rent Trends

Rental prices in Keansburg are also above the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Keansburg is $1,703 per month, which is 4% higher than the national average of $1,642 per month (Apartments.com). However, Zumper reports a median rent of $2,550 as of April 2026, which is 31% higher than the national average (Zumper). One-bedroom apartments average around $1,703 per month, while two-bedroom apartments are approximately $2,228 per month (Apartments.com). For those considering renting, a monthly income of about $68,112 per year is recommended to comfortably afford the average rent (Apartments.com).

Other Living Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Keansburg also tend to be higher than the national average. Utility prices are 3% higher than the national average (PayScale). Transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 5% higher than the national average (PayScale). Grocery prices are also slightly elevated, running about 2% higher than the national average (PayScale). Healthcare expenses are also a factor, with costs in Keansburg being 17% higher than the national average (PayScale).

Job Market and Economy

Keansburg’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with retail trade, healthcare, and food services being prominent sectors. The unemployment rate in Keansburg is approximately 5.6% (BestPlaces). While this figure provides a snapshot, the overall economic health is also influenced by average salaries and major employers within the region.

Average Salary and Income

The average annual salary in Keansburg is reported to be around $72,000, with an hourly rate of $34.62 (Zippia). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $81,428 as of 2024 (Data USA, Livability.com). This median income is slightly above the national median household income of $80,734 (Niche, Kurby AI). The median wage in Keansburg is reported as $46.4K per year by ZipRecruiter, though this figure may represent a different metric than the average salary (ZipRecruiter).

Major Employers

Identifying major employers in Keansburg is crucial for understanding local employment opportunities. While specific Keansburg-based major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, prominent companies operating in the broader New Jersey area include CVS Health, Family Dollar, Wells Fargo, Domino’s, and Aramark (Indeed.com). Healthcare networks, retail chains, and food service companies are generally significant employers in the region (Indeed.com, Cumberland County Major Employers).

Climate and Environment

Keansburg experiences a climate typical of the Northeastern United States, with distinct seasons. The borough’s location along the Raritan Bay influences its weather patterns, including temperature and precipitation.

Temperatures and Seasons

Throughout the year, temperatures in Keansburg generally range from 24°F to 86°F (myPerfectWeather). The warm season spans from June to September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 86°F and a low of 67°F (myPerfectWeather). Conversely, the cold season extends from December to March, with January being the coldest month, featuring an average high of 41°F and a low of 25°F (myPerfectWeather). The overall mean temperature across the year is approximately 56°F (Time and Date).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

Keansburg receives an average annual precipitation of about 49 inches (myPerfectWeather). This precipitation includes both rain and the liquid equivalent of snowfall. The month with the most rainfall is typically June, with an average of 5 inches (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 27 inches annually (myPerfectWeather). In terms of wet days, Keansburg experiences a wetter season from March to August, with a greater than 29% chance of precipitation on any given day during this period (Time and Date).

Education in Keansburg

The Keansburg School District serves the educational needs of the borough’s students. The district operates several schools, catering to students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

School District Performance

The Keansburg School District has received a “C minus” overall Niche grade (Niche). According to state test scores, only 14% of students are proficient in math, and 24% are proficient in reading (Niche). The district’s average testing ranking is 1 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey (Public School Review). Math proficiency scores are around 12%, significantly lower than the New Jersey average of 38%, and reading proficiency scores are about 21%, compared to the state average of 49% (Public School Review).

Student-Teacher Ratio and Demographics

The Keansburg School District has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 (Niche). Keansburg High School, specifically, has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (Niche, Keansburg High School). Minority enrollment within the Keansburg School District is 58% of the student body, with Hispanic students forming the majority, which is slightly less than the New Jersey public school average (Public School Review). The graduation rate for Keansburg High School is reported to be between 80-84%, ranking in the bottom 50% in New Jersey (Keansburg High School).

Demographics of Keansburg

Keansburg’s population has seen a slight decline in recent years. As of the 2020 census, the borough’s population was 9,755, a decrease from previous census counts (Wikipedia). Projections for 2026 estimate the population at 9,659, indicating a continued slight annual decline (Keansburg, New Jersey Population 2026).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of Keansburg includes a White population making up approximately 59% (Niche) to 66.02% (Keansburg, New Jersey Population 2026), with smaller percentages for other races. Hispanic residents constitute about 26% of the population (Niche), or 14.58% as “other race” (Keansburg, New Jersey Population 2026). African Americans make up around 10% of the population (Niche), and Asian residents represent about 2% (Niche). A portion of the population, around 7.61%, identifies as belonging to two or more races (Keansburg, New Jersey Population 2026).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Keansburg is around 40 years (Keansburg, New Jersey Population 2026, Point2Homes). The population is distributed with approximately 15.2% under 15 years old, and 13.2% between 15 and 24 years old (Point2Homes). Adults aged 25 to 44 comprise 27.4% of the population, while those aged 45 to 64 make up 30.2% (Point2Homes). Around 14.1% of residents are 65 or older (Point2Homes). Gender distribution is relatively balanced, with females making up 51.8% of the population and males 48.2% (Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Keansburg

Keansburg offers a coastal lifestyle with a relatively lower median home sale price compared to the national average, though the overall cost of living remains higher. The borough’s proximity to New York City provides access to a larger job market and amenities, while its own community offers local businesses and services.

Potential Advantages

Living in Keansburg provides residents with access to the Raritan Bay, offering recreational opportunities. The median home sale price, while varying by report, can be more accessible than in some surrounding areas, with one report noting it as 18% lower than the national average (Redfin). The town has a business directory with various local establishments, suggesting a degree of local commerce (Keansburg Business Directory).

Potential Challenges

The cost of living in Keansburg is higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses (PayScale, Redfin). Crime rates, especially for property crime, are a concern, with figures indicating they are above the national average (NeighborhoodScout). The public school system’s performance also presents challenges, with lower-than-average proficiency scores in math and reading (Niche, Public School Review). The average rent is also higher than the national average (Apartments.com, Zumper).