Is Long Branch Safe, Pros and cons of living in Long Branch

Long Branch, a vibrant city nestled along the Jersey Shore, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and urban amenities. Its appealing location attracts residents seeking a dynamic lifestyle with access to beaches and a thriving community atmosphere. The city is known for its diverse population and a growing economy that continues to draw new residents and businesses.

As a well-established community, Long Branch presents a compelling option for those considering a move. The following information provides a comprehensive overview of key aspects of living in Long Branch, covering safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics to help inform your decision.

Is it Safe to Live in Long Branch?

Long Branch’s crime rate is considered moderate, with an overall crime rate that is 12% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Long Branch are 32.7% lower than the national average, with 242 reported per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes in Long Branch are 7.5% lower than the U.S. average, amounting to 1628 per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Long Branch is 1 in 415, and for property crime, it is 1 in 62 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Long Branch ranks in the 60th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 60% of cities but less safe than 40% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living

Housing Expenses

Long Branch’s housing expenses are significantly higher than the national average. The median home value in Long Branch is $574,000 (as reported by Data USA), which is 1.73 times larger than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). Similarly, the median rent in Long Branch is $3,700, which is 85% higher than the national average of $2,000 (as reported by Zillow).

The cost of living in Long Branch is 34% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs in Long Branch are 87% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This elevated cost of living is influenced by various factors, including housing, transportation, groceries, and healthcare.

Overall Affordability

The overall cost of living in Long Branch is 18% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are 48% higher than the national average, and utility prices are 3% higher (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses are also 5% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

When considering affordability, it’s also important to look at income levels. The median household income in Long Branch is $80,552 (as reported by Livability.com), and the median individual income is $46,929 (as reported by World Population Review). While incomes are higher than the national average, the cost of living, particularly housing, can present a challenge for some residents.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Several key employers contribute to the economic landscape of Long Branch and the surrounding Monmouth County area. RWJ Barnabas – Monmouth Medical Center is a significant employer in Long Branch, with 1,920 employees (as reported by Monmouth County Economic Development). Other major employers in Monmouth County include Hackensack Meridian Health and Saker Shoprites Inc. (as reported by Monmouth County Economic Development).

Other notable employers in or near Long Branch include Brookdale Community College (as reported by Zippia) and Monmouth University (as reported by Monmouth County Economic Development). These institutions play a vital role in the local job market, offering a range of employment opportunities across various sectors.

Employment and Income

The employment sector in Long Branch has seen a slight decline, with a decrease of -0.867% from 2023 to 2024, resulting in 15.9k employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common industries for residents are Construction, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Long Branch is approximately $55,859 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The median household income in Long Branch is $79,653 (as reported by World Population Review), with a poverty rate of 15.5% (as reported by World Population Review). The unemployment rate in Long Branch was 5.20% as of the most recent data (as reported by YCharts), which is lower than the long-term average of 6.97% (as reported by YCharts).

Climate and Weather

Temperatures and Seasons

Long Branch experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 28°F to 83°F, rarely dropping below 15°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The warm season lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 75°F. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 83°F and a low of 69°F.

The cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 29°F and a high of 41°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months (as reported by myPerfectWeather.com).

Precipitation and Snowfall

Long Branch receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 51 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather.com). The month with the most rainfall is typically April, with an average of 3.7 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The chance of a wet day is higher from late March to late August, with July having the most wet days.

The snowy period lasts for about four months, usually from December to March. February typically sees the most snowfall, with an average of 8.8 inches. The total average annual snowfall is around 27 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather.com). However, long-range forecasts suggest that winter precipitation and snowfall may be below normal in the coming year (as reported by Almanac.com).

Education and Schools

Public School Performance

Long Branch Public School District serves the city’s student population. Public schools in Long Branch have an average math proficiency score of 17% and a reading proficiency score of 21% (as reported by Niche). These scores are below the New Jersey public school averages of 38% for math and 49% for reading (as reported by Niche).

The district’s schools generally perform below state averages, with proficiency rates often less than half the state’s (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Long Branch High School has shown particularly low proficiency rates in subjects like 9th-grade English Language Arts and Algebra I (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district faces challenges, including high rates of poverty and chronic absenteeism (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School Rankings and Diversity

Schools in Long Branch have an average ranking that places them in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public schools (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in Long Branch schools is 79% of the student body, which is higher than the New Jersey public school average of 62% (as reported by Niche). The student population is predominantly Hispanic.

Despite overall challenges, some individual schools have been recognized. Long Branch High School was named one of the best high schools in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report in a previous ranking (as reported by Patch.com). A.A. Anastasia Elementary School and George L. Catrambone are also noted as top-ranked public schools within the city (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Population and Diversity

Long Branch is home to approximately 32,530 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with a significant portion of residents being foreign-born. As of 2024, 27.2% of Long Branch residents were born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).

The racial composition includes a majority of White residents (51% as reported by Niche), followed by Hispanic (25%), African American (11%), and other groups. The median age in Long Branch is 37 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender distribution is nearly even, with 49.1% males and 50.9% females (as reported by Point2Homes).

Citizenship and Household Structure

Approximately 69.8% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, while 11.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. A notable 18.6% of residents are non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). This diverse citizenship status contributes to the multicultural fabric of the community.

Long Branch has 13,140 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Of these, 62% are families, and the remaining 38% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The homeownership rate in Long Branch is 42.5%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Market and Real Estate

Home Prices and Values

The Long Branch real estate market is characterized by high home values. The median home value in Long Branch is $574,000 (as reported by Niche), with home values increasing by 10.6% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). In March 2026, home prices were up 23.0% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $850,000 (as reported by Redfin).

The market is somewhat competitive, with homes selling faster than in previous years. In April 2026, homes sold for a median price of $1,685,000 (as reported by Movoto). The median sale price per square foot is $485, showing a 7.2% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

The rental market in Long Branch is also quite expensive, with average rents significantly above the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Long Branch is $2,288 per month, which is 39% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rental prices have increased by 1.42% over the past year, with the average rent moving from $2,616 to $2,653 (as reported by RentCafe).

Studio apartments in Long Branch average around $2,222 per month, while one-bedroom apartments are about $2,365, and two-bedroom units are approximately $3,063 (as reported by RentCafe). The median rent for all property types in Long Branch is $3,800, which is 95% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper).