Is Oceanport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Oceanport
Oceanport, New Jersey, offers a blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience, making it an attractive location for those seeking a particular lifestyle. This Monmouth County borough is known for its scenic beauty and community atmosphere. It provides residents with access to beaches, parks, and a relatively peaceful environment while still being within commuting distance of major metropolitan areas.
The town’s history is intertwined with its coastal location, influencing its development and character. From its early days as a port town to its modern identity as a desirable residential area, Oceanport has evolved significantly. Understanding its current landscape involves looking at various facets of life, from safety and cost of living to its economic drivers and community amenities.
Is it Safe to Live in Oceanport?
Oceanport is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is 42% below the national average, and the borough has a safety grade of B+ (as of 2026) (DoorProfit, 2026). This indicates that Oceanport is safer than 79% of major U.S. cities (DoorProfit, 2026).
Violent crime rates are exceptionally low, with only 49 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning Oceanport as one of the safer cities in the United States (AreaVibes, 2026). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Oceanport is 1 in 2058 (AreaVibes, 2026). Property crime rates are also low, with 373 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 78.8% lower than the average (AreaVibes, 2026). Residents often consider the east part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to western neighborhoods (CrimeGrade.org, 2026).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Oceanport presents a notable cost of living, with housing expenses being significantly higher than the national average. The median home value in Oceanport is approximately $910,435 as of March 2026, showing a 4.0% increase over the past year (Zillow, 2026). For those looking to rent, the median rent in Oceanport is around $2,144 per month (Apartments.com, 2026), which is 31% higher than the national average (Apartments.com, 2026).
More recent data from April 2026 indicates a median listing price of $1.00M for homes for sale in Oceanport, underscoring strong buyer demand (Realtor.com, 2026). The median rent in Oceanport is reported as $5,000 per month as of April 2026, which is 156% higher than the national average (Zumper, 2026). This indicates a substantial variation in rental cost data depending on the source and timeframe.
Overall Cost of Living
Oceanport’s cost of living is considerably higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index in Oceanport is 167, compared to the national average of 100 (AreaVibes, 2026). This means living expenses are 67% higher than the national average (AreaVibes, 2026).
Housing costs are a primary driver, being 197% higher than the national average (AreaVibes, 2026). Other expenses also contribute, with utility prices being 3% higher than the national average and transportation expenses being 5% higher (Payscale, 2026). Grocery prices are 2% higher than the national average, and healthcare costs are 17% higher (Payscale, 2026).
Economy and Employment
Major Employers and Industries
The economy of Oceanport is supported by various industries, with Educational Services employing approximately 400 people, followed by Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services with 328 people, and Manufacturing with 324 people (Data USA, 2024). Historically, Fort Monmouth was a major employer in the area, significantly impacting the town’s economic health by providing employment and stimulating local business (History, n.d.). While Fort Monmouth closed in 2011, its legacy as a major employer shaped the region’s economic landscape.
For the broader Ocean County area, which includes Oceanport, healthcare and social assistance is the largest industry, employing over 40,000 people (New Jersey Real Estate Network, 2023). Retail trades form the second largest industry, with approximately 12.9 percent of employed individuals working in sales and related occupations (New Jersey Real Estate Network, 2023). Companies like RWJBarnabas Health and Allied Universal are present in the Oceanport area, indicating a presence in healthcare and security services (Indeed.com, n.d.).
Income and Salaries
The median household income in Oceanport is reported to be around $126,094, a figure that is substantially higher than the national median household income of $80,734 (Niche, n.d.). This higher income level is associated with a higher educational attainment rate, with 52% of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, compared to 31% nationwide (BestNeighborhood.org, n.d.). The average annual household income was $118,953 in 2024, though this marked a -17.2% change from the previous year (Point2Homes, 2024).
However, there are discrepancies in reported income figures. One source states the median household income in Oceanport is $111,899, placing it in the 94th percentile nationally (BestNeighborhood.org, n.d.). Another source indicates an average individual income of $73,874 for Oceanport residents (Elizabeth Giordano, n.d.). The average salary in Oceanport, New Jersey, as of May 2026, is reported as $27.16 an hour or $56,502 per year (ZipRecruiter, 2026).
Unemployment Rate
Specific current unemployment rate data for Oceanport is not readily available in the provided search results. However, national and state unemployment figures can provide a general context for the job market in the region.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Seasons
Oceanport experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and very cold, windy winters. The warm season typically lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 75°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 69°F (myPerfectWeather, n.d.).
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 of 28°F and highs of 41°F (myPerfectWeather, n.d.). Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 27°F to 84°F, rarely dropping below 14°F or exceeding 91°F (myPerfectWeather, n.d.).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year in Oceanport. April typically sees the most rain, with an average of 3.7 inches, while February has the least, averaging 2.5 inches (myPerfectWeather, n.d.). The wet season generally runs from late March to late August, with a greater than 29% chance of a wet day. July records the most wet days, averaging 10.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (myPerfectWeather, n.d.).
Annual precipitation averages around 51 inches (myPerfectWeather, n.d.). Snowfall is more common in the winter months, with an annual average of about 26 inches (myPerfectWeather, n.d.). The snowy period typically lasts from December through March, with February seeing the most snowfall (myPerfectWeather, n.d.).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
The Oceanport School District is highly rated, earning an overall Niche grade of A- (Niche, n.d.). It serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (Niche, n.d.). According to state test scores, 65% of students are proficient in math and 65% in reading (Niche, n.d.).
Within the district, Maple Place Middle School is noted for its exceptional performance, consistently ranking among the top middle schools in New Jersey and earning a 4 out of 5-star rating (SchoolDigger.com, n.d.). It shows significantly higher proficiency rates than the state average in English Language Arts and Mathematics (SchoolDigger.com, n.d.). Wolf Hill School, the district’s elementary school, is also considered solid, though it does not stand out as prominently as the middle school (SchoolDigger.com, n.d.).
Demographics
Oceanport is home to a population of approximately 6,150 residents as of the 2020 census (Wikipedia, n.d.). The median age in Oceanport is around 51 years (Point2Homes, 2024), with a significant portion of the population aged 45 to 64 (Point2Homes, 2024). The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 91.6% of the population, with smaller percentages for other racial groups (Point2Homes, 2024).
The borough has a citizenship rate of 98.3% (Data USA, 2024), and a foreign-born population of 4.28% as of 2024 (Data USA, 2024). Gender-wise, 50.3% of Oceanport locals are male, and 49.7% are female (Point2Homes, 2024). The population density is high, with 1,932.46 people per square mile (Elizabeth Giordano, n.d.).
Pros and Cons of Living in Oceanport
Pros
Oceanport offers a high quality of life with its attractive coastal setting and community feel. The town is considered very safe, with crime rates significantly below the national average (DoorPrint, 2026; AreaVibes, 2026). Its public schools are highly rated, providing excellent educational opportunities for families (Niche, n.d.).
The median household income is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local economy and potentially higher earning potential for residents (Niche, n.d.; BestNeighborhood.org, n.d.). Furthermore, the borough’s location provides access to beaches and recreational activities, contributing to a desirable lifestyle.
Cons
The most significant drawback to living in Oceanport is the high cost of living, particularly concerning housing. Both median home values and rental prices are considerably above the national average (Zillow, 2026; Apartments.com, 2026; Zumper, 2026). This can make it challenging for individuals or families with moderate incomes to afford to live in the area.
While the average salary is reported, it may not fully offset the high cost of housing and other daily expenses. The cost of living index is 67% higher than the national average, driven largely by housing expenses that are 197% higher than the national average (AreaVibes, 2026).