Is Spring Lake Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Spring Lake Heights

Is it Safe to Live in Spring Lake Heights?

Spring Lake Heights is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below both state and national averages. The violent crime rate is reported as 0 per 1,000 residents, which is 100% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Furthermore, property crime rates are also substantially lower than the national average, with a rate of 145 incidents per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 1,760 (as reported by AreaVibes).

This low crime rate contributes to Spring Lake Heights being safer than 95% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is also notably lower than the national and state averages, standing at approximately $152 per resident annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Demographics and Community

Spring Lake Heights is a small borough with a population of approximately 4,861 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 89% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 7.8% (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Demographics). The median age in Spring Lake Heights is 46 years (as reported by Spring Lake Heights, NJ Population 2026), indicating a community with a mix of established residents and those in their prime working years.

The community is largely composed of citizens, with 97.6% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The average household size is two members, with 55.3% of households being families (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Demographics). This suggests a community structure that is conducive to family living and a stable residential environment.

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in Spring Lake Heights is higher than the national average, with overall expenses being 18% higher (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are particularly notable, being 48% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home value in Spring Lake Heights is approximately $721,100 (as reported by Data USA), with some sources indicating a median listing price around $1.40M (as reported by realtor.com®).

The homeownership rate in Spring Lake Heights is 61.6% (as reported by Data USA). For those considering renting, the median rent is around $4.0K per month (as reported by realtor.com®), although other sources cite a median rent of $1,742 per month (as reported by Spring Lake Heights borough, New Jersey). This indicates a robust rental demand within the area.

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Spring Lake Heights is characterized by high values and strong demand. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $845,000, reflecting a 12.0% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes are selling after an average of 36 days on the market, which is longer than the previous year’s average of 14 days (as reported by Redfin).

Despite recent price fluctuations, the median sale price per square foot is up 19.4% since last year (as reported by Redfin). This suggests that while the market may be experiencing a slight cooling, property values remain strong and desirable.

Economy and Employment

The median household income in Spring Lake Heights has seen growth, reaching $106,758 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a level of economic stability and affluence within the community. The average annual household income was reported as $183,190 in 2024, marking a 9.5% increase from the previous year (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Demographics).

Employment sectors that are most common for residents include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). While specific unemployment data for Spring Lake Heights is not readily available, the high median income suggests a generally robust local economy (as reported by Spring Lake Heights borough, New Jersey).

Major Employers

While a comprehensive list of major employers specifically within Spring Lake Heights is not detailed, key industries in the broader Spring Lake area include financial services, healthcare, and retail. Companies such as PNC Financial Services Group, TD Bank, Manasquan Bank, and Investors Bank operate in the vicinity (as reported by Companies in Spring Lake Heights, NJ). The United States Postal Service is also a significant employer in the region (as reported by Companies in Spring Lake, NJ).

The educational services sector is also a notable employer, with Spring Lake Heights Elementary School serving as a local institution (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School). These diverse employment opportunities contribute to the economic landscape for residents.

Climate and Weather

Spring Lake Heights experiences a climate with distinct seasons. The warm season typically lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 75°F (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate). July is the hottest month, with highs around 83°F and lows of 68°F (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate).

The cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 28°F and highs of 41°F (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate). The borough receives approximately 51 inches of annual precipitation, with December being the wettest month (as reported by Spring Lake Heights, NJ Weather).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Summers in Spring Lake Heights are warm, humid, and wet, while winters are characterized by cold, snow, and wind (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate). The temperature typically ranges from 27°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate). The clearest part of the year is from late June to mid-November, with August being the clearest month (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate).

Conversely, the cloudier season runs from mid-November to late June, with January being the cloudiest month (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate). The water temperature near Spring Lake Heights is warmest in August, averaging around 73°F, and coolest in February, around 41°F (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Climate).

Education and Schools

Spring Lake Heights is served by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School, which caters to students from Prekindergarten through 8th grade (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School). This school is recognized for its strong academic performance, ranking within the top 30% of all public schools in New Jersey (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School). The student-teacher ratio is notably low, at 7:1, which allows for more personalized attention for students (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School).

Student proficiency in math and reading is above the New Jersey state average (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School). Spring Lake Heights Elementary School also ranks highly within Monmouth County, being among the top public K-8 schools (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School Rankings). The Spring Lake Heights School District itself is ranked highly among New Jersey school districts (as reported by Spring Lake Heights Elementary School).

Pros and Cons of Living in Spring Lake Heights

Spring Lake Heights offers a high quality of life, characterized by its exceptional safety and strong sense of community. The exceptionally low crime rates provide residents with peace of mind, making it an attractive place for families and individuals alike (as reported by AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org). The community boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life, enhanced by its proximity to beautiful beaches and coastal charm (as reported by Spring Lake Heights borough, New Jersey).

On the downside, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is significantly higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home value is considerably above the national benchmark, which may present a barrier for some prospective residents. Additionally, while the job market appears stable with a good median income, the specific availability of diverse employment opportunities within the immediate borough might require commuting to nearby areas.