Is Union Beach Safe, Pros and cons of living in Union Beach

Union Beach, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience. Nestled along the Raritan Bay, this borough provides residents with scenic views and a relatively tranquil atmosphere. It is a place where community spirit often thrives, fostered by its smaller size and waterfront location.

The town boasts a population of approximately 5,700 residents, offering a close-knit community feel. Many who live here appreciate the balance between access to urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life. Union Beach is part of Monmouth County, placing it within reach of larger metropolitan areas while retaining its distinct identity.

Is it Safe to Live in Union Beach?

Union Beach is generally considered a safe community, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 49% below the national average (as of May 2026, according to DoorProfit). This safety is further underscored by its ranking as being lower than 93% of major U.S. cities (as of May 2026, according to DoorProfit).

Violent crime is particularly low, with a rate of 1.447 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, but overall, Union Beach is noted for its low incidence of such offenses.

Property crime rates are also considerably lower than the national average. In Union Beach, there were 8 property crimes reported, amounting to 140 per 100,000 residents, which is 92.9% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). This indicates a secure environment for residents and their belongings.

Cost of Living and Housing in Union Beach

The cost of living in Union Beach is higher than the national average, with overall expenses estimated to be 18% higher (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this, being 48% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

The median home value in Union Beach was $460,900 as of the 2020-2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. More recent data from Redfin indicates a median sale price of $430,000 in March 2026. This figure has seen fluctuations, with a reported increase of 53.9% in the average Union Beach house price in the last month according to Redfin data, though other reports show a decrease in March 2026 compared to the previous year. The median listing price in April 2026 was $629,900 (as reported by Movoto).

Rental costs in Union Beach are also above the national average. The average rent is $2,400 per month (as reported by Zillow), which is 20% higher than the national average. A 1-bedroom apartment averages around $2,000, while a 2-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,500 (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent can be more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $3,375 (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Union Beach, New Jersey, is approximately $70,444 per year, or $33.87 per hour, as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage is reported to be $66,000 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The most prevalent occupations in Union Beach include sales (14.70%), management (10.05%), and healthcare (9.03%) (as reported by ZoomProspector). There is also a notable concentration of individuals working in computer and math fields, exceeding that of 95% of places in the U.S. (as reported by ZoomProspector).

The unemployment rate in Union Beach is relatively low. For instance, one report indicates an unemployment rate of 3.6% (as of March 2026, according to Kurby AI). This suggests a stable job market for residents within the borough and its surrounding areas.

Climate in Union Beach

Union Beach experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is around 63°F high and 46°F low (as reported by Livability.com). This provides for warm summers and cool winters.

The area receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. Average annual rainfall is approximately 47 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Snowfall is also typical during the winter months, with an average of 24 inches per year (as reported by Livability.com).

These weather patterns contribute to the area’s natural beauty and offer opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities. Residents can expect a climate that is generally comfortable for most of the year.

Education in Union Beach

The public schools in Union Beach are generally rated as above average. For example, Memorial School, which serves students from PK through 8th grade, has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 36% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading at Memorial School (as reported by Niche).

The overall education level of adults in Union Beach is notably higher than the national average. Approximately 33.59% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to the U.S. average of 21.84% (as reported by ZoomProspector). This suggests a well-educated populace.

Union Beach is part of the Monmouth County educational system, with specific schools serving the borough. While Niche ranks Memorial School with a C+ overall grade, other nearby school districts like Hazlet Township Public School District receive higher ratings (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Union Beach

Union Beach has a population of approximately 5,707 residents (as of 2024, according to Data USA). The borough is ethnically diverse, with White residents making up the largest portion. In 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents accounted for about 4.36k people (as reported by Data USA).

Hispanic or Latino residents constitute about 15.5% of the population (as reported by Data USA). Other significant demographic groups include those identifying with two or more races and Black or African American residents. The foreign-born population is around 17.8% (as reported by Data USA), which is close to the national average.

The median age in Union Beach is around 42 years (as reported by World Population Review). The population is distributed across various age groups, with a notable segment in the 45-64 bracket. For every 100 females, there are approximately 99.7 males (as reported by World Population Review).

Pros and Cons of Living in Union Beach

One of the primary advantages of living in Union Beach is its safety. With crime rates significantly below the national average, residents can feel secure in their community (as reported by DoorProfit, AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org). The borough also offers a desirable coastal lifestyle, with proximity to Raritan Bay providing recreational opportunities.

The community is generally considered to have above-average public schools, contributing to its appeal for families (as reported by Niche). Furthermore, the population is well-educated, with a high percentage of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher (as reported by ZoomProspector).

However, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This can present a financial challenge for some prospective residents. Additionally, the average commute time can be lengthy, with residents spending around 32.70 minutes daily getting to work (as reported by ZoomProspector).