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

West Long Branch, a borough situated in Monmouth County, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and coastal accessibility. Nestled within the Jersey Shore region, it provides residents with a community atmosphere while remaining within reach of major urban centers. The borough is home to Monmouth University, contributing to a dynamic environment with a notable student population.

This area is characterized by its residential nature, with a strong sense of community and family-friendly appeal. Its location offers convenient access to the amenities and attractions of the Jersey Shore, including beaches and recreational activities. West Long Branch balances a peaceful living environment with the conveniences of proximity to urban centers and educational institutions.

Is it Safe to Live in West Long Branch?

West Long Branch is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 51% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is one in 479, which is 45% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime also sees a lower rate, with a chance of victimization at one in 70, which is 22% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Further data indicates that violent crime rates are well below the national average, with assault, rape, murder, and armed robbery occurring less frequently than in most of America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While property crime rates are higher than the national average for all communities, they are still managed within a safe environment. The FBI UCR data shows that property crime averages 105.0 per 100k, which is 35.8% below the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). The borough has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026 (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in West Long Branch presents a significant investment, with a median listing price of $1.50M (as reported by Realtor.com®). This median price has seen a substantial increase of 25.02% year-over-year, indicating a strong appreciation in property values (as reported by Realtor.com®). The median sale price per square foot is $558, offering a benchmark for property comparisons (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Rental properties in West Long Branch also reflect a competitive market. The median rent is reported at $5.4K per month, suggesting high demand for rental accommodations (as reported by Realtor.com®). However, there is some volatility in rental prices, with a year-over-year decline of -83.75% noted, alongside a month-over-month increase of 27.67% (as reported by Realtor.com®). As of May 2026, the average rent in West Long Branch is $2,100 per month, which is 28% higher than the national average (as reported by Rentor). A one-bedroom apartment averages $2,100, a two-bedroom around $3,126, and a three-bedroom can cost $3,782 or more per month (as reported by Rentor).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

The average salary in West Long Branch is approximately $78,325 annually, equating to an hourly rate of $38 (as reported by SalaryExpert). Another report indicates an average salary of $54,000, ranging from $54,000 to $69,000 per year (as reported by 6figr.com). The median household income in West Long Branch was $114,271 (as reported by Census Reporter), which is about 10% higher than the state average (as reported by Census Reporter).

Employment in West Long Branch is primarily concentrated in the Educational Services sector, followed by Health Care & Social Assistance and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, overall employment in the borough saw a slight decline of -0.891% (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include Monmouth University, a significant institution for higher education and employment (as reported by Zippia). Other notable companies include Monmouth Family Health Center and RH DEMBLING Realty Services (as reported by Zippia).

Climate and Environment

West Long Branch experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 75°F from June to September (as reported by Weather Spark). July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 69°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Winters are very cold, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 49°F from December to March (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 28°F and highs of 41°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The area receives an annual precipitation of approximately 51 inches, with the majority falling as rain, and an average annual snowfall of 27 inches, primarily concentrated in January (as reported by Weather Spark).

Educational Opportunities

The West Long Branch School District serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 58% of students are proficient in math and 61% in reading (as reported by Niche). The district has an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche).

Public schools in West Long Branch show strong performance, with average math proficiency scores of 53% and reading proficiency scores of 59%, both exceeding the New Jersey state averages (as reported by BestPublicSchools.com). Top-ranked public schools include Betty McElmon Elementary School, Frank Antonides School, and Shore Regional High School (as reported by BestPublicSchools.com). Additionally, the presence of Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College in the vicinity provides ample opportunities for higher education and lifelong learning.

Demographics and Community Profile

As of the most recent census data, West Long Branch is home to approximately 8,587 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age is around 30 years, with a notable portion of the population falling into younger adult age groups (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender distribution shows 44.7% males and 55.3% females (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of West Long Branch is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 79.8% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other significant demographic groups include African Americans at 5.3% and Hispanic or Latino residents at 4.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). The borough has a substantial foreign-born population, with about 9.13% of residents born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).