Ocean City, NJ
Population 11,260 · New Jersey
About Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 11,260 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $101,782 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ocean City features a median home value of $719,100, which is 194% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ocean City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,670, 44% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,905 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (4,070 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (1,549 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ocean City shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ocean City have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.7% of Ocean City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 7.2% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ocean City, NJ
Compared to national averages, Ocean City has a median household income of $101,782 (35% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $719,100, which is 194% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,670 is 44% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Ocean City's income is 12% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 53% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Ocean City, NJ?
Ocean City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $101,782, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, and a well-educated community where 54.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $719,100. However, Ocean City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ocean City has a population of 11,260 with a median age of 57.3 years. Compare Ocean City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Ocean City
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westwood | 11,221 | $169,026 | $587,700 | Compare |
| Wanaque | 11,162 | $112,326 | $366,400 | Compare |
| Ridgefield | 11,439 | $115,676 | $609,700 | Compare |
| Gloucester City | 11,465 | $70,942 | $180,100 | Compare |
| Greentree | 11,024 | $144,426 | $419,800 | Compare |
| Franklin Lakes | 11,011 | $230,987 | $1,217,500 | Compare |
| Pompton Lakes | 11,010 | $119,038 | $411,100 | Compare |
| Beachwood | 11,002 | $102,043 | $307,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ocean City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean City
What is the population of Ocean City, NJ?
The population of Ocean City, NJ is 11,260 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Ocean City?
The median household income in Ocean City, NJ is $101,782 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ocean City?
The median home value in Ocean City, NJ is $719,100, which is 194% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ocean City?
The median monthly rent in Ocean City, NJ is $1,670, which is 44% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ocean City?
The unemployment rate in Ocean City, NJ is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ocean City, NJ a good place to live?
Ocean City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,260 and a median age of 57.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ocean City, NJ?
54.7% of residents in Ocean City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Ocean City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ocean City, NJ: median home value is $719,100 (194% above national), median rent is $1,670/month, and median household income is $101,782. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ocean City?
The poverty rate in Ocean City, NJ is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ocean City, NJ?
Ocean City's population is 7.2% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.