Ocean County, New Jersey

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-14% vs. New Jersey average

$86,411

Median Household Income

$43,900

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$86,411

-14% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$43,900

+11% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

23.6%

income as % of home value

Rank in New Jersey

#16 / 21

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Ocean County Compares

Ocean County$86,411

New Jersey Average$100,891

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$86,411

Median Household Income

$43,900

Per Capita Income

$366,600

Median Home Value

23.6%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Ocean County

Income Verdict

Ocean County has a median household income of $86,411 and per capita income of $43,900 — a gap of $42,511, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,702/month and a median household income of $86,411, rent consumes approximately 23.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $86,411 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $43,900 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Ocean County earns approximately 14.4% below the New Jersey state median household income of $100,891.

Data Story

About Household Income in Ocean County, New Jersey

Ocean County earns 15% above national median

Ocean County's median household income of $86,411 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $11,656, positioning residents solidly above the national average. This moderate advantage reflects a mixed economy combining retirement communities, tourism, and manufacturing with professional employment.

Below-average income among New Jersey counties

At $86,411, Ocean County ranks toward the lower end of New Jersey's 21 counties, falling $14,480 short of the state median of $100,891. The county's income profile reflects its significant retiree population and mix of working-class and middle-income households.

Ocean County faces income headwinds regionally

Ocean County's $86,411 median income ranks among the lowest in this coastal region, trailing Monmouth County ($122,727) substantially and falling below Mercer County ($96,333) and Hudson County ($90,032). Only Passaic County ($87,137) earns slightly more, reflecting Ocean's economic challenges relative to northern New Jersey's prosperous counties.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Ocean residents spend 23.6% of household income on rent, well above the 20% affordability threshold and indicating tight housing affordability. With a median home value of $366,600, residents face constrained capacity to save and invest after covering core housing expenses.

Start small, think long-term

Ocean County's median household income of $86,411 requires disciplined financial planning to build wealth amid higher housing cost burdens. Begin with modest contributions to employer 401(k) plans, establish an emergency fund first, and gradually increase savings rates as income grows or housing costs stabilize.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Ocean County, New Jersey?

The median household income in Ocean County, New Jersey is $86,411, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Ocean County?

The per capita income in Ocean County is $43,900, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $86,411.

How does Ocean County compare to the New Jersey average?

Ocean County's median household income of $86,411 is lower than the New Jersey state average of $100,891. The per capita income is $43,900, compared to the state average of $52,255.

What is the per capita income in Ocean County, New Jersey?

The per capita income in Ocean County, New Jersey is $43,900, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Ocean County a low-income area in New Jersey?

Ocean County's median household income of $86,411 is below the New Jersey average of $100,891. The per capita income of $43,900 is also lower than the state average of $52,255. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Ocean County rank for income in New Jersey?

Ocean County ranks #16 out of 21 counties in New Jersey by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $86,411 and per capita income of $43,900, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.