Ocean, Ocean County, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,772
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$97,741/yr
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,623
0.6% year-over-year change

Ocean population

How many people live in Ocean

Ocean is home to 9,772 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Ocean locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
9,772
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
5,003
Female
48.8%
4,769
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,003 51.2% 0.8%
Female 4,769 48.8% -2.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ocean is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.6% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
50
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.6%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
32.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,130 11.6% -1.1%
15 to 24 1,048 10.7% -15.6%
25 to 44 2,238 22.9% 5.0%
45 to 64 2,203 22.5% -7.0%
Over 65 3,153 32.3% 6.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ocean, 94.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.9% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,211 94.3% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 334 3.4% -5.7%
Non-citizens 226 2.3% 22.2%
Racial breakdown
White
91.9%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 8,980 91.9%
Black or African American 122 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.1%
Asian 85 0.9%
Two or more races 493 5%
Other 80 0.8%

Households in Ocean

A peek inside Ocean households

Ocean has 4,113 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73.7% are families, while the remaining 26.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,113
3.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,081
Family households
3,032
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,081 26.3% 13.7%
Family households 3,032 73.7% 0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ocean

The housing landscape of Ocean

Ocean's housing consists of 4,623 units, with 91.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,623
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,231 91.5%
1 unit, attached 63 1.4%
2 units 38 0.8%
5 to 9 units 85 1.8%
20 to 49 units 123 2.7%
50 or more units 83 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
302
70.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ocean

In Ocean, the median construction year is 1987. About 2.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 6.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 123 2.7% -18.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 125 2.7% 40.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 706 15.3% 15.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 467 10.1% -10.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 530 11.5% -6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 560 12.1% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 346 7.5% 9.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 922 20% -3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 541 11.7% -7.7%
Built in 2020 or later 302 6.5% 70.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ocean occupancy rates

Out of the 4,113 occupied housing units in Ocean, 87.1% are owner-occupied, while 12.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,113
3.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
532
Owner occupied
3,581
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 532 12.9% 3.1%
Owner occupied 3,581 87.1% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
11.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ocean housing costs

Housing costs in Ocean come to a median of $1,720 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,636.

Median housing costs per month
$1,720/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ocean
$1,636/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ocean

Ocean education at a glance

About 38.1% of the population in Ocean went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 20.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 174 2.1% 28.9%
High school diploma 3,106 38.1% 3.8%
College diploma 1,564 19.2% -7.4%
Associate degree 766 9.4% -0.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,648 20.2% -5.1%
Graduate degree 886 10.9% 11.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ocean

How much people earn in Ocean

The average annual household income in Ocean was $107,642 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $97,741, reflecting a -0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ocean
$107,642/year
-5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ocean
$97,741/year
-0.8% year-over-year change

Ocean income by age

In Ocean, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $112,740. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $117,983 overall. Overall, 91% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $112,740 1.1%
45 - 64 $117,983 -2.6%
Over 65 $87,388 -1.9%
Above poverty level
8,851
Below poverty level
877
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,851 91% -3.2%
Below poverty level 877 9% 34.1%

Employment in Ocean

Workforce and job types in Ocean

82.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 61% are employed by private companies, and 23.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,382
Blue collar
737
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,382 82.1% -2.3%
Blue collar 737 17.9% -15.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
61%
Governmental workers
23.8%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 439 10.7% -5.0%
Private companies 2,512 61% -9.0%
Governmental workers 979 23.8% 4.7%
Not for profit companies 189 4.6% 7.4%

Transportation in Ocean

How people get around in Ocean

In Ocean, the average commute time is 4 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
4 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,374 97.2% -5.5%
Taxicab 3 0.1% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 41 1.2% -21.1%
Bicycle 16 0.5% 0.0%
Walk 37 1.1% -2.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ocean by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08731 21,629 8,656 $98,582 $119,316
08758 7,868 3,371 $96,900 $116,694

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FAQs about Ocean demographics 

What is the total population of Ocean?

Ocean has a total population of 9,772 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ocean?

The gender ratio in Ocean is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (5,003 residents)
  • 48.8% females (4,769 residents)

What is the median age in Ocean?

The median age in Ocean is 50.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ocean?

The age distribution in Ocean is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.6% (1,130 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (1,048 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (2,238 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (2,203 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.3% (3,153 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean is as follows:
  • White: 91.9% (8,980 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (122 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (85 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (493 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (80 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ocean are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.3% of the population in Ocean.

How many housing units are there in Ocean?

There are 4,623 housing units in Ocean, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ocean and what is the average household size?

Ocean has a total of 4,113 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ocean?

Ocean has a median household income of $97,741, representing a -0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Ocean?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.1% (3,382 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.9% (737 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (439 residents)
  • Private companies: 61% (2,512 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.8% (979 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (189 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025