Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forked River, NJ
Considering a move to Forked River, NJ? This friendly community of 5,200 offers a relaxed lifestyle with a median home price of $355,000 and average rents around $1,500. Residents enjoy low crime rates, easy access to quality local schools, and a commute time averaging just over 32 minutes. With a high owner-occupied housing rate, mild coastal climate, and strong healthcare options nearby, Forked River is a great choice for families and anyone seeking a peaceful Jersey Shore setting.
Demographics - Forked River, NJ
Demographics - Forked River, NJ
Forked River is home to around 5,200 residents, with a median age of nearly 48, reflecting a mature and settled community. The area is predominantly White, and the population density of 1,750 per square mile offers a suburban feel with a close-knit atmosphere. Non-English speakers make up about 7% of the community, contributing to its welcoming and inclusive vibe.
Population:
5,200
Density:
1,750 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.8
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forked River, NJ?
The cost of living in Forked River is above the national average, with a cost of living index of 110 and housing at 115. Median home values are $355,000, and renters can expect to pay about $1,500 per month. Residents benefit from moderate utility costs and a broad range of state tax rates, making budgeting important for those relocating here.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.0
Grocery:
107.0
Housing:
115.0
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
108.0
Health Care:
103.0
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Forked River, NJ a safe place to live?
Forked River boasts a low crime rate, with only 110 violent crimes and 990 property crimes per 100,000 people. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 900, indicating a safe environment for families and individuals alike. Most residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to the community's security and overall low crime index.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
990
Crime Index:
1,100
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 101
Weather
What is the weather like in Forked River, NJ year-round?
Forked River experiences a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 26°F and summer highs reaching 84°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunny days 56% of the year. This weather supports outdoor activities and contributes to the relaxed Jersey Shore lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Forked River have a median income of $80,200, with a poverty rate of just under 8%. The unemployment rate is below 5%, and most residents commute about 32 minutes to work. High school graduation rates top 92%, reflecting a well-educated and stable population.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$80,200
Family Income:
$97,000
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$50,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$1,500
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
29.2%
Education
How are the schools in Forked River, NJ?
Forked River offers quality public and private schooling, with small class sizes and dedicated staff at both the elementary and high school levels. The community is also close to Ocean County College, just 12 miles away, providing higher education opportunities. High graduation rates and accessible education make the area appealing for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Forked River Elementary School
Street:
110 Lacey Rd
Phone:
609-971-2080
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.6
Name:
Lacey Township High School
Street:
73 Haines St
Phone:
609-971-2020
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Academy
Street:
400 Doc Cramer Blvd
Phone:
609-597-3800
Students:
285
Colleges
Name:
Ocean County College
City:
Toms River
State:
NJ
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Community Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center nearby. Health insurance coverage is high at nearly 93%, and there are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Forked River’s healthcare index of 72 indicates reliable medical resources for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Medical Center
Address:
99 Highway 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755
Phone:
(732) 557-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Address:
1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Phone:
(609) 597-6011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forked River, NJ?
The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $355,000 and home values appreciating over 6% in the past year. Owner-occupancy is high at 82%, and rental options remain accessible with average rents at $1,500. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates point to a healthy and stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Forked River residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton. All vehicle registration, licensing, and driver services can be accessed through the state DMV website or by phone. This ensures convenient and straightforward handling of essential transportation paperwork.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.