Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, NJ
Considering a move to Lakewood, NJ? Home to over 135,000 residents, Lakewood features a diverse and vibrant community with a median home price of $376,000 and average rents around $1,520. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with ample private schools, a youthful median age, and a moderate cost of living. Commute times average 32 minutes, crime rates are lower than many urban areas, and the climate offers four distinct seasons with nearly 57% sunny days. Explore Lakewood for its growing housing market, robust community life, and convenient access to healthcare and education.
Demographics - Lakewood, NJ
Demographics - Lakewood, NJ
Lakewood, NJ is a rapidly growing city with a youthful median age of 17.5 and a population of approximately 135,700, making it one of New Jersey’s larger communities. The area is predominantly White (85.3%) and has a significant non-English-speaking population, contributing to its cultural diversity. With a relatively balanced gender ratio and high population density, Lakewood offers a vibrant, family-oriented atmosphere.
Population:
135,700
Density:
4,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
17.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.3%
Black:
5.2%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lakewood, NJ?
Lakewood’s cost of living is moderately higher than the national average, with a median home value of $376,000 and average rents around $1,520. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are also above average, making budgeting important for new residents. State taxes range from 1.4% to 10.75%, so financial planning is key for those relocating here.
Median House Value:
$376,000
Gross Rent:
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$128
Auto Insurance:
$1,770
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.4
Grocery:
114.8
Housing:
122.1
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
117.6
Health Care:
109.8
Miscellaneous:
107.4
Crime
Is Lakewood, NJ a safe place to live?
Lakewood maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 174 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for families and individuals. Property crime is more common but still below the rates seen in many urban centers. Overall, the chances of experiencing violent or property crime are lower than in many comparable cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
174
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,294
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 575
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Lakewood, NJ year-round?
Residents in Lakewood experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 26°F. The city enjoys about 57% sunny days annually and receives nearly 47 inches of rainfall, creating a balanced climate suitable for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall offer mild and pleasant temperatures, making Lakewood attractive for those who appreciate seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Lakewood’s neighborhoods reflect a family-centric lifestyle, with a median household income of $76,000 and a poverty rate of 18.7%. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transportation usage is modest. Education levels are solid, with over 81% of residents holding at least a high school diploma, contributing to a well-rounded community environment.
Median Income:
$43,900
Household Income:
$76,000
Family Income:
$80,500
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$35,500
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
38.5%
Rent:
$1,520
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
3.6%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.4%
Education
How are the schools in Lakewood, NJ?
Lakewood is home to a variety of educational options, including several public and private schools and the well-regarded Georgian Court University. Public schools feature favorable student-to-teacher ratios, and nearby colleges like Ocean County College offer accessible higher education opportunities. The city’s strong focus on education supports families and lifelong learners alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Lakewood High School
Street:
855 Somerset Ave
Phone:
732-905-3500
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Spruce Street School
Street:
90 Spruce St
Phone:
732-905-3630
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Yeshiva Toras Chaim
Street:
999 Ridge Ave
Phone:
732-367-1060
Students:
1,200

Colleges
Name:
Georgian Court University
City:
Lakewood
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
Ocean County College
City:
Toms River
State:
NJ
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
8,600
Healthcare
Lakewood offers convenient access to healthcare with two major hospitals, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus and Ocean University Medical Center, both providing emergency services. The city has a good ratio of physicians at 2.3 per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, ensuring quality medical care for its population. Healthcare services are reliable and easily accessible, supporting residents’ well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Address:
600 River Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone:
(732) 363-1900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ocean University Medical Center
Address:
425 Jack Martin Blvd, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Phone:
(732) 840-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
73.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lakewood, NJ?
Lakewood’s housing market is dynamic, with a median home price of $376,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,520. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 6.1% home appreciation in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a stable market, making Lakewood appealing for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$376,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Lakewood access DMV services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission headquartered at 225 E. State Street, Trenton. The department provides a full range of driver and vehicle services, with information and resources available online or by phone. New Jersey’s DMV processes are straightforward, helping newcomers quickly settle in.
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.