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92-473: 40°01′27″N 74°17′10″W  /  40.024301°N 74.286032°W  / 40.024301; -74.286032 This Ocean County, New Jersey state location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article related to a river in New Jersey is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Ocean County, New Jersey Ocean County is a county located in

184-496: A capacity of roughly 10,000 people. In 1995, on the opposite side of the parkway, the New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial was opened. In 1996, the facility expanded heavily, adding thousands in capacity, and shifting toward general music with broader appeal to compete with other amphitheaters. In 1996, the facility was renamed to PNC Bank Arts Center. The theater is one of the most successful amphitheaters in

276-595: A developer began site redevelopment, with the research building becoming a New Urbanism inspired mixed-use facility, while the surrounding land became residential housing. In 2016, Monmouth Mall in Eatontown announced that it would be redeveloped into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-used development, including demolition of some of the abandoned parts of the mall, with the addition of housing, plazas and walkways, amongst many other changes. The mall, which opened in 1960, had faced lots of vacancies and financial troubles over

368-673: A grand arcade alongside the boardwalk. On September 8, 1934, the SS Morro Castle caught fire and burned during a storm on its route from New York City to Havana , Cuba . The ship drifted ashore to Asbury Park by the Convention Hall , where it remained until 1935 when it was towed away to be scrapped. The disaster was one of the deadliest maritime disasters in United States history, having killed 137 people. On December 13, 1943, Naval Weapons Station Earle

460-807: A large scale. Other battles and massacres during the war in Monmouth County include sites such as the Burrowes Mansion in Matawan , and the Allen House in Shrewsbury . At independence, Monmouth's population included 1,640 slaves, as well as an undetermined number of free African Americans . The number of enslaved persons fell steeply after 1820, though a small number remained until at least 1850. Monmouth's free African American population climbed from 353 in 1790 to 2,658 in 1860. There

552-405: A largely amicable relationship with the new arrivals. Enslaved Africans were present in the area from at least 1680, and by 1726 made up 9% of the total population of the county. Monmouth County was established on March 7, 1683, while part of the province of East Jersey . On October 31, 1693, the county was partitioned into the townships of Freehold , Middletown and Shrewsbury . In 1764,

644-1089: A low of 22 °F (−6 °C) in January to a high of 86 °F (30 °C) in July, although a record low of −13 °F (−25 °C) was recorded in January 1984 and a record high of 106 °F (41 °C) was recorded in July 2011. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.98 inches (76 mm) in February to 5.08 inches (129 mm) in July. Average monthly temperatures in Asbury Park range from 32.5 °F in January to 75.0 °F in July, while in Allentown, NJ they range from 32.1 °F in January to 75.5 °F in July. [3] On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused catastrophic damage to coastal areas of Monmouth County. As Sandy's surge arrived in Monmouth County, flood levels of 13.31 feet (4.06 m) above normal were measured at Sandy Hook shortly before

736-465: A record low of −19 °F (−28 °C) was recorded in January 1982 and a record high of 105 °F (41 °C) was recorded in July 1999. Average monthly temperatures in Tuckerton near the south end range from 33.2 °F (0.7 °C) in January to 75.7 °F (24.3 °C) in July. The highest monthly average temperature for the county was 78.8 °F (26.0 °C) in July 2020; the lowest

828-464: A research laboratory of Bell Laboratories . The northeastern portion of the county, in the Locust section of Middletown Township and the boroughs of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands , are also very hilly. The lowest point is sea level. Along with adjacent Middlesex and Ocean counties, Monmouth County is a mecca for boating and fishing. Its waterways include several tributaries that flow from

920-669: A total of 2,958.5 miles (4,761.2 km) of roadways, of which 2,164.2 miles (3,482.9 km) are maintained by the municipality, 615.5 miles (990.6 km) by Ocean County and 140.19 miles (225.61 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 38.59 miles (62.10 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority . Ocean County has various major roads that pass through. Those routes are listed below: Monmouth County, New Jersey Monmouth County ( / ˈ m ɒ n m ə θ / )

1012-618: Is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of New Jersey . It is bordered to its west by Mercer and Middlesex Counties, to its south by Ocean County , to its east by the Atlantic Ocean , and to its north by the Raritan Bay (sharing a border with the boroughs of Staten Island , Brooklyn , and Queens in New York City , across it). Monmouth County's geographic area comprises 30% water. The county

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1104-528: Is a gateway to New Jersey's Pine Barrens , one of the largest protected land areas on the East Coast . Prior to its creation, Ocean County was almost entirely within Shrewsbury township in Monmouth county, With the exception of Tuckerton , and Little Egg Harbor. Ocean County was established on February 15, 1850, from portions of Monmouth County , with the addition of Little Egg Harbor Township which

1196-654: Is also home to several state parks : ShoreTown Ballpark located in Lakewood, opened in 2001 with 6,588 reserved seats and is home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws , the High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies . The Asbury Park Press and The Press of Atlantic City are daily newspapers that cover Ocean County. Micromedia Publications publishes six weekly local newspapers in

1288-784: Is also home to the county's only Roman Catholic high school, Monsignor Donovan High School , operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton , which also has six elementary schools located in the county. In addition to multiple public high schools , the county has an extensive vocational high school program, known as the Ocean County Vocational Technical School district. In addition to its campuses in Brick , Toms River, Waretown , and Jackson , it contains three magnet schools : Ocean County has an extensive shoreline stretching along

1380-589: Is from a suggestion from Colonel Lewis Morris that the county should be named after Monmouthshire in Wales , Great Britain . Other suggestions include that it was named for James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth (1649–1685), who had many allies among the East Jersey leadership. Around the year 1000, the area of Monmouth County began to be inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans prior to

1472-526: Is governed by a Board of County Commissioners comprised of five members who are elected on an at-large basis in partisan elections and serving staggered three-year terms of office, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization held in the beginning of January, the board chooses a Director and a deputy director from among its members. In 2016, freeholders were paid $ 30,000 and

1564-533: Is in Toms River and was founded in 1964. Georgian Court University in Lakewood Township is a private Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy college, which opened in 1908 on the former winter estate of millionaire George Jay Gould I , son of railroad tycoon Jay Gould . Lakewood is also home to Beth Medrash Govoha , a Haredi yeshiva with 5,000 students, making it one of the largest yeshivas in

1656-646: Is part of the Jersey Shore region of the state. It has also been categorized under the Central Jersey region, though it was not among the four counties explicitly listed as included in Central Jersey as part of legislation signed into law in 2023. As of the 2020 United States census , the county was the state's fifth-most-populous county with a population of 643,615, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 13,235 (+2.1%) from

1748-674: Is represented by Chris Smith ( R , Manchester Township ). The 33 municipalities of Ocean County are covered by four legislative districts. Greg Myhre (R) Paul Kanitra (R) Robert D. Clifton (R) Avi Schnall ( D ) Ocean County is the most Republican county in New Jersey, a state that characteristically votes Democratic. In its history, it has failed to support a Republican for president only three times. As of 2024, all of its state legislators, County commissioners, and countywide constitutional officers are Republicans. The last Democratic presidential candidate to win Ocean County

1840-586: Is water. Ocean County is part of the New York metropolitan area. The county is also home to many tourist attractions frequented by Philadelphia metropolitan area residents, including the beachfront communities of Seaside Heights , Long Beach Island , and Point Pleasant Beach , and Six Flags Great Adventure , an amusement park in Jackson Township that was the home to the world's tallest and second-fastest roller coaster , Kingda Ka . Ocean County

1932-444: The 2010 census count of 630,380, which in turn reflected an increase of 15,079 from 615,301 at the 2000 census . As of 2010, the county fell to the fifth-most populous county in the state, having been surpassed by Hudson County . Monmouth's county seat is Freehold Borough , though many county offices are also located in neighboring Freehold Township . The most populous place was Middletown Township , with 67,106 residents at

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2024-420: The Atlantic Ocean , including the Jersey Shore communities and oceanfront boardwalk resorts of Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach . Six Flags Great Adventure , America's largest Six Flags theme park, was home to the world's tallest and formerly fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka , which closed in November 2024. The park also contains Six Flags Hurricane Harbor , New Jersey's largest water park , and

2116-612: The Big Bang , were discovered. The county is also home to Monmouth University , a private university in West Long Branch . The naming of Monmouth County has different historical theories. It is thought that the county received its name from the Rhode Island Monmouth Society. This is likely, due to many of the county's earliest settlers originating from Rhode Island . Another plausible theory,

2208-549: The County Clerk and County Surrogate (both elected for five-year terms of office) and the County Sheriff (elected for a three-year term). Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: No Democrat has won a countywide office since 1989. The Ocean County Prosecutor is Bradley D. Billhimer, who was nominated by Governor Phil Murphy . Billhimer

2300-635: The Elberon section of Long Branch , a few months after being shot in a failed assassination attempt. Garfield was one of several presidents who would vacation in Long Branch around the Gilded Age , with other presidents who frequented the town including Chester A. Arthur , Ulysses S. Grant , Benjamin Harrison , Rutherford B. Hayes , William McKinley , and Woodrow Wilson . On July 5, 1886,

2392-674: The Sandy Hook Lighthouse was built. At the June 28, 1778, Battle of Monmouth , near Freehold Township , General George Washington 's soldiers battled the British under Sir Henry Clinton , in the longest land battle of the American Revolutionary War . At Monmouth the tactics and training from Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben developed at Valley Forge during the winter encampment were first implemented on

2484-583: The Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club in Rumson opened as the first lawn tennis club in the United States. In 1888, Palace Amusements opened in Asbury Park alongside the boardwalk, and contained numerous amusement rides and games, such as a carousel . After years of a declining economy within the city, the palace closed in 1988, 100 years after it opened. In 2004, the building

2576-585: The U.S. state of New Jersey and the southernmost county in the New York metropolitan area . The county borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and in terms of total area is the state's largest county. Its county seat is Toms River . The county is part of the Jersey Shore and is considered part of the Central Jersey region of the state, though it was not among the four counties explicitly listed as included in Central Jersey as part of legislation signed into law in 2023. Since 2020, Ocean County has been

2668-432: The 193,186 ballots cast by the county's 371,066 registered voters, yielding a 52.1% turnout. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 75.7% of the vote here (125,781 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 22.8% (37,930 votes), In the 2017 gubernatorial election , Republican Kim Guadagno received 98,135 (62.1%) of the vote, and Democrat Phil Murphy received 56,682 (35.8%) of

2760-625: The 2,200-acre (890 ha) Safari Off Road Adventure , the largest drive-thru animal safari outside of Africa. Approximately 40 miles (64 km) of barrier beaches form the Barnegat and Little Egg Harbor Bays, offering ample watersports. It also is home of the Tuckerton Seaport , a 40-acre (160,000 m ) maritime history village in Tuckerton . In addition to being the northeast gateway to New Jersey's Pine Barrens , Ocean County

2852-436: The Ocean County government services without the need for residents to travel to the county seat located about 20 miles (32 km) to the north. The 2nd and 4th Congressional Districts cover the county. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 4th congressional district

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2944-444: The United States as a whole. The United States Census Bureau 's Population Estimates Program estimated a 2023 population of 659,197, an increase of 21,968 (+3.4%) from the 2020 decennial census. Ocean County’s most populous and fastest-growing place is Lakewood Township , with an estimated 139,866 residents as of 2023, while Jackson Township covers 100.62 square miles (260.6 km ), the largest total area of any municipality in

3036-405: The age of 18 living with them, 56.40% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% were non-families. 27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.06. In the county, 23.30% of the population

3128-595: The arrival of European settlers. They came from the Mississippi River area. They lived along the vicinity of the Jersey Shore , the Raritan Bay , the Raritan River and other areas in the northeastern United States . The Lenape were a hunter-gatherer society. They were largely sedentary, changing campsites seasonally. They were prolific hunters of small game and birds. They were also skilled fisherman, and were known to harvest vast amounts of clams from

3220-684: The bays and inlets on the Jersey Shore. They also practiced some agriculture to augment their food supply. During this time, an important crossroad of two major Lenape trails was located in the area of Freehold Township in western Monmouth County. In 1609, the English navigator, Henry Hudson , and his crew aboard the Dutch vessel Half Moon spotted land in what is now Monmouth County, most likely off Sandy Hook ; however, some historical accounts credit this landing to present-day Keansburg . Among

3312-684: The building acted as a research and development facility. The facility was expanded twice in 1966 and 1982. On October 17, 1978, cosmic microwave background radiation was discovered at the site by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson . On June 12, 1968, the Garden State Arts Center opened in Holmdel alongside the Garden State Parkway , having its own exit of 116. The amphitheater often hosted classical and popular music , as well as various other programs, and has

3404-472: The country. In 1970, Asbury Park experienced a major race riot between July 4 and July 10, one of the largest in New Jersey. The riot was largely due to high unemployment , poor housing conditions, and lack of recreational activities within the African American community. Over 180 people were injured during the week long riot. The largely African American West Side of the city experienced

3496-448: The county is at sea level along the county's lengthy Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay coastlines. Ocean County's area comprises 31.3% water. The coastal county along the Atlantic Ocean has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa and including the coast). In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Toms River have ranged from a low of 24 °F (−4 °C) in January to a high of 85 °F (29 °C) in July, although

3588-465: The county serve as commuter towns to and from New York City and other points north . Highways such as the Garden State Parkway , U.S. 9 , Route's 34 , 35 , and 36 , along with NJ Transit 's North Jersey Coast Line and Seastreak , connects county residents to economic centers in North Jersey and New York City. In 2015, the county had a per capita personal income of $ 69,410, making it

3680-420: The county was $ 23,054. About 4.8% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2000 Census, Mantoloking was the wealthiest community in the state of New Jersey with a per capita money income of $ 114,017 as of 1999. The Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated that the county's gross domestic product

3772-538: The county's 2010 Census population, 63.2% were registered to vote, including 82.6% of those ages 18 and over. In the 2008 presidential election , Republican John McCain received 58.4% of the vote here (160,677 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 40.1% (110,189 votes) among the 276,544 ballots cast by the county's 380,712 registered voters, for a turnout of 72.6%. The Republican vote totals and overall turnout were significantly down in 2012 due to damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Sandy just days before

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3864-414: The county. Ocean County is located 50 miles (80 km) east of Philadelphia , 70 miles (110 km) south of New York City , and 25 miles (40 km) north of Atlantic City , making it a prime vacation destination for residents of these cities during the summer. As with the entire Jersey Shore , summer traffic routinely clogs local roadways throughout the season. Over 31% of Ocean County's total area

3956-682: The county. The population density was 803 inhabitants per square mile (310/km ). There were 248,711 housing units at an average density of 151/km (390/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 93.05% White , 2.99% Black or African American , 0.14% Native American , 1.28% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 1.24% from other races , and 1.29% from two or more races. 5.02% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Among those who listed their ancestry, 25.3% were of Italian , 23.6% Irish , 18.7% German , 8.8% Polish and 8.5% English ancestry according to Census 2000. There were 200,402 households, out of which 28.10% had children under

4048-583: The county; their seventh covers Howell Township, New Jersey in Monmouth County, New Jersey . 92.7 WOBM provides news, traffic and weather updates. WOBM-FM radio started broadcasting from the Bayville section of Berkeley Township in March 1968. The station relocated to studios in Toms River in 2013. 91.9 WBNJ provides local news, PSAs and events; as well as weather updates. The county had

4140-616: The destruction of the tidal station, breaking all previous local records. The surge caused waves as high as 32.5 feet (9.9 m), measured where the Sandy Hook Bay meets the New York Bay . As of the 2020 census , the county had 643,615 people, 240,377 households, and 161,545 families. The population density was 1,372.9 inhabitants per square mile (530.1/km ). There were 268,912 housing units at an average density of 573.6 per square mile (221.5/km ). The county's racial makeup

4232-519: The election. In 2016 and 2020 , it was New Jersey's most Republican county, and in 2020, it was the only one to give Donald Trump more than 60% of the vote; in fact, Trump won all but two municipalities in Ocean County in 2020. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 65.6% of the vote here (124,238 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 28.4% (53,761 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 4.8% (9,068 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (1,955 votes), among

4324-586: The estuary of the Manasquan River , a bay-like body of saltwater that serves as the starting point of the Intracoastal Waterway , which attracts as many as 1,600 boats each weekend during the peak season. Much of Monmouth County has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ), while some inland areas have a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ). In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Freehold Borough have ranged from

4416-480: The fastest-growing county in New Jersey, with a population of 637,229 recorded at the 2020 United States census , its highest decennial count ever and ranking the county as the state's sixth-most populous county , with an increase of 60,662 (+10.5%) from the 576,567 enumerated at the 2010 census , which in turn reflected an increase of 65,651 (+12.8%) from the 510,916 counted in the 2000 census . Since 2010, Ocean County's population has been growing faster than

4508-466: The fifth highest in New Jersey and ranked 74th of 3,113 counties in the United States. Many inland areas of the county are still quite agricultural, with many orchards, wineries, equestrian farms, and distilleries, such as Cream Ridge Winery , Delicious Orchards , Four JG's Orchards & Vineyards , and Laird & Company . The Bell Labs Complex is a major scientific research facility in Holmdel , where important breakthroughs, such as evidence for

4600-744: The first European settlers and majority landowners in the area were Richard and Penelope Stout . Penelope "miraculously" survived her wounds from a native attack in Sandy Hook and lived to the age of 110. A group of Quaker families from Long Island settled the Monmouth Tract , an early land grant from Richard Nicolls issued in 1665. They were followed by a group of Scottish settlers who inhabited Freehold Township in about 1682–1885, followed several years later by Dutch settlers. As they arrived in this area, they were greeted by Lenape people, who lived in scattered small family bands and developed

4692-553: The first night flight, and the first air mail delivery. Fort Hancock in Sandy Hook played a minor role in World War 1 and World War 2 . The fort was intended as one of the defensive forts of New York City, and as neither war came to the area, the fort was largely unaffected. However, during World War 1, several of the artillery guns were removed for use elsewhere. In 1919, the Sandy Hook Proving Ground

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4784-576: The fort is a National Historic Place and Landmark . In 1916, two of the three Jersey Shore shark attacks occurred in Monmouth County, with one occurring on July 6 in Spring Lake while the other occurred on July 12 in Matawan . One person was killed in the Spring Lake attack, while in Matawan two people were killed and one was injured. In 1917, construction of Fort Monmouth began under

4876-508: The freeholder director was paid an annual salary of $ 31,000. This remained unchanged in 2018 As of 2024 , Ocean County's Commissioners are (with terms for chair and vice-chair ending every December 31): Pursuant to Article VII Section II of the New Jersey State Constitution , each county in New Jersey is required to have three elected administrative officials known as "constitutional officers." These officers are

4968-542: The historic county of Monmouthshire in Wales , Great Britain . The county, like much of the state, was significantly involved during the American Revolutionary War . The Battle of Monmouth was fought in June 1778 in what has been preserved as Monmouth Battlefield State Park , currently located in Freehold Township and Manalapan Township . The county's economy is rich and diverse, due to its high population density and proximity to New York City. Located in

5060-508: The land is a living history museum and U.S. historic district known as Allaire Village . On May 18, 1826, the Navesink Twin Lights were commissioned by Congress , and were first used in 1828. The twin lighthouses were one of only seven in the country. However, this structure deteriorated rapidly, and was in need of replacement. On May 1, 1862, the current structure was first lit at a much grander scale. Upon completion, it

5152-399: The largest total area of any municipality in Ocean County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 914.84 square miles (2,369.4 km ), making it the largest county in New Jersey in terms of total area (ahead of Burlington County ), of which 628.29 square miles (1,627.3 km ) was land (68.7%) and 286.55 square miles (742.2 km )

5244-627: The middle of the Northeast megalopolis , its inland county seat of Freehold Borough , the Tri-City region of coastal cities of Red Bank , Long Branch , and Asbury Park , along with the county constituting a vast swath of the New Jersey coastline, has contributed in its draw of tourists throughout the state (and much of the Northeastern United States at large), particularly during the summer months. Many communities within

5336-608: The more agrarian regions of western Monmouth County into the Raritan River , and various rivers and inlets that flow from the more densely populated region of the Raritan Bayshore of northern Monmouth County into the Raritan Bay and the Lower New York Bay , before finally draining out into the Atlantic Ocean . The Manasquan Inlet is located in the county, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with

5428-468: The most damage, with an estimated $ 5,600,000 in damages. On February 8, 1974, The Stone Pony opened in Asbury Park across the street from the boardwalk. The live music venue is small but well-known, with its most notable talents Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as well as Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes having launched their career out of the venue. In 2005, Fort Monmouth

5520-588: The name of Camp Little Silver as training grounds. The first permanent structure, a barracks , was erected in 1928. In 1928, the first radio -equipped meteorological balloon reached the atmosphere , a precursor to modern day weather sounding . Numerous buildings were constructed during the 1930s-1940s at the facility, with the fort significantly expanding in size. Fort Monmouth was also where Soviet spies Julius Rosenberg , Joel Barr , and Alfred Sarant operated. Numerous scientific breakthroughs occurred at Fort Monmouth, including Project Diana in 1946; SCORE ,

5612-413: The population were under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 21% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 88.3 males. As of the 2000 United States census there were 510,916 people, 200,402 households, and 137,876 families residing in

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5704-420: The population. Of the 221,111 households, 26.7% had children under the age of 18; 53.9% were married couples living together; 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 32.5% were non-families. Of all households, 27.8% were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.16. 23.4% of

5796-464: The same month Hurricane Irene hit the New Jersey coast; the lowest was .25 in (0.64 cm) recorded in October 1963. The 2020 United States census counted 637,229 people and 237,729 households in the county. The population density was 1,014.2 inhabitants per square mile (391.6/km ). There were 295,648 housing units at an average density of 470.6 per square mile (181.7/km ). The racial makeup

5888-663: The same time the region underwent massive and not unrelated economic changes, this process led to places like Monmouth County, New Jersey becoming significantly more diverse and somewhat less rural. In 1822, James P. Allaire bought land that would be used to establish the Howell Works Iron Foundry in what is now Wall Township . The village was an early example of a company town , having its workers live on site with numerous types of stores and facilities for them. The furnace had ceased to operate by 1848 as iron and coal production moved to Pennsylvania . Today,

5980-432: The theater. In 1984, it was renamed after Count Basie , a native of Red Bank. Many well-known acts had performed at the theater, such as Tony Bennett , Olivia Newton-John , Bruce Springsteen , and Jon Bon Jovi . In 1928, the Asbury Park Convention Hall was constructed alongside the boardwalk . On January 1, 1930, the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park showed its first film, Wings . The buildings are connected by

6072-399: The time of the 2020 Census, while Howell Township covered 61.21 square miles (158.5 km ), the largest total area of any municipality. While there are differing historical theories, the most plausible of theories in the origin of the county's name are attributed to many settlers originating from Rhode Island where the Rhode Island Monmouth Society hailed from, or it being named after

6164-621: The total population. The 2010 United States census counted 576,567 people, 221,111 households, and 149,250 families in the county. The population density was 917 inhabitants per square mile (354/km ). There were 278,052 housing units at an average density of 442.2 per square mile (170.7/km ). The racial makeup was 90.98% (524,577) White , 3.15% (18,164) Black or African American , 0.17% (966) Native American , 1.75% (10,081) Asian , 0.02% (129) Pacific Islander , 2.46% (14,165) from other races , and 1.47% (8,485) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 8.29% (47,783) of

6256-402: The vote. In the 2021 gubernatorial election , Republican Jack Ciattarelli received 67.5% of the vote (145,756 ballots cast) to Democrat Phil Murphy's 31.8% (68,615 votes). Ocean County has been the most Republican in the last three gubernatorial elections. Ocean County College is the two-year community college for Ocean County, one of a network of 19 county colleges statewide. The school

6348-434: The world and the largest outside the State of Israel . Stockton University has a campus located in Manahawkin offering undergraduate and graduate colleges of the arts, sciences and professional studies of the New Jersey state system of higher education. School districts in the county include: New Jersey's largest suburban school district, Toms River Regional Schools , is located in Ocean County. Toms River

6440-414: The world's first communications satellite in 1958; TIROS-1 , the world's first full-scale weather satellite in 1960, and other projects including photography . On November 11, 1926, the Count Basie Theater opened as the Carlton Theater in Red Bank . In 1970, the theater had closed alongside most of the other historic theaters in the town. In 1973, an anonymous donation allowed for the preservation of

6532-423: The years that led to the decision. The plans were finalized in 2023. On June 14, 2018, Monmouth Park Racetrack became the first place in New Jersey to offer sports betting . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 661.40 square miles (1,713.0 km ), of which 468.18 square miles (1,212.6 km ) was land (70.8%) and 193.22 square miles (500.4 km )

6624-481: Was Bill Clinton in 1996 , who carried the county with a 46% plurality of the vote. The last Democrat to win a majority in the county was Lyndon Johnson in 1964. As of October 1, 2021, there were a total of 458,230 registered voters in Ocean County, of whom 171,085 (37.3%) were registered as Republicans , 102,005 (22.3%) were registered as Democrats and 179,085 (39.1%) were registered as unaffiliated . There were 6,055 voters (1.3%) registered to other parties. Among

6716-479: Was $ 102,870, and the median family income was $ 124,778. About 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over. The 2010 United States census counted 630,380 people, 233,983 households, and 163,320 families in the county. The population density was 1,344.7 per square mile (519.2/km ). There were 258,410 housing units at an average density of 551.2 per square mile (212.8/km ). The racial makeup

6808-679: Was $ 23.8 billion in 2022, which ranked 12th of 21 in the state. This was a 4.1% increase from the prior year, the 5th largest percent change in the state. The 2022 GDP numbers reflected the second year in a row of positive growth for the county, after 2020 saw a -0.4% change from 2019. Ocean County is home to the Ocean County Mall in Toms River, featuring a gross leasable area of 898,000 square feet (83,400 m ). The now-closed Sears site will be replaced with 100,000 square feet (9,300 m ) of retail space. Ocean County

6900-462: Was 17.2 °F (−8.2 °C) in February 1934. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 3.30 inches (84 mm) in February to 4.79 inches (122 mm) in March. Areas closer to the coast typically experience more mild winters and cooler summers due to the Atlantic Ocean's influence. The highest total monthly precipitation recorded for the county was 15.67 in (39.8 cm) in August 2011,

6992-431: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.16. About 21.4% of the county's population was under age 18, 8.1% was from age 18 to 24, 34.8% was from age 15 to 44, and 18.2% was age 65 or older. The median age was 43.5 years. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. The county's median household income

7084-550: Was 71.6% White , 6.08% African American , 0.07% Native American , 5.6% Asian , and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.5% of the population. Of the 240,377 households , of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% were married couples living together, 25.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 14.4% had a male householder with no wife present and 32.8% were non-families. 13.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who

7176-457: Was 92.2% (587,525) White , 3.9% (24,852) Black or African American , 0.3% (1,912) Native American , 2.1% (13,382) Asian , 0.1% (637) Pacific Islander , and 1.5% (9,558) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 10.2% (64,997) of the population. The average household size was 2.62. 24.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 52.6% from 18 to 64, and 22.8% were 65 years of age or older. Females made up 51.3% of

7268-468: Was a major center for scientific research throughout the 20th century. On May 4, 1933, radio astronomy , one of the most significant achievements in the field of astronomy , was invented by Karl Guthe Jansky . On June 25, 1946, the silicon solar cell was patented by Russell S. Ohl , who operated out of Bell Labs. In 1959, AT&T began construction on the current building, completing it in 1962, where

7360-529: Was a small African-American middle class consisting of freedmen present in Monmouth County by the 1840s and 1850s. In 1790 Monmouth County's population was 16,918, of whom roughly 6,600 were of English descent and the remainder were Welsh , Dutch and Swedish , as well as small amounts of African Americans and Northern Irish Protestants . By 2010 Monmouth County's population was 628,112 of whom 40,489 were of English descent . Between 1890 and 1907 nearly 18 million European immigrants came to America. At

7452-416: Was annexed from Burlington County on March 30, 1891. It derives its name from the Atlantic Ocean that it borders. The most populous municipality in the county is the rapidly growing Lakewood Township , with 135,158 residents in 2020, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 42,315 (+45.6%) from its 2010 census count of 92,843; while Jackson Township covers 100.62 square miles (260.6 km ),

7544-524: Was commissioned, which is designed to safely store and transport military ordinance. The 11,000 acre main facility consumes land in Colts Neck , Howell , Wall , and Tinton Falls , while the three-pronged pier in the Leonardo section of Middletown is connected to the main facility via Normandy Road, a military-only railroad and road that connects the facilities. The Bell Labs complex in Holmdel

7636-569: Was deemed unsafe, and was ordered to be demolished, although various elements were saved such as the iconic Tillie mural and the carousel. In 1899, Guglielmo Marconi 's first demonstration of the wireless telegraph in the United States took place at the Navesink Twin Lights . In 1910, the Wright Brothers hosted an aviation show in Interlaken , where numerous records were broken, such as high altitudes , longest time airborne,

7728-557: Was essentially abandoned in favor of a large site at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland . During World War 2, the fort served as a mobilization center. In 1946, the guns at the fort were considered obsolete, leading to their scrapping and subsequent decommissioning of the fort. The fort was reactivated twice, first as an antiaircraft defense and later as a Nike missile base, but was closed for good in 1974. Today,

7820-464: Was more than Hoboken , Jersey City , or Camden during this period. In 1850, Ocean County was carved out of Monmouth County. On July 30, 1870, Monmouth Park Racetrack opened, a thoroughbred racing track in Eatontown . The facility closed and reopened several times, with the current facility having been in use since 1946. On September 19, 1881, U.S. President James A. Garfield died in

7912-476: Was named Fort Hancock after Winfield Scott Hancock . On August 7, 1874, the Sandy Hook Proving Ground was established as a weapons testing area, considered a separate facility from the fort. In 1890, construction began on the artillery batteries of the fort. The Battery Porter was an early prototype of the gun lift carriage . During the 19th century, Keyport's Marine Park was a major shipbuilding hub, having built 55 steamships between 1807 and 1868, which

8004-422: Was recommended for closure, and in 2011 the facility shut down for good. Redevelopment of the land had been in talks since 2006, and in 2021 Netflix had announced it was going to create a film studio at the facility. In 2022, a proposal to develop housing units where the fort's housing stands was approved. In 2006, Bell Labs was sold, and preservation efforts were made by residents and former employees. In 2013,

8096-785: Was sworn in by New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on October 12, 2018. Ocean County constitutes Vicinage 14 of the New Jersey Superior Court and is seated at the Ocean County Courthouse Complex in Toms River; the Assignment Judge for Vicinage 14 is Marlene Lynch Ford. Ocean County operates the Ocean County Southern Service Center in Manahawkin. This center offers access to all of

8188-583: Was the most powerful lighthouse in the United States. In 1883, it became the first lighthouse in the country to use a mineral-oil lamp. Today, the lighthouse is open to the public as a U.S. historic landmark and place . In 1848, one of the original Life Saving Stations was built in Sandy Hook for the United States Coast Guard . Between 1857 and 1867, construction began on the Fort at Sandy Hook. The fort remained nameless until 1895 when it

8280-476: Was under the age of 18, 6.60% was from 18 to 24, 26.00% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 22.20% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.40 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 46,443, and the median income for a family was $ 56,420. Males had a median income of $ 44,822 versus $ 30,717 for females. The per capita income for

8372-422: Was water (29.2%). Much of Monmouth County remains flat and low-lying, even at its western inland extreme. However, there are some low hills in and around Holmdel Township , and one of them, Crawford Hill , the former site of a radar facility, is the county's highest point, variously listed at 380 to 391 feet (116 to 119 m) above sea level. The top portion of the hill is owned by Alcatel-Lucent and houses

8464-551: Was water (31.3%). Much of the county is flat and coastal, with an extensive shoreline and many beaches along the Jersey Shore , including Barnegat Light , Beach Haven , Harvey Cedars , Lavallette , Mantoloking , Seaside Heights , Seaside Park , Ship Bottom , and Surf City . The highest point is one of three unnamed hills (one in Jackson Township , the other two in Plumsted Township ) that reach at least 230 feet (70 m) in elevation. The lowest elevation in

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