94-589: Toms River is a township and coastal town located on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Its mainland portion is also a census-designated place of the same name , which serves as the county seat of Ocean County. Formerly known as the Township of Dover , voters in a 2006 referendum approved a change of the official name to the Township of Toms River , adopting
188-531: 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 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
282-481: A base for privateer vessels that plundered British and Tory ships off the coast. In March 1782, a group of British and loyalist soldiers attacked a blockhouse along the river that housed the colonial militia and captured Captain Joshua Huddy , who was later hanged at Sandy Hook . Also destroyed were the salt works and most of the houses in the village. The incident greatly complicated the tense relationship between
376-416: A one-year term. Partisan elections are allowed under this law. Voters may initiate a referendum to change the membership to consist of either 3 or 5 members. While many township committees directly supervise the operation of their municipality, the revised act allows the committee to delegate all or a portion of its responsibilities to an appointed municipal administrator. A number of municipalities changed to
470-464: 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 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
564-627: 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 ) 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
658-411: A township, as townships are equivalent to all other forms of local municipalities. Municipalities in New Jersey may be classified into one of five types , of which townships are one. Townships may retain the township form of government, or adopt one of the modern forms of government, which are not restricted to a particular type of municipality. In New Jersey, a municipality's name (such as X Township)
752-546: Is 70 miles (110 km) south of Manhattan and 55 miles (89 km) east of Philadelphia . While most of Toms River is on the mainland, Dover Beaches North and South are situated on the Barnegat Peninsula , a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Dover Beaches South adjoins the independent municipalities of Lavallette to the north and Seaside Heights to
846-654: 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
940-784: 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
1034-526: 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
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#17327935905441128-533: 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
1222-725: Is located in Downtown Toms River and is host to a replica constructed in 1931 of the Revolutionary War fort that was once standing near the site. The town played host to a short skirmish during the Revolution in which Captain Joshua Huddy was captured by a group of Loyalists while defending the Toms River Blockhouse and hanged without trial. The trail of Captain Huddy can be followed throughout
1316-466: Is not necessarily an indication of its form of government. In New Jersey, the township form of government consists of a three to five-member township committee usually elected at-large in partisan elections. At its organization meeting, held after an election, the committee selects one of its elected members to serve as mayor and preside at meetings. The other members of the township committee serve as commissioners of various township departments, overseeing
1410-551: Is one of 11 municipalities in Ocean County that are part of the Toms River watershed . Toms River has a humid subtropical climate , with significant rainfall throughout the year. The Köppen climate classification of the area is Cfa . The township was severely affected by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Many low-lying areas of the township, including Silverton and the downtown area, saw their worst flooding ever when
1504-621: 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 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
1598-567: 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 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
1692-613: 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
1786-481: Is said to be the second-largest Halloween parade in the world. In 2006, Toms River was ranked by Morgan Quitno Press as the 15th safest city in the United States, of 369 cities nationwide. In 2007, Toms River was again ranked as the 14th-safest city in the United States of 371 cities nationwide. Much of the early history of the settlement of Toms River is obscured by conflicting stories. Various sources list
1880-496: Is used by 27% of New Jersey municipalities; however, slightly over 50% of the state's population resides within them. Townships in New Jersey differ from townships elsewhere in the United States. In many states, townships can be an intermediate form of government, between county government and municipalities that are subordinate parts of the township, with different government responsibilities allocated at each level. In New Jersey, there are no subordinate municipalities located within
1974-545: The 2000 United States census there were 89,706 people, 33,510 households, and 24,428 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,189.5 inhabitants per square mile (845.4/km). There were 41,116 housing units at an average density of 1,003.5 per square mile (387.5/km). The racial makeup of the township was 93.57% White , 1.75% African American , 0.13% Native American , 2.46% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.95% from other races , and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.54% of
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#17327935905442068-519: The 2010 census count of 91,239, which had in turn reflected an increase of 1,533 (+1.7%) from the 89,706 counted in the 2000 census . Toms River is featured in various TV and news media, including MTV 's Made and Jersey Shore (seasons 1, 3, and 5), HBO's Boardwalk Empire , and the original The Amityville Horror movie. In 1998, Toms River East Little League won the Little League World Series . The township has what
2162-420: 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
2256-549: 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
2350-717: The Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law) under the Mayor-Council form of New Jersey municipal government. The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and seven-member Township Council. The council includes four members who each represent one of four wards of the township and three who are chosen at-large . The mayor and
2444-536: The ZIP Codes 08753, 08754, 08755, 08756, 08757, and 08739. Ortley Beach (Dover Beaches South) shares ZIP Code 08751 with Seaside Heights . Manchester does not have its own post office, and parts of Manchester use a Toms River mailing address under ZIP Code 08757. Toms River borders the Ocean County municipalities of Berkeley Township , Brick , Island Heights , Jackson , Lakewood , Lavallette , Manchester , Seaside Heights , and South Toms River . The township
2538-546: The eponym of the township as either English captain William Tom, or farmer and ferryman Thomas Luker. In 1992, as part of celebrations commemorating the township's 225th anniversary, official recognition was granted to the tradition that the "Tom" in "Toms River" was for Thomas Luker, who ran a ferry across Goose Creek (now the Toms River ). During the 19th century, Toms River became a center for shipbuilding, whaling, fishing, and iron and lumber production. The settlement and
2632-516: The national and state registers of historic places. In 1850, Toms River became the county seat of the newly created Ocean County when it was formed out of southern Monmouth County . During the second half of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th, many new towns were carved out of Dover Township, including Brick, Jackson, Lakewood, and Berkeley. The Village of Toms River attempted twice—in 1914 and 1926—to secede from Dover Township, but residents were unsuccessful. The part of Toms River on
2726-559: The storm surge overwhelmed the Barnegat Bay up and down the Jersey Shore. The barrier islands, just across the bridge, suffered even worse devastation from the storm surge brought by the hurricane. Extremes range from a record high of 105 °F on both July 19, 1999, and August 9, 1896, to a low of −24 °F on January 16, 1988. The 2010 United States census counted 91,239 people, 34,760 households, and 24,367 families in
2820-432: 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
2914-534: The 1990s when their Little League Baseball team, nicknamed "Beast from the East", competed in the Little League World Series three times in five years. The team won in 1998 , after defeating Japan by a score of 12–9. More than 40,000 people lined Route 37 for a parade following their victory. Toms River Little League made it back to the 2010 World Series , giving the town its record fourth Mid-Atlantic championship, returning as regional runners-up in 2021. In 2022,
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3008-479: The 1996–2000 period indicated that while there were more cancer cases than expected, rates had significantly fallen and the difference was statistically insignificant compared to normal statewide cancer rates. Since 1996, the Toms River water system has been subject to the most stringent water testing in the state and is considered safe for consumption. Dan Fagin 's Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation ,
3102-625: 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
3196-494: The 2014 Pulitzer Prize winning book, examined the issue of industrial pollution in detail. "Toms River" at one time referred only to the rural farming community of Toms River, a small part of the vast Township of Dover that included several other distinct settlements. With the United States Postal Service 's adoption of Toms River mailing addresses for Dover Township, coupled with demographic changes in
3290-645: The British, loyalists, and colonists, and was a factor in prolonging the peace negotiations that were then in progress in Paris until 1783. Dover Township was incorporated as one of New Jersey's first 104 townships by the Township Act of 1798 of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. The township's original name was for Dover , England. The village of Toms River is listed on both
3384-863: The John Bennett Athletic Center. A 3,204-seat multi-use center was opened to the public in 2004, attached to Toms River High School North. The sports, music, and convention center has gone by a number of different names, including: the Ritacco Center, Poland Spring Arena, and Pine Belt Arena. The facility has hosted the NJSIAA boys and girls basketball Tournament of Champions, WWE NXT Live!, and musical acts in association with Toms River Fest , including: Gavin DeGraw , Daughtry , Avril Lavigne , Carrie Underwood , Meat Loaf , and Joan Jett , among others. The building also serves as
3478-534: The Ocean County Mall. It is home to the corporate headquarters of EGM Green, as well as the headquarters for OceanFirst Bank. The RWJBarnabas Health Arena (formerly Pine Belt Arena), a 3,500-seat public arena connected to Toms River High School North , is used for concerts, sporting events, and some small local events throughout the year to raise money for the school district. Starting in January 2018,
3572-436: 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
3666-564: The Toms River Little Indians taking titles in 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, and 2005–2009. The Toms River Raiders won the Division 1 Jr., Pee Wee football title in 1996. Known locally as "The Bubble", the center is one of three indoor athletic complex's in Ocean County and one of the largest in New Jersey. It is located just south of Intermediate School East, and named after John Bennet, TRSD superintendent from 1960 to 1977. It
3760-560: The Township type, or the Township form of government, between 1979 and 1982. A federal law, The State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 provided funding to the states to be divided between state and municipal governments. In 1981, states were removed from the program and the law was amended to provide direct grants to the most popular form of local government in the United States - townships. In Essex County alone, 11 municipal governments changed their form or name to take advantage of
3854-405: 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
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3948-591: The area. Over the years, confusion over the name of the township had become an issue for many residents. A movement organized around the Dover Township Name Change Committee, founded by Mayor Paul Brush and supported by the Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, collected signatures to put a name change question on the ballot in November 2006. On Election Day, November 7, 2006, over 60% of residents voted to approve changing
4042-410: The average family size was 3.09. In the township the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males. The median income for a household in the township
4136-477: 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 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
4230-647: 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 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
4324-422: 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 the United States as a whole. The United States Census Bureau 's Population Estimates Program estimated
4418-404: 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 ), 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
4512-420: 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
4606-522: The county was 15.67 in (39.8 cm) in August 2011, 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
4700-525: The county was 78.8 °F (26.0 °C) in July 2020; the lowest 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
4794-538: 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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#17327935905444888-682: 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
4982-531: 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
5076-519: 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
5170-508: 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
5264-523: The increased cancer risk was contamination from Toms River Chemical Plant (then operated by Ciba-Geigy ), which had been in operation since 1952. The area was designated a United States Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site in 1983, after an underground plume of toxic chemicals was identified. The following year, a discharge pipe was shut down after a sinkhole at the corner of Bay Avenue and Vaughn Avenue revealed that it had been leaking. The plant ceased operation in 1996. A follow-up study from
5358-509: The last two decades of the twentieth century, the demographics of the township changed substantially, adding over 20,000 residents just in the 1990s alone. While the village is still the center of municipal and county government, the population in the area exploded in the decades after World War II , due in part to the completion of the Garden State Parkway . Whereas the village was the largest and most densely populated section of
5452-653: The location for HS North graduation ceremonies, with the inaugural event held for the Class of 2004. There are 13 parks located within and maintained by Toms River Township. Two of the newest recreational areas include the Toms River Skatepark, a 7,000 square feet (650 m) outdoor skatepark completed in 2021, and Field of Dreams Playground, a 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) gated playground opened in 2022 and designed for children with varying physical or developmental disabilities. Joshua Huddy Park, which opened in 1905,
5546-472: The mayor's office each year, while others elect the same mayor for 2–3 consecutive years. Out of the 240 townships in the state, the township form of government is used by 140. On road signs, township is often abbreviated TWP or Twp . Some official documents abbreviate it as "Twsp." Historically, a variety of legislation has been passed by the state legislature that has defined and refined the township form of municipal government: The Township Act of 1798
5640-553: The name from the Township of Dover to the Township of Toms River. The name change campaign featured the slogan "Toms River YES", signifying a yes vote for the name change, and the name was officially changed on November 14, 2006. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 52.89 square miles (136.98 km), including 40.55 square miles (105.03 km) of land and 12.34 square miles (31.95 km) of water (23.32%). Toms River
5734-479: The name of the largest unincorporated community within the township. The township is a bedroom suburb of New York City in the New York metropolitan area , and a regional commercial hub in central New Jersey . As of the 2020 United States census , the township was the state's eighth-most-populous municipality , with a population of 95,438, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 4,199 (+4.6%) from
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#17327935905445828-484: The name was officially changed to the "RWJBarnabas Health Arena" after the district signed a five-year deal with RWJBarnabas Health under which the district would be paid a total of $ 637,500 for the naming rights. Toms River Fest was held during the summer in Toms River, bringing many people from in and out of the area, with 25,000 attendees at the 2008 event. Originally planned to be an annual event, it has not been held since 2008. Toms River made national headlines in
5922-460: The other sections, those inside and outside began referring to all of mainland Dover Township as Toms River. In the 1990 census , the census-designated place called "Toms River" only included the downtown village area that included fewer than 8,000 residents in 1990. Due to complaints of confusion, the CDP was broadened to include all of mainland Dover Township to better reflect the more common usage for
6016-413: 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
6110-431: The population were under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 89.6 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
6204-420: 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
6298-418: The population. Of the 34,760 households, 28.2% had children under the age of 18; 54.4% were married couples living together; 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 29.9% were non-families. Of all households, 25.1% were made up of individuals and 12.1% 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 3.10. 21.3% of
6392-408: The population. There were 33,510 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and
6486-408: The program. There are a total of 240 townships in the state, including: Ocean County, New Jersey Ocean County is a county located in 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
6580-584: The river were usually spelled "Tom's River" in its early days, though its current spelling has been standard since the middle of the 19th century. Located in the southern section of the Shrewsbury Township , a royal charter was granted on March 1, 1768, and Dover Township was formed. During the American Revolutionary War , Toms River was home to a strategically important salt works that supplied colonial militias, as well as
6674-502: The seven council members are chosen on a partisan basis as part of the November general election in odd-numbered years to serve four-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with the mayor and three at-large seats elected together and the four ward seats chosen simultaneously two years later. In December 2017, the Township Council appointed Don Guardian , the former Mayor of Atlantic City to replace Paul J. Shives; Guardian
6768-582: The south side of the river stretching down to Berkeley Township incorporated as South Toms River in 1927, but the core of the original village on the north side remains part of the wider township to this day. Portions of the township were taken to form Jackson Township (March 6, 1844), Union Township (March 10, 1846, now Barnegat Township ), Brick Township (February 15, 1850), Manchester Township (April 6, 1865), Berkeley Township (March 31, 1875), Island Heights (May 6, 1887), Lavallette (December 21, 1887), and Seaside Heights (February 26, 1913). In
6862-758: The south. Dover Beaches North (2010 Census population of 1,239), Dover Beaches South (1,209) and Toms River CDP (88,791) are census-designated places and unincorporated communities located within Toms River Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Andrew Point, Andrews, Bay Shore, Cattus Island , Cedar Grove, Chadwick, Coates Point, East Dover, Gilford Park, Gilmores Island, Green Island, Long Point, Normandy Beach, Ocean Beach, Ortley Beach, Pelican Island, Pine View, Pleasant Plains, Shelter Cove, Silverton , Tilton Point, West Dover, and White Oak Bottom. Toms River includes
6956-726: The team again took the New Jersey State title, but lost to Massapequa in the Metro Region championship, in Bristol, Connecticut . Toms River is also home to many National Champion Pop Warner Cheerleading titles, with the Toms River Angels taking home championships in several divisions in 1995, 1998–2003, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2018, and 2019; the Toms River Indians winning in 1999, 2003, and 2007; and
7050-413: The term "municipality" and recognized five types of government: borough , township, city , town , and village and granted each equal legal standing. The Township Act of 1989 simplified the much-amended Act of 1899. It retains a three or five member township committee serving staggered terms, whose members are generally elected at-large. The committee elects a mayor from among its members to serve
7144-621: 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
7238-411: The town. In 1992, improvements to the park were made to mark the 225th anniversary of the township, during which time Luker Bridge was dedicated, named for Thomas Luker, the 17th century ferryman who is believed to be the river's namesake. In 2017, a $ 1.6 million renovation of the park was completed to commemorate the township's 250th anniversary. Since 2002, Toms River Township has operated within
7332-589: The township for a rent of at least five dollars a year. A group of five freeholders was elected to one-year terms on the Township Committee, which was responsible to oversee the expenditure of revenue in between town meetings. The Township Act of 1899 abolished the town meeting and strengthened the role of the Township Committee, which was initially set at three and amended to allow for expansion to five members. Members were elected for staggered three-year terms. The Home Rule Act of 1917 legally defined
7426-399: The township for over two centuries, the vast majority of residents now shop and work in other sections of the town. In the mid-1990s, state and federal health and environmental agencies identified an increased incidence of childhood cancers in Toms River from the 1970–1995 period. Multiple investigations by state and federal environmental and health agencies indicated that the likely source of
7520-477: The township. The population density was 2,253.5 per square mile (870.1/km). There were 43,334 housing units at an average density of 1,070.3 per square mile (413.2/km). The racial makeup was 89.91% (82,035) White , 2.70% (2,465) Black or African American , 0.17% (156) Native American , 3.58% (3,266) Asian , 0.02% (17) Pacific Islander , 1.96% (1,785) from other races , and 1.66% (1,515) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.93% (7,231) of
7614-402: 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
7708-439: The work of those areas along with overall legislative issues. Some mayors in this form of government also oversee specific departments. The mayor in this form of government is primarily ceremonial and has the same power as other township committee members. The mayor does hold the powers vested in all mayors under state law One township committee member is elected deputy mayor each year. Some towns with this form of government rotate
7802-543: 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
7896-481: 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
7990-620: 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
8084-552: Was $ 54,776, and the median income for a family was $ 62,561. Males had a median income of $ 47,390 versus $ 30,834 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 25,010. About 4.0% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over. Toms River has many shopping malls including Ocean County Mall (the only enclosed mall in Ocean County) and Seacourt Pavilion , located across Bay Avenue from
8178-417: Was $ 71,934 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 2,094) and the median family income was $ 83,924 (+/− $ 2,842). Males had a median income of $ 59,860 (+/− $ 2,733) versus $ 42,192 (+/− $ 2,081) for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 33,423 (+/− $ 926). About 4.5% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over. As of
8272-457: 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
8366-536: 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 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
8460-638: Was given an annual salary of $ 175,000, while Shives had been paid $ 223,000. Township (New Jersey) A township , in the context of New Jersey local government , refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government . As a political entity, a township in New Jersey is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town , city , borough , or village . They collect property taxes and provide services such as maintaining roads, garbage collection, water, sewer, schools, police and fire protection. The Township form of local government
8554-529: Was severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy , reopening in January 2013, after repairs were completed. The facility was damaged again in 2022, when over a foot of ice and snow fell during a January nor'easter , causing portions of the dome to collapse in on itself. In May 2022, the complex was rebranded as part of a multi-year naming rights agreement. The facility is now called the Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at
8648-785: 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
8742-460: Was the first state legislation to incorporate municipalities. The government defined was a form of direct democracy , similar to the New England town meeting , in which the vote was available to all white males, at least 21 years old, who were citizens of New Jersey, and residents of the township for at least six months; and who paid taxes in the township, or who owned land, or rented a home in
8836-476: 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
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