2026 Relocation Deep Dive: Toms River CDP, New Jersey

Toms River CDP: The Data Profile (2026)

Toms River CDP presents a statistical profile of a mature, high-cost coastal suburb with a specific economic ceiling. The population stands at 95,515, positioning it as a mid-sized community rather than a major urban hub. The primary draw is the income-to-education ratio: the Median Household Income is $90,593, which is 21.5% higher than the US median of $74,580. This earning power is achieved despite a college education rate of 34.6%, which is only marginally above the national average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce heavily reliant on skilled trades, municipal employment, or regional corporate roles rather than a strictly white-collar tech hub economy.

Target Demographic: The data points to a statistical target of established family units or dual-income households earning between $110,000 and $130,000 annually. This demographic is required to offset the 49.3% premium on housing costs relative to the US average. Single-income households face significant strain due to the 130.0 index on restaurant and healthcare costs.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Toms River is driven almost exclusively by the "Jersey Shore" premium on services and real estate. While groceries and transport hover at 109.5 (roughly 10% above average), the Housing Index of 149.3 dictates the budget reality.

Disposable Income Analysis:
To maintain the "Average" lifestyle defined by these metrics, a single adult requires a gross annual income of approximately $58,000. However, for a family of four to match the median household income of $90,593, the disposable income remaining after the $7,435 monthly burn rate is dangerously thin. A family earning the median income has roughly $1,200 remaining annually for savings or debt repayment, indicating that the median earner is effectively living paycheck to paycheck.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the defining economic barrier of Toms River. The 149.3 Housing Index indicates a market significantly hotter than the national average. The gap between renting and buying is narrowing due to high interest rates stabilizing home prices, but entry barriers remain high.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Buying is mathematically difficult for those without significant equity. With a median home price of $485,000, a 20% down payment requires $97,000 in liquid cash. Monthly mortgage payments (at current 2026 rates of ~6.5%) would exceed $2,800, plus taxes. Renting a 3BR at $2,950 offers slight cash-flow parity but lacks equity building. Renting a 1BR unit at $1,750 is the only financially viable entry point for singles, but inventory is tight.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The local economy is facing stress signals. The Unemployment Rate stands at 5.4%, which is 35% higher than the US average of 4.0%. This suggests that while income for those employed is high, the labor market is less dynamic.

RTO & Commute:
In the post-remote landscape of 2026, Toms River acts as a "commuter shed" for New York City and Philadelphia. The Garden State Parkway and I-195 corridors dictate life. Average commute times have crept up to 32 minutes, but this spikes to 60+ minutes during peak summer tourism months due to shore traffic. Local industry is heavily reliant on healthcare (Community Medical Center), retail, and municipal services. The high unemployment rate suggests a mismatch between local skills and available service-sector roles.

Quality of Life Audit

Health metrics in Toms River are surprisingly resilient compared to the rest of the nation, though environmental factors and safety vary.

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is estimated at 165 incidents per 100k residents (below the US average of 228), while property crime is higher at 2,250 per 100k (US avg: 1,900), driven by density and seasonal tourism.
• Air Quality: Toms River benefits from coastal winds, posting an AQI of 45 and PM2.5 levels of 6.8 µg/m³, both superior to national averages.
• Schools: The local school district performance is generally rated B+, with a graduation rate hovering around 91%.
• Weather: Currently, the area is experiencing a cold snap (54°F high), typical for the region's continental influence, distinct from the humid subtropical summers.

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Income Potential: If you secure employment, the pay ceiling is 21.5% above the national norm.
• Health & Environment: Superior air quality (AQI 45) and better-than-average health metrics (82.2 score).
• Coastal Access: Proximity to the Jersey Shore offers unique lifestyle value.

Cons:

• Housing Trap: The 149.3 Housing Index makes ownership a luxury; $485k median prices are prohibitive.
• Unemployment Risk: A 5.4% unemployment rate is a significant red flag for job security.
• High Overhead: Groceries (109.5), Healthcare (130.0), and Electricity (19.34¢/kWh) erode the higher income.

Final Recommendation:
Relocating to Toms River CDP in 2026 is recommended only for established households with dual incomes exceeding $110,000 annually, or single professionals with secured remote work who wish to live near the coast. It is not recommended for job seekers, single-income families, or those looking to build wealth through real estate entry within the first 5 years.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Toms River?
For a single person, a gross salary of $65,000 is required to cover the $3,655 monthly budget and save modestly. For a family, to avoid being house-poor, a combined income of $120,000+ is necessary.

2. How does the value compare to other NJ cities?
Toms River offers better value than coastal neighbors like Asbury Park (where home prices exceed $650k) but is more expensive than inland NJ cities like Trenton. You are paying a 42.6% premium on homes for the "shore" lifestyle.

3. Is Toms River safe?
It is statistically safer than the US average for violent crime (165 vs 228 per 100k), but property crime is elevated (2,250 per 100k). Basic security precautions are recommended.

4. What is the best time of year to move?
Move in October or November. The summer months bring heavy traffic and inflated rental prices due to tourism. The current weather (54°F, cloudy) represents the mild shoulder season, ideal for logistics.