New JerseyPop. 69,585Smaller cities
Is Lakewood a Good Place to Live? Lakewood, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lakewood ranks #950 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #399 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.8 min, #117 of 524), and trails on high poverty (29.9%, #518 of 524) and low household income ($56,968, #465 of 524).
Lakewood by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lakewood's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Lakewood: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Lakewood safe?
What is the cost of living in Lakewood?
Lakewood's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,718/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $589,571, 2% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Lakewood | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $589,571#929 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,200/mo#802 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $715,500#1160 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,718/mo#894 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 12.6x#1303 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 36.2%#1302 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lakewood housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lakewood is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Lakewood safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Lakewood alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Lakewood crime rate or rank it on safety. New Jersey as a whole records 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Lakewood?
The median household in Lakewood earns $56,968, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 45% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 29.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Lakewood | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $56,968#1109 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 29.9%#1293 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lakewood?
The median resident of Lakewood is 17.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #721 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lakewood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 17.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 31.9%#721 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 39.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lakewood's schools and health?
Lakewood's 6 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 9.5 students per teacher and $48,105 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 8.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lakewood | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 9.5#6 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $48,105#1 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.4%#138 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 22%#1287 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,223 students are enrolled in Lakewood's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lakewood?
The average commute in Lakewood is 20.8 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 1.6% of workers take transit and 16.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lakewood scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.2°F and winters 33.8°F, with 52 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lakewood | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.8 min#406 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.7%#967 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 62.1% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.6% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.1% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.2#123 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.6 | 21.7 | 4.4 |
| Feb | 44.5 | 21.9 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 51 | 28.3 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 61.7 | 38.4 | 3.8 |
| May | 71.3 | 48.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 79.8 | 58 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 64.2 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 83.7 | 62.2 | 5 |
| Sep | 77.4 | 53.4 | 4.7 |
| Oct | 66.7 | 41.7 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 55.9 | 32.4 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 46.8 | 26.6 | 5.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Toms River.
| Measure | Lakewood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 52 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Toms River.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lakewood?
Ocean County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ocean County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, coastal flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | Lakewood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#777 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ocean County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ocean County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.032% | 99% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.016% | 89% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.011% | 76% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0048% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lakewood compare with similar-size cities?
Lakewood is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #399 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 69,585.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #950 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data | 20.8 min |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #357 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 | 16.7 min |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #1257 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 | 17.7 min |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #1295 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 | 19.1 min |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #1069 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 | 26.9 min |
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #4 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data | 27.7 min |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 min |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #907 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 | 22 min |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #492 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lakewood compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Lakewood ranks #12 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 45% below the New Jersey median. Homes are 2% above the typical New Jersey home.
| City | Rank in NJ | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #1 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #2 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #3 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 |
| Bayonne, NJPop. 71,553 | #5 | 60.0 | $83,887 | $1,682/mo | 275 |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #6 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #7 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #8 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #9 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #10 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #11 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #12 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #13 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #14 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 |
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #15 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 |
| Passaic, NJPop. 70,002 | #16 | 47.9 | $55,371 | $1,465/mo | 585 |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #17 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #18 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #19 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #20 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 |
All 20 New Jersey cities we track, by overall score. New Jersey statewide: median income $104,294, violent crime 193.8 per 100,000.
How is Lakewood's score calculated?
Lakewood scores 50.9 out of 100, #950 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with New Jersey's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lakewood. Similar-size median 55.5.
40.7 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lakewood. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.2 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lakewood's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
84.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Lakewood's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
39.2 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lakewood. Similar-size median 56.1.
9.7 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lakewood. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lakewood's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
51.9 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Lakewood alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Lakewood.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lakewood's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lakewood has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lakewood
Is Lakewood, NJ a good place to live?
Lakewood ranks #950 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #399 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.8 min, #117 of 524), and trails on high poverty (29.9%, #518 of 524) and low household income ($56,968, #465 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Lakewood?
Lakewood's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,718/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $589,571, 2% above the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
Is Lakewood safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Lakewood alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Lakewood crime rate or rank it on safety. New Jersey as a whole records 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Lakewood?
The median household in Lakewood earns $56,968, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 45% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 29.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Lakewood?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,718/mo (Census), #894 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,200/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 36.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lakewood?
The typical home value in Lakewood is $589,571, up 8% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $715,500.
How are the public schools in Lakewood?
Lakewood's 6 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 9.5 students per teacher and $48,105 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lakewood?
The average commute is 20.8 minutes, #406 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 8.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lakewood?
Lakewood averages 52.6°F over the year, 72.2°F in summer and 33.8°F in winter, with 52 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lakewood walkable?
Lakewood scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lakewood at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ocean County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, coastal flooding, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 58% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lakewood?
Ocean County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lakewood?
Lakewood has 69,585 residents. The median resident of Lakewood is 17.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #721 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lakewood compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Lakewood ranks #12 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 45% below the New Jersey median. Homes are 2% above the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Lakewood?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lakewood's population of 69,585 are Eau Claire, WI (#357 overall), Decatur, IL (#1257 overall), Canton, OH (#1295 overall), Yuba City, CA (#1069 overall), and Bethesda, MD (#4 overall). Lakewood is #950.