Barnegat, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Barnegat, NJ

Is Barnegat, NJ safe in 2026?

Barnegat earns an A+ overall crime grade in 2026, placing it among the safest communities in New Jersey. With a population of approximately 23,155 residents spread across a low-density 261 people per square mile, the town's open, suburban layout contributes to its strong safety profile. Violent crime rates are exceptionally low relative to state and national benchmarks, and property crime incidents remain well below average for Ocean County. The Barnegat Township Police Department's community-oriented policing strategies, combined with active neighborhood associations in areas like Ocean Acres, help sustain these results year over year. Families, retirees, and first-time homeowners consistently rank Barnegat as one of the more comfortable places to settle along the Jersey Shore corridor.

What is the crime rate in Barnegat, NJ?

Barnegat's crime rate is low enough to earn a rare A+ letter grade across overall safety metrics for 2026. Both violent crime and property crime categories score at the top end of the grading scale. To put that in context, the town's poverty rate of just 7.9% and median household income of $77,428 reflect the kind of economic stability that research consistently links to lower crime prevalence. While the unemployment rate sits at 8.7% — slightly elevated compared to state averages — this has not translated into meaningful crime increases, suggesting strong community cohesion offsets economic pressure. Most reported incidents township-wide skew toward minor property matters such as petty theft or vehicle break-ins rather than serious offenses.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Barnegat?

Barnegat's overall A+ crime grade means that safety is broadly distributed across the township rather than concentrated in just one pocket. That said, the Ocean Acres subdivision is frequently cited by residents as particularly family-friendly, benefiting from its planned layout, active homeowners' association, and low foot-traffic crime exposure. Neighborhoods near Barnegat Bay and the township's recreational green spaces also tend to report fewer incidents, consistent with the pattern that well-maintained, community-engaged areas correlate with stronger safety outcomes. The town's low population density of 261 residents per square mile means most blocks feel residential and quiet, further reducing opportunity for street-level crime. Regardless of which neighborhood you choose, Barnegat's A+ grade signals that risk is low across the board.

How does Barnegat's crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?

Barnegat outperforms the vast majority of New Jersey municipalities on safety metrics in 2026, reflected in its A+ overall crime grade. New Jersey as a whole carries a mixed safety profile, with urban centers in Essex, Hudson, and Camden counties pulling state averages upward. Barnegat's suburban character — median home value of $271,232, a tight-knit population under 25,000, and a poverty rate of 7.9% — positions it well below the state mean for both violent and property crime rates. Compared to similarly sized Shore communities, Barnegat consistently ranks near the top tier for resident safety, making it a standout data point for prospective homebuyers researching Ocean County neighborhoods.

Is Barnegat a good place to live based on crime and safety data?

From a crime and safety perspective, the data strongly supports Barnegat as a good place to live in 2026. The town's A+ crime grade is the highest possible rating, indicating that residents face statistically low risk of both violent and property crime. Pair that with a median household income of $77,428, a median home value of $271,232 that remains accessible relative to broader New Jersey markets, and a median rent of $1,691 that reflects a stable rental market, and the picture is one of a community that balances affordability with quality of life. The 7.9% poverty rate is modest, and while the 8.7% unemployment rate warrants attention as an economic indicator, it has not undermined the township's safety standing. For families, retirees, or anyone seeking a low-crime coastal community, Barnegat's metrics make a compelling case.