Toms River, New Jersey is an American Dream City. The city's history spans over 300 years and it has been the home to many industries that have helped shape the region. Toms River is more than just a place where people live or work - it's a place where they grow up, raise their families, and retire.
A brief history of its founding and early years
Toms River was first settled in 1690 by Quakers from Long Island. Toms River's early settlers were farmers, but as the population grew and New Jersey began to industrialize with sawmills powered by the great rivers that cut through it (including the Shrewsbury), residents found work at shipyards or tanneries.
The Climate of Toms River, New Jersey
Toms River is in a humid continental climate zone and has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with lots of rain, while winters see little snowfall but temperatures that rarely rise above freezing.
The average temperature in the summer ranges from 66 degrees to 80 degrees while the average temperature in the winter ranges from 17 degrees to 24 degrees.
During the warmer months, the average monthly rainfall is about five to nine inches while in the winter months, snowfall can range from one to three inches.
This climate is largely influenced by a combination of proximity to water and elevation above sea level: Toms River's inland location keeps it warmer than other coastal cities.
Geography of Toms River
Toms River, New Jersey is on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a very hilly area that has many hills to climb and enjoy!
It is located on the southern side of Sandy Hook Bay, bounded by Barnegat Bay to the south and Little Egg Harbor to the east. The city has a total area of 14 square miles (36 km²), of which 12 square miles (30 km²) are land and two square miles (six km²) are water.
It is comprised of three main communities: the Toms River section, also called "downtown," which includes the business district and waterfront; Forked River to the east; and South Toms River on outlying barrier islands just south of Barnegat Bay. A number of smaller shoreline townships, such as Silverton, are also included in the Toms River area.
Toms River is located on a peninsula that contains many saltwater ponds and waterways but only one freshwater pond: Picatinny Pond near South Toms River. The city's southernmost point is Barnegat Inlet at longitude 7432′ 23.0″ W.
Population and Demographics
Toms River, New Jersey has a population of 95,912 as of 2020. The current growth rate for Toms River stands at 0.95%. In 2021 the highest recorded population was 95,912 and the average household income per year came to $101,735.
Median rental costs were around $1,414 monthly with a median house value of about $294K. There are also diverse demographics among residents living there:
- White: 86.55%
- Black or African American: 3.82%
- Asian: 3.72%
- Two or more races: 2.90%
- Other race: 2.89%
- Native American: 0.11%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.01%
Conclusion
Toms River, New Jersey is rapidly increasing in population with diversified demographics. There are many options and attractions available to visitors who come to this American Dream City so they can enjoy it all. All-in-all, Toms River is a great place to live or visit.