Ocean County saw a net increase of just under 6,000 residents between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The increase, which was by far the most of all 21 counties, comes even as the state saw an overall drop in its estimated population during that time span.
According to the newly released data, Ocean County now has a total estimated population of 655,735.
Lakewood, which is the largest municipality in the county, and the fourth-largest in the state, has been the primary factor for the new growth.
As recently reported by TLS, a total of 5,263 children were born in Lakewood in 2021
There were an estimated 10,065 births and 7,970 deaths in the county, as well as a net migration gain of several thousand people who moved in to the county compared to those who moved out.
The two other counties with significant increases in population were Gloucester and Burlington counties, which grew by 1,981 and 1,692 people respectively.
The state’s estimated natural growth, resident births versus deaths, was 19,751 according to estimates.
However, net migration saw 24,850 more residents leave New Jersey than arrive from out of state.
People have been migrating out of New Jersey for years 24,850 is low compared to it’s usual 30,000(estimate). They don’t like the taxes , overcrowding (for such a small state), and high overall cost of living here.