Belmar
cityBelmar is a coastal borough located on the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere, it's a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. As of 2020, the population was 5,907. Belmar offers a mix of recreational opportunities, a developing arts scene, and a convenient location along the New Jersey coastline. Belmar's economy is driven by tourism, with wide beaches for sunbathing, surfing, swimming, and fishing. The town features a boardwalk with shops and restaurants, as well as an active marina. Key sectors include accommodation and food services, retail, and education. What makes Belmar distinctive is its rich history as a Victorian-era seaside resort, combined with its ongoing efforts to modernize and improve infrastructure. The town has preserved its seaside charm while adapting to challenges such as coastal storms, demonstrating resilience and a strong sense of community.
Belmar, New Jersey
- Classification
- Borough
- FIPS Code
- 3402504930
- Country
- United States
- County
- Monmouth
- Region
- Jersey Shore
- Elevation
- 13 ft
- Total Area
- 1.61 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.05 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.57 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.18
- Longitude
- -74.024
- Climate
- Belmar has a moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters.
- Notable Features
- Atlantic Ocean · Shark River
- Neighboring Areas
- Avon-by-the-Sea · Neptune Township · Wall Township · Lake Como · Spring Lake
- Population (2020)
- 5,907
- Est. Population (2026)
- 5,823
- Median Age
- 49.5
- Median Income
- $92,859
- Poverty Rate
- 7.65%
- Family Households
- 60.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 49.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Belmar is 78.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 7.44% White (Hispanic), 4.73% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 4.18% Other (Hispanic), and 2.95% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Faulkner Act (small municipality)
- Governing Body
- Borough Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Belmar School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire Department · Public Works · Recreation · Library · Emergency Medical Services · Water/Sewer














- Unemployment Rate
- 6.4%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Tourism · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Accommodation and Food Services · Retail · Education · Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Schools
- 1
- Students
- 405
- Teachers
- 51
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 7.8:1
- School Districts
- Belmar School District
- Colleges & Universities
- St. Rose High School · Mesivta Keser Torah of Central Jersey
- Transportation
- Route 35 · Route 71 · NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line · Belmar Train Station
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer
- Major Facilities
- Belmar Marina
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Belmar Beach · Silver Lake Park · Belmar Marina
- Parks & Trails
- Belmar Boardwalk · Dempsey Park · Maclearie Park · Memorial Field
- Founded
- 1872
- Incorporated
- 1885
- Named After
- Italian language 'beautiful sea'
- Historical Significance
- Belmar transformed from a small fishing and agricultural community into a thriving shore town, attracting visitors with its beaches and boardwalk.
- Key Events
- Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans · Incorporated as Ocean Beach borough in 1885 · Name changed to Belmar in 1889 · Developed as a popular resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries · Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944 caused widespread damage
