Citizen Portal
Sign In
Back to Belmar Feed

Belmar

city

Belmar 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

Overview
Classification
Borough
FIPS Code
3402504930
Country
United States
County
Monmouth
Geography
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
Demographics
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).
Governance
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
Economy
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
Economic Profile
Residential · Tourism · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Accommodation and Food Services · Retail · Education · Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Education
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
Infrastructure
Transportation
Route 35 · Route 71 · NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line · Belmar Train Station
Utilities
Municipal water · Sewer
Major Facilities
Belmar Marina
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Belmar Beach · Silver Lake Park · Belmar Marina
Parks & Trails
Belmar Boardwalk · Dempsey Park · Maclearie Park · Memorial Field
History
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