Atlantic County
Absecon
Historic small town with bay views and easy access to the shore
Town Profile
About Absecon
Absecon is a small city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, situated on the mainland just west of the barrier islands that form the Jersey Shore. With its roots stretching back to the late 1600s, Absecon is one of the oldest settlements in the region, named after the Lenape word for "place of swans." The city encompasses approximately 7.4 square miles, blending residential neighborhoods, preserved open spaces, and proximity to the Atlantic City skyline and shore beaches.
Absecon's location offers a distinct advantage for residents who want easy access to both the shore and the mainland. The city sits along the Absecon Bay and is bordered by Pleasantville, Galloway, and Egg Harbor Township, placing it within minutes of the Atlantic City Expressway, the Garden State Parkway, and major routes connecting to Philadelphia and New York. The Absecon Inlet, one of the most recognizable waterways in the region, connects the bay to the Atlantic Ocean and has played a central role in the area's maritime and fishing heritage.
The community maintains a quiet, family-oriented character with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and waterfront properties along the bay. Residents enjoy access to local parks, nearby marshlands for kayaking and bird watching, and the Absecon Lighthouse — the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and one of the oldest in the country. The lighthouse, standing at 171 feet, is both a historic landmark and a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
With an estimated population of just over 10,000, Absecon provides a small-town atmosphere with convenient proximity to the employment, entertainment, and cultural offerings of Atlantic City and the broader Atlantic County region. The combination of affordable housing, waterfront access, and an easy commute to the shore makes Absecon an appealing option for homebuyers seeking value in the Jersey Shore market.
Neighborhood Profile
Absecon at a Glance
Population & Demographics
Absecon is home to approximately 9,000 residents with a population density of 1,640 per square mile. The community has grown by 8% since the 2020 Census, reflecting renewed interest in this historic Atlantic County city. The median age is 37 years, with an even male-to-female ratio.
Population
9,000
Growth (since 2020)
+8%
Pop. Density
1,640 / mi²
Median Age
37
Gender
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Housing
Absecon's housing market shows a median estimated home value of $363,000, up 1.6% over the past year. Homes typically spend just 16 days on the market, with a sold-to-list price ratio of 98.4%, reflecting strong demand. The median home age is 54 years, and 73% of housing units are owner-occupied.
Home Values
Est. Home Value
$363,000
12-Mo Change
+1.6%
Median Home Age
54 yrs
List & Sold Prices
Median List
$319,000
Median Sold
$350,000
Days on Market
16
Market Activity
Months of Inventory
2.33
Sold to List Ratio
98.4%
Owner-Occupied
73%
Occupancy
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Quality of Life
Absecon residents enjoy a median household income of $77,516 and a per capita income of $40,216. The average commute is a quick 19 minutes, with over 85% of residents reaching work in under 30 minutes — a strong quality-of-life indicator for a community with easy access to Atlantic City and the broader region.
Income
Median Household Income
$77,516
Per Capita Income
$40,216
Commute
Average Travel Time to Work
19 minutes
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Education & Schools
Absecon residents demonstrate strong educational attainment, with over 54% holding a college degree or higher. The largest segments hold a High School diploma (30.95%) or an Associate Degree (33.37%), and nearly a quarter of residents hold a Bachelor's Degree or above.
Highest Level of Education Attained
Public Schools (Absecon City School District)
The Absecon City School District serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Emma C. Attales Memorial School
Grades Pre-K–5, serving approximately 400+ students. A well-established elementary school in the heart of Absecon.
William H. Marsh Memorial School
Grades 6–8, serving approximately 250+ students. The district's middle school preparing students for high school transition.
The Highland Academy
A public charter school serving grades K–8 with approximately 200 students and a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. Known for its personalized learning approach.
High School
Absecon students attend Atlantic City High School, part of the Atlantic City School District, serving grades 9–12 with approximately 1,200 students.
Private & Parochial Schools
St. Joseph Regional Catholic School
Grades Pre-K–8, located in neighboring Hammonton, serving families across the greater Absecon area.
Education data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. School information compiled from publicly available sources including the Absecon City School District and GreatSchools. Last updated July 2026.
Community Life
What's Happening in Absecon
Absecon hosts a variety of community events throughout the year that bring residents and visitors together. From free summer concerts at Heritage Park to kids' activities at the historic lighthouse, there's always something happening in this close-knit Atlantic County city.
Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey
October 17–18, 2026 · Both Days
The historic Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 171 feet, joins 11 lighthouses, 4 life-saving stations, and a museum in this annual two-day coastal challenge every third weekend of October. Anglers and families collect stamps in a souvenir booklet at each stop, making a memorable fall road trip along the Jersey Shore.
Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave.
Lighthouse EventsPumpkin Patch Family Fun Festival
Thursday, October 22, 2026 · 1–4 PM
A family-friendly fall celebration hosted at the Absecon Lighthouse by INLET CDC, with pumpkin-patch activities, games, and seasonal fun for kids and families. A warm local way to kick off the Halloween season right at the base of New Jersey's tallest lighthouse.
Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave.
Lighthouse EventsOktoberfest at Grace Lutheran Church
Friday, October 17, 2026 · 5 PM
A community Oktoberfest hosted at Grace Lutheran Church by Steelman Bay in Absecon, with German-style food, music, and family-friendly festivities. A welcoming local celebration to mark the arrival of fall in this close-knit Atlantic County community.
Grace Lutheran Church, Absecon
Event DetailsHistoric Smithville Oktoberfest
October 3–4, 2026 · 10 AM–5 PM
A short drive from Absecon, Historic Smithville hosts its fall Oktoberfest with 150+ juried crafters, an international food court, and kids' activities against the backdrop of the charming Village Greene. A perfect day trip for families exploring the fall season.
Historic Smithville, Galloway Township
Oktoberfest InfoEvent details sourced from the City of Absecon official website, Absecon Lighthouse, and community calendars. Dates and availability may change — check abseconnj.gov for the latest event calendar.
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