Atlantic County
Margate City
Home of Lucy the Elephant and a vibrant beach community
About Margate
About Margate
Margate City is a small beach community located on the southern end of Absecon Island in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Situated between Ventnor City to the north and Longport to the south, Margate sits just minutes from Atlantic City and offers a quieter, more residential shore living experience.
The city is perhaps best known as the home of Lucy the Elephant, the world's largest elephant-shaped building and a National Historic Landmark that has been a South Jersey icon since 1881. Lucy draws visitors from across the region and is a beloved symbol of the Jersey Shore.
Margate is a year-round community with a population of approximately 5,000 residents. The median age of 58 reflects a community of established homeowners, with 90% of residents owning their homes. The city features a mix of classic shore cottages and newer construction, with a median estimated home value above $1.1 million.
The beach experience in Margate is a major draw. The city maintains guarded beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers beach badge access with digital purchasing options through the MyBeach Mobile App. Handicap accessible beaches with surf chairs and beach mats are available at multiple locations throughout the city.
Margate is also conveniently located near shopping, dining, entertainment, and the Atlantic City Expressway, making it easy to enjoy everything the Jersey Shore has to offer while coming home to a peaceful beach community.
Market and demographic statistics sourced from Realtors Property Resource® Neighborhood Report dated July 17, 2026. Information is not guaranteed.
Neighborhood Profile
Margate at a Glance
Population and Demographics
Margate City is home to approximately 5,000 residents with a population density of 3,710 per square mile. The community has seen modest growth of +2.1% since the 2020 Census. The median age is 58 years, reflecting an established seaside community, with a gender split of 45% male and 55% female.
Population
5,000
Change (since 2020)
+2.1%
Pop. Density
3,710 / mi²
Median Age
58
County
275K
State
9.27M
USA
332.39M
Gender
Source: U.S. Census / Realtors Property Resource
Housing
Margate City's housing market features a median estimated home value of $1.11M, with a 12-month change of -4.5%. The median list price is $1.6M, up 7.5% year-over-year. The median home age is 54 years, and 90% of housing units are owner-occupied.
Median Home Value
$1.11M
Value 12-Mo Change
-4.5%
Median List Price
$1.6M
Median Home Age
54 yrs
County
$435K
State
$602K
USA
$371K
List Price Trends
Occupancy
Source: Realtors Property Resource
Schools
Margate City is served by the Margate City School District, which operates two public schools:
William H. Ross III School
Pre-K through Grade 4
101 N. Haverford Avenue, Margate, NJ
Eugene A. Tighe Middle School
Grades 5 through 8
7804 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ
High School (Grades 9 through 12)
Students in Margate attend Ocean City High School as part of a sending-receiving relationship with the Ocean City School District.
More Information: www.margateschools.org
Market Trends - June 2026
Margate City is currently a seller's market with 5.13 months of inventory, up 17.12% month-over-month. Homes are selling at 95.2% of list price, a slight increase of 0.85% MoM. The median sold price is $999,999, up 23.08% from the previous month, while the median estimated value sits at $1,176,000.
Market Type
Seller's Market
Months of Inventory
5.13
+17.12% MoM
Sold to List Price
95.2%
+0.85% MoM
Median Days on Market
44
+57.14% MoM
Median Sold Price
$999,999
+23.08% MoM
Median Est. Value
$1,176,000
+5.3% over 12 months
Value Last Month
+5.7%
Source: Realtors Property Resource
Sold Home Stats (Past 3 Months)
Price Range Distribution
- Over $2.4M: 2 homes
- $1.6M - $1.8M: 3 homes
- $1.4M - $1.6M: 2 homes
- $1.2M - $1.4M: 3 homes
- $800K - $1M: 8 homes
- $600K - $800K: 3 homes
- Under $500K: 3 homes
Price per Sq Ft
- Over $1,200: 3 homes
- $1,000 - $1,200: 1 home
- $800 - $1,000: 2 homes
- $600 - $800: 8 homes
- $400 - $600: 8 homes
- $200 - $400: 2 homes
Home Sizes
- Over 2,200 sq ft: 6 homes
- 2,000 - 2,200 sq ft: 2 homes
- 1,800 - 2,000 sq ft: 1 home
- 1,600 - 1,800 sq ft: 5 homes
- 1,400 - 1,600 sq ft: 1 home
- 1,200 - 1,400 sq ft: 3 homes
- 1,000 - 1,200 sq ft: 2 homes
- Under 1,000 sq ft: 4 homes
Home Ages
- 90-105 years: 7 homes
- 75-90 years: 5 homes
- 60-75 years: 2 homes
- 45-60 years: 5 homes
- 30-45 years: 4 homes
- 15-30 years: 1 home
Source: Public records data
Quality of Life
Margate City sits at an elevation of 37 feet and receives 45 inches of rainfall and 18.05 inches of snowfall annually, with 98 days of full sun per year. The average commute time is 30 minutes.
Climate and Environment
Elevation
37 ft
Annual Rainfall
45 in
Annual Snowfall
18.05 in
Days of Full Sun
98 / yr
Avg. Commute
30 min
Source: NOAA / U.S. Census
Income and Economy
Margate City's per capita income of $85,429 and median household income of $114,417 significantly exceed both Atlantic County and national averages. The top earning bracket is over $150K, with 971 households in that range.
Income Per Capita
$85,429
Median Household Income
$114,417
County
$41,448
State
$53,118
USA
$43,289
Household Income Brackets
Source: U.S. Census
Education
Margate City residents demonstrate strong educational attainment, with 60.07% holding some college education or higher. Nearly 30.46% hold a Graduate or Professional degree, and 29.6% hold a Bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community well above state and national averages.
Highest Level of Education Attained (Population 25+)
Source: U.S. Census
Households, Age Groups, and Commute
Households
342
Married with Children
940
Married without Children
69
Single with Children
Population by Age
Children
- Toddlers: 77 (10.23%)
- Elementary: 235 (31.21%)
- Middle School: 262 (34.79%)
- High School: 179 (23.77%)
Adults
- 18-20: 220 (4.88%)
- 21-24: 220 (4.88%)
- 25-34: 155 (3.56%)
- 35-54: 1,030 (22.9%)
- 55-64: 964 (21.39%)
- 65-74: 1,060 (23.59%)
- 75+: 843 (18.7%)
Commute
Average Travel Time: 30 minutes
How People Get to Work
Source: U.S. Census
Voting Pattern (2020)
2020 Presidential Election
Source: USElectionAtlas.org
Nearby Neighborhoods
Margate City sits on Absecon Island, between Ventnor City to the north, Longport to the south, and Atlantic City beyond. Nearby mainland communities include Linwood and Pleasantville.
Ventnor City
6,467 Homes
Longport
1,812 Homes
Linwood
2,745 Homes
Pleasantville
5,238 Homes
Source: Realtors Property Resource
AARP Livability Index (ZIP 08402)
Total Score
53 / 100
Source: AARP
Market and demographic statistics sourced from Realtors Property Resource® Neighborhood Report dated July 17, 2026. Information is not guaranteed.
Beach Guide
Margate City Beach Guide
Margate beaches are lifeguard protected from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The city also offers guarded beaches past Labor Day when weather permits. Check with Beach Patrol Headquarters (609-822-2370) as to which beaches are protected and never enter the water at an unprotected beach.
For more information, visit the official Margate beach page.
Beach Badge Information
Preseason Rates (Prior to May 31, 2026)
Starting June 1, 2026
Military Tags
Free seasonal tags for veterans and active military. Free for spouse if active. Proper military ID required.
Where to Buy Beach Badges
Protected Beaches
Never enter the water at an unprotected beach.
Memorial Day Weekend (Weekends Only)
- Clermont Ave
- Huntington Ave
- Thurlow Ave
- Washington Ave
Mid-June through Labor Day (Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Argyle Ave
- Clermont Ave
- Gladstone Ave
- Huntington Ave
- Jerome Ave
- Osborne Ave
- Thurlow Ave
- Vendome Ave
- Cedar Grove
- Washington Ave
- Jefferson Ave
- Monroe Ave
September (Weekends Only)
- Clermont Ave
- Huntington Ave
- Thurlow Ave
- Washington Ave
Protected beach list sourced from the City of Margate. Guarded beach locations may change based on staffing and conditions. Always check with Beach Patrol before entering the water.
Handicap Accessible Beaches
Beach Mats
Jefferson Ave, Osborne Ave, Huntington Ave, Andover Ave, Exeter Ave
Surf Chairs
Brunswick Ave, Huntington Ave, Knight Ave, Thurlow Ave, Madison Ave, Decatur Ave
Call (609) 823-2370 for reservations
Dune Transportation
Call (609) 517-5245, starting at 11 a.m., 30 min notice required
Accessible Restrooms
Martin Bloom Pavilion (Huntington Ave), Ventura's Greenhouse (Benson Ave)
Accessible Parking
Huntington Ave (Library lot), Rumson Ave, Coolidge Ave
Beach Restrooms
Clarendon Ave, Huntington Ave (Bloom Pavilion), Quincy Ave, Benson Ave (Greenhouse), Madison Ave
Beach Patrol
Margate Beach Patrol Headquarters: (609) 822-2370
What's Happening
What's Happening in Margate
Margate's downbeach community comes alive with small-business celebrations, holiday parades, and family events throughout the season. Here's what's coming up in Margate and nearby.
Margate's Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza
Friday–Sunday, November 27–29, 2026
The Margate Business Association's holiday kickoff weekend on Ventnor Avenue features shop-small sales, discounts, and family fun at local businesses. A festive start to the holiday season in Margate.
Ventnor Avenue, Margate
Margate EventsASL Santa & Friends Parade
Saturday, November 28, 2026 · 12 PM
Santa rides in a lifeguard boat escorted by Margate Fire and Police from Coolidge Avenue down Ventnor Avenue, with free pizza, Wawa giveaways, craft kits, and Lucy the Elephant along the route. A unique, inclusive holiday parade for all.
Ventnor Avenue, Margate
Parade InfoLucy the Elephant Holiday Lights
December 2026 · Annual Display
Margate's beloved Lucy the Elephant, America's oldest roadside attraction, glows with holiday lights each December. A festive photo stop and tradition for families visiting the downbeach area.
9200 Atlantic Ave, Margate
Lucy the ElephantMargate City Public Library Programs
November & December 2026 · Ongoing
The Margate City Public Library hosts weekly Story Time, Tech Tuesdays, and seasonal holiday programming for all ages. A welcoming community hub throughout the fall and winter.
Margate City Public Library, 8100 Atlantic Ave
Library EventsVentnor Polar Plunge & Winter Festival
Friday, January 1, 2027 · 12–4 PM
Ring in the new year with Ventnor's annual Polar Plunge and Winter Festival at the beach, complete with a festive gathering of neighbors from across the downbeach towns. A bracing but beloved tradition just up the shore from Margate.
Ventnor Beach, Ventnor City
Event InfoEvent details sourced from Margate's official community sources and nearby downbeach calendars. Dates and availability may change; check margatehasmore.com for the latest event calendar.
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