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
Events & Activities
What's Happening in Margate
Margate City offers a vibrant mix of community events, historic attractions, and seasonal activities for residents and visitors alike.
Thrilling Thursdays: Free Movies on the Beach
Pre-movie activities at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7:00 p.m. Join us every Thursday in July and August for Steve & Cookie's Farmers Market (8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) followed by a free movie on the beach. July schedule includes Captain America, Zootopia 2, Dog Man, Smurfs, and Jaws. August schedule includes Super Mario Galaxy, Transformers, Wicked: For Good, and Despicable Me 4. Pre-movie activities and giveaways begin at 6:30 p.m. No rain dates.
Thrilling ThursdaysCanasta & Mahjong Summer Benefit
The Margate Business Association presents an afternoon of strategy, connection, and friendly competition. Gather your foursome and secure your table for $400 ($100 per person). Enjoy light bites, a cash bar, and auction prizes. A portion of proceeds benefits the MBA Scholarship & Children's Fund.
Canasta & MahjongLucy the Elephant
Visit Lucy the Elephant, the world's largest elephant-shaped building and a National Historic Landmark since 1881. Lucy hosts tours, events, and seasonal activities throughout the year. A beloved South Jersey icon and must-see Jersey Shore attraction.
Lucy the ElephantMargate Parks and Recreation
Summer camps include Tennis, Lacrosse, Soccer, Flag Football, C.S.I., Gymnastics, and more. Also offering afterschool classes, adult seminars, bus trips, and pickleball courts open daily 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Register for ProgramsMargate Memorials: Lifeguard Races
The Margate World War II Memorial Lifeguard Races are a favorite among lifeguards, locals, and athletes of all ages. Spectators span two or more blocks. See beach patrols from Brigantine down to Cape May in one location. Races include 1 Mile Doubles Row, Half Mile Swim, and 1000 Ft Singles Row. Free event. Contact Margate Beach Patrol HQ for more info.
Margate MemorialsAnnual Margate Duck Derby: A Floating Quack-a-Palooza
Sponsored by Margate Wine and Gardens. Weighted, numbered rubber ducks are dumped into the bay into a closed course and funneled towards the finish line by the current. Activities begin at 11 a.m. along the Washington Avenue Pier with the derby beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. Children can enjoy the Duck Chuck, Quack in the Hole, Fishin' for Fowl, and other activities. Musical entertainment by USA DJ. Raffle tickets are $5 each, purchase at Margate Garden's Wine & Spirits, The Oar Lucy, Scott's Dock, or at Thrilling Thursdays. Ticket sales end Thursday, August 20. Prizes: 1st place $1,000, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $250 Visa gift cards. A portion of proceeds benefits MBA community programs. Adults 21 and older only.
Duck Derby9/11 Remembrance
Margate holds its annual 9/11 memorial services honoring those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and a field in Shanksville, Pa., on September 11, 2001.
9/11 RemembranceMargate Fall Funfest by the Bay
Now in its 25th year, presented by Lexus. Over 20,000 visitors annually. Features 110+ booths with food, fine arts and crafts, retailers, nonprofits, kids activities, 10 live bands on the Main Stage, 12 acts on the Kid's Stage, Scott's Dock Wetlands Wonderland, parades featuring Miss New Jersey, a beer garden, Tito's tent, Shore Axes Mobile Axe throwing, and more. Always FREE admission. Free jitney shuttle along Ventnor and Amherst Avenues and from Eugene Tighe School parking lot.
Fall FunfestFunfest After Dark: Definitely Not for Kids
Experience the ultimate adults-only evening with live music by Dead Reckoning, wine and spirits tasting with 5 sampling tickets included, delectable finger foods, and non-stop dancing in the street. Pajama party theme: dress in your favorite jammies and best dressed wins the Teddy Bear trophy. Tickets: $25 advance / $30 at the door. Visit margatehasmore.com for details. This event has sold out in previous years.
Funfest After DarkSteve & Cookie's 28th Annual Dog Show
The Don Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show showcasing the best looking, best dressed, most obedient, and talented canines. Pre-register online at Eventbrite or in person 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for $25. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City and NJ Aid for Animals.
Dog ShowNational Fire Prevention Week
Hosted by the City of Margate Fire Department. This year's theme is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety." Features community safety education, school programs, and fire safety activities. The NFPA has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922. For more information visit www.margate-nj.com or call (609) 822-5038.
Fire Prevention WeekMargate's Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza
Presented by Bocca Coal Fired Bistro. Celebrate Small Business Saturday with great sales and discounts at local businesses throughout Margate all weekend. The highlight is ASL Santa arriving at noon, meeting and signing with guests for a holiday-themed activity in front of Bocca. Children can drop letters to Santa in the mailbox at Bocca's foyer (November 28 through December 5) and enjoy free pizza and soda, Wawa cookies, craft stations, and more. Also featuring Margate Fields Winter Wonderlights by Sustainable Margate with environmental displays and interactive games.
Shop Small ExtravaganzaCommunity information sourced from margatehasmore.com, margate-nj.com, margateschools.org, and local references. Event details and availability may change. Check with the event organizer for the latest information.
Interested in Margate City?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options in Margate City -- I'd love to help you find the right fit.