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Lacey, NJ

Frequently asked questions

Lacey, NJ

Lacey Township is a township in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, and is considered part of the Jersey Shore and South Jersey regions, as well as of the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States Census, the township's population was 28,655, an increase of 1,011 (+3.7%) from the 2010 census count of 27,644, which in turn reflected an increase of 2,298 (+9.1%) from the 25,346 counted in the 2000 census. The 2010 population was the highest recorded in any decennial census. It was named for Continental Army General John Lacey.

Lacey Township was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 23, 1871, from portions of Dover Township (now known as Toms River Township) and Union Township (now Barnegat Township). Portions of the township were taken on June 23, 1933, to form the borough of Island Beach (which is now Island Beach State Park, part of Berkeley Township). The township was named for Revolutionary War brigadier General John Lacey, who developed Ferrago Forge in 1809.

The Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station is located in the southern part of the township. The single-unit 636 MWe boiling water reactor power plant adjoins Oyster Creek and is owned and operated by Exelon Corporation. It produced 9% of the state's electricity and is the nation's oldest operating nuclear power plant, having first been brought online on December 1, 1969, and is licensed to operate until April 9, 2029. In 2010, Exelon announced that it would close the facility in 2019 as part of an agreement with the State of New Jersey under which the plant would be allowed to operate without cooling towers. The plant, which had contributed a third of the township's budget through taxes, was closed in September 2018, after which a decommissioning process estimated to take eight years and cost $1.4 billion was to be undertaken.

Murray Grove is a Unitarian-Universalist retreat and conference center in Lanoka Harbor, traditionally considered the site where Universalism in America began.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 99.81 square miles (258.49 km2), including 83.25 square miles (215.62 km2) of land and 16.55 square miles (42.87 km2) of water (16.58%).

Forked River (with a 2010 Census population of 5,244) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Lacey Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities, and place names located partially or completely within the township include Aserdaten, Bamber Lake, Barnegat Pines, Batuber, Cedar Creek, Cedar Crest, Deer Head Lake, Good Luck, Lake Barnegat, Lanoka Harbor, Osteam, Red Oak Grove, Union Clay Works, and Webbs Mill. The township's fire stations are named after the various areas of Lacey Township.

Lacey is served by several health and wellness providers, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services. Notable facilities include Southern Ocean Medical Center and Lacey Medical Group. Aster Blue Spa specializes in therapeutic and relaxation massages, including deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massages. Soothing Zen offers a variety of massage therapies, such as sports massage, prenatal massage, and reflexology. Retro Fitness provides a range of fitness equipment, group fitness classes, and personal training services. Anytime Fitness Lacey is a 24/7 gym with cardio machines, strength training equipment, and virtual fitness classes. Pure Yoga Studio offers a variety of yoga classes for all levels, including vinyasa, hatha, and restorative yoga.

Top sites in Lacey, NJ are Argos Farm, Anvil Farms, and Barnegat Lighthouse. 

Population: 30,041 (2025). ZIP codes: 08731, 08734. Area codes: 609 exchanges: 242, 693, 971. Elevation: 13 feet (4 meters). Area: 84.89 square miles (219.8 km²).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Lacey, NJ?

New Jersey's violent crime rate is 2.8 incidents per 1,000 people, lower than the national rate of 4.0. According to SafeWise, Lacey's violent crime rate is 1.5 incidents per 1,000 people, and the township's property crime rate is 7.8 incidents per 1,000 people. The rankings were based on FBI crime data. Cities and jurisdictions across the country voluntarily report the information through the FBI Summary Reporting System and National Incident-Based Reporting System.

Is it ideal to live in Lacey, NJ?

Moving to Lacey Township offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful suburban atmosphere and proximity to the Jersey Shore. Plus, getting around is a breeze with various transportation options at your fingertips. Lacey Township is home to several manufacturing companies, offering employment opportunities in fields such as pharmaceuticals and food processing. The healthcare industry plays a significant role in the township's economy. You'll find hospitals, medical clinics, and nursing homes providing various healthcare services.

What are the demographics of Lacey, NJ?

The 2010 United States census counted 27,644 people, 10,183 households, and 7,607 families in the township. The population density was 332.0 inhabitants per square mile (128.2/km2). There were 11,573 housing units at an average density of 139.0 per square mile (53.7/km2). The racial makeup was 96.15% (26,581) White, 0.60% (167) Black or African American, 0.14% (38) Native American, 0.80% (222) Asian, 0.02% (6) Pacific Islander, 1.14% (316) from other races, and 1.14% (314) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.74% (1,310) of the population. 

Sources

Ocean County

Wikipedia

patch

New Jersey Real Estate Network

Southern Ocean Medical Center and Lacey Medical Group

Aster Blue Spa

Soothing Zen

Retro Fitness

Anytime Fitness Lacey

Pure Yoga Studio

Argos Farm

Anvil Farms

Barnegat Lighthouse

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.