How Healthy is Ocean County? Here’s the Numbers

Ocean County has recently published its latest health report, revealing key statistics about the well-being of local residents. These numbers show positive trends in certain areas, but also point out health challenges that the community still faces.

The county ranks 13th in overall health outcomes out of 21 counties in New Jersey, signaling a need for continued focus on community health initiatives. The data shows that while Ocean County residents enjoy better air quality and more available healthcare services than many other counties in the state, challenges like a high rate of adult smoking (17%) and physical inactivity (25%) are still prominent.

Ocean County has been working to improve access to healthcare, and currently, about 87% of the population under the age of 65 has health insurance. The community is also actively fighting food insecurity, with about 9% of residents facing food challenges. However, obesity continues to be a significant issue, with around 28% of adults categorized as obese.

Another critical area of concern is mental health. The report indicates that there are about 470 people per one mental health provider in Ocean County, compared to a state average of about 340 per provider, highlighting the need for more mental health services locally.

On a positive note, Ocean County sees fewer incidents of preventable hospital stays compared to many other regions, thanks to the increasing use of outpatient care and health screenings. This shift is helping people manage chronic conditions more effectively and avoid costly emergency room visits.

Moving forward, the county plans to continue promoting health education and wellness programs, with a strong focus on reducing tobacco use, encouraging physical activity, and increasing access to mental health services.

These efforts, combined with active community participation, could help push Ocean County’s health rankings higher in the coming years.