Brick Township is a township in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. Brick Township is located on the eastern coast of New Jersey, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Barnegat Bay. It is known for its beaches, parks, and historic sites, as well as its low crime rate and high quality of life.
History
Brick Township was founded in 1850 from portions of both Dover Township (now Toms River Township) and Howell Township. The township was named after Joseph W. Brick, the owner of Bergen Iron Works located on the Metedeconk River. Brick was a prominent industrialist and politician who served as a state senator, a delegate to the 1844 New Jersey Constitutional Convention, and a supporter of the construction of the New Jersey Railroad .
Brick Township was originally a rural farming community, but it gradually developed into a resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many wealthy and famous people, such as John D. Rockefeller, Grover Cleveland, and Henry Ford, visited or owned summer homes in Brick Township . The township also attracted immigrants from various countries, such as Italy, Ireland, Germany, and Poland, who contributed to its cultural diversity and economic growth .
In the mid-20th century, Brick Township experienced a population boom, as many people moved from urban areas to the suburbs. The township expanded its infrastructure and services, such as schools, roads, and utilities, to accommodate the growing population. Brick Township also became a center of commerce and industry, with businesses such as Foodtown, Pathmark, and ShopRite opening in the township .
In 2006, Brick Township was named “America’s Safest City” by Morgan Quitno Press, based on FBI crime statistics .The township has maintained its reputation as a safe and desirable place to live, work, and visit, despite facing challenges such as natural disasters, environmental issues, and economic downturns.
Population
According to the 2020 United States census, Brick Township had a population of 73,620 people, with a population density of 2,927.5 people per square mile. The majority of the population was white (87.6%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (7.4%), Asian (2.6%), Black or African American (2.4%), and other races (0.1%). The median age of the population was 45.1 years, with 20.9% of the population under 18 years, 60.8% between 18 and 64 years, and 18.3% over 65 years.
The township had 30,714 households, with an average household size of 2.39 people. The median household income was $77,793, and the poverty rate was 6.7%. The township had 33,557 housing units, with an occupancy rate of 91.5% and a median value of $282,900. The township had a high rate of homeownership, with 83.4% of the housing units being owner-occupied and 16.6% being renter-occupied.
Health
Brick Township has a high quality of health care, with access to various hospitals, clinics, and medical centers in the area. Some of the major health care providers in the township are Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center, Brick Health Care Campus, and Preferred Behavioral Health Group. The township also has a number of health and wellness programs and initiatives, such as the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, the Brick Municipal Alliance Committee, and the Brick Township Recreation Department .
The township has a low rate of mortality, with a life expectancy of 80.9 years, compared to the national average of 78.7 years. The leading causes of death in the township are heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease. The township has a low rate of obesity, with 23.9% of the adult population being obese, compared to the national average of 30.9% . The township also has a low rate of smoking, with 13.8% of the adult population being current smokers, compared to the national average of 16.1% .
Education
Brick Township has a high quality of education, with a well-funded and well-performing public school system. The township is served by the Brick Township Public Schools, which operates 12 schools, including seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools . The district has a total enrollment of 8,392 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 11.6 to 1. It has a high graduation rate of 94%, and a high college readiness rate of 55% . The district also offers various programs and services, such as special education, gifted and talented, bilingual education, and career and technical education .
The township also has a number of private and parochial schools, such as St. Dominic School, St. Paul’s Christian School, and Ocean Early Childhood Center . The township also has access to higher education institutions, such as Ocean County College, Georgian Court University, and Monmouth University .
Transport
Brick Township has a good transport system, with access to various modes of transportation, such as roads, buses, trains, and airports. The township is connected to major highways, such as the Garden State Parkway, Interstate 195, and Route 70 . The township is served by the New Jersey Transit bus system, which operates several routes in the township, connecting it to nearby towns and cities, such as Toms River, Lakewood, Point Pleasant, and New York City . The township is also served by the North Jersey Coast Line train service, which operates at the Point Pleasant Beach station, about 5 miles from the township . The township is close to several airports, such as the Monmouth Executive Airport, the Trenton-Mercer Airport, and the Newark Liberty International Airport .
Points of Interest
Brick Township has a lot of points of interest, with attractions for various tastes and preferences, such as beaches, parks, historic sites, and cultural venues. Some of the popular places to visit and things to do in the township are:
- Jersey Shore: The township is located on the Jersey Shore, a coastal region of New Jersey that is famous for its beaches, boardwalks, and amusement parks. The township has several beaches, such as Brick Beach, Windward Beach, and Mantoloking Beach, where visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. The township also has several boardwalks, such as Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, where visitors can enjoy rides, games, shops, and restaurants.
- Jenkinson’s Aquarium: The township is home to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, a public aquarium that features a variety of marine life, such as sharks, penguins, seals, and turtles. The aquarium also offers educational programs, such as animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and birthday parties.
- Cattus Island Park: The township is home to Cattus Island Park, a county park that covers 530 acres of land and water. The park offers a range of activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The park also features a nature center, a butterfly garden, and a playground.
- Orient Baptist Church: The township is home to Orient Baptist Church, a historic church that was built in 1840. The church is one of the oldest churches in Ocean County, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church is still active, and it hosts regular services, events, and concerts.
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