History
Keyport, situated in Monmouth County, New Jersey, has a long and fascinating history dating back to 1714 when it was a plantation owned by the Kearny family. This thriving borough is notable for its bustling oyster industry and shipping and steamboat operations that helped establish it as a key hub in the region.
Today, the Keyport Historical Society plays an instrumental role in preserving this rich heritage through its museum located at 34 Main St. The organization showcases various unique artifacts, documents, and information about Keyport’s history, providing insight into its past achievements and challenges.
Given its strategic location and diverse cultural landscape, there’s no wonder why Keyport has been cherished by generations of Americans. Whether you are interested in learning more about this borough’s important contribution to the maritime industry or simply want to delve into Monmouth County’s captivating history–Keyport is worth your time exploring!
Population
Keyport, a small borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey has an estimated population of around 7,192 people as of the year 2023.
Being the 211th largest city in New Jersey and only the 5,267th largest city in the United States, Keyport can be classified as a relatively small borough compared to many other metropolitan areas in the country.
The borough has a total area of about 1.47 square miles according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Out of this land area, about 1.38 square miles make up dry ground while approximately 0.09 square miles is made up of water bodies.
The median age in Keyport is roughly 39.6 years old with a male to female ratio that stands at approximately 0.9 men to every woman living within the borough.
Data from the U.S.Census Bureau shows that Keyport currently boasts a population density of about 5,164 people per square mile indicating that it may be quite densely populated for its size.
White (non-Hispanic) group represents the majority race constituting about 71.7% of Keyport’s population while other races make up just under one-third of its residents(28.3%). The median household income goes up to $61,838 suggesting an overall middle-class nature among Keyports residents; which further points out how suitable it could be as an investment option for commercial real estate owners or potential property buyers looking for long-term investment options outside downtown areas with slower market trends but healthier growth prospects over time.
Health
The Monmouth County Health Department oversees public health services, including required health inspections in Keyport and surrounding areas. For on-demand access to public health data and statistics for New Jerseyans, the New Jersey State Health Assessment Data (NJSHAD) System is available. This system provides valuable information on the current health status of residents in the state.
Insurance coverage for residents in Keyport is above average compared to national trends. The uninsured rate in 2021 was 5.3%, whereas the national average rate stands at 9.2%. In 2020, over 94% of the population had insurance coverage. Employer-based plans were the most common type of insurance chosen by residents with a rate of 51.6%, followed by Medicare with a usage rate of 19.8%.
In terms of causes of death for residents in Keyport, heart disease accounted for almost one quarter of all deaths at 24.9% in 2019, followed closely by cancer at a level of 22.4%.
Education
Keyport School District is a public school district consisting of two schools and serving 960 students. The demographic composition of the student population is roughly half minority at 50%, with a composition of 54.7% White, 7.9% Black, 32.8% Hispanic, 3.4% Asian, and 1.2% Two or More Races across both schools.
The graduation rate for Keyport School District is between 85-89%, which is lower than the state average of 91%. In terms of academic performance, state test scores indicate that only around one-third (34%) of Keyport School District students are proficient in math and almost half (49%) in reading – lower than the state averages of proficiency at around 44% in math and about 58% in reading.
Transport
In Keyport, the average one-way commute takes 29.3 minutes, which is slightly longer than the national average time of 26.4 minutes. The most popular mode of transportation used by the residents to get to work is driving alone which accounts for 71.8% of commutes which is, however, lower than the national average of 76.4%.
The second most used mode of transport in Keyport is public transportation with a usage rate of 9.5%, as compared to the countrywide rate of 5%. Public transportation options are bus, train, and ferry service provided by NJ Transit Academy Bus and Seastreak Ferry.
With its quality public transport network offering many viable choices like buses, trains and ferries run by various transit providers, commuters can enjoy a hassle-free journey throughout Keyport and beyond without contributing to traffic congestion during peak hours.
Points of Interest
Explore the charm and variety of Keyport, NJ with its numerous site of interest that cater to all ages and interests. One such place is the Keyport Waterfront Park, a picturesque park that boasts a serene fishing pier, an engaging playground for children, a scenic gazebo and stunning views of the New York City skyline. A perfect spot to unwind by yourself or with friends and family.
For those who prefer historic sites, Sandy Hook Lighthouse is an attractive destination. America’s oldest operating lighthouse located on a peninsula offers visitors breathtaking beaches, mesmerizing trails and awe-inspiring landmarks steeped in rich history. Take a walk back in time while experiencing nature at its rawest.
McDonagh’s Restaurant & Pub Keyport might be just what you’re looking for if you’re craving some Irish flavor! Visitors can enjoy live music performances or partake in trivia nights while relishing the wide array of food and drinks served here. If you’re exploring Keyport for more than just its history or natural beauty but rather its nightlife as well, McDonagh’s is definitely worth checking out.
For thrill-seekers seeking adventure amid stunning scenery, look no further than Jersey Jet Ski that offers jet ski tours and lessons on Raritan Bay in Keyport. Experience the rush of adrenaline while taking in breathtaking views of the bay coastline from this unique vantage point- an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.

