Howell Township, New Jersey, is the largest municipality in Monmouth County by total area, covering 61.21 square miles of land and water. Its 2025 estimated population stands at 55,156, up 3.2% from the 2020 census count of 53,537. That steady growth tells you something: people keep choosing Howell, and they have real reasons for it.
The township sits squarely in the New York Metro Area, close enough to Manhattan to commute but far enough to feel genuinely suburban, with pockets that still read as rural. The Jersey Shore is nearby. Strong public schools, a range of housing options, and access to parks like the Manasquan Reservoir round out a picture that consistently attracts families looking for space without giving up urban access.
Quick facts about Howell Township:
- Located in Monmouth County, NJ, within the New York Metro Area
- Total area: over 60 square miles, the largest municipality in the county.
- 2025 estimated population: 55,156
- ZIP codes: 07731 (Howell), 07727 (Farmingdale), 07728 (Freehold)
- Governed under the Faulkner Act council-manager structure
- Mayor: John Leggio ®, term ending December 31, 2028
- Borders Colts Neck, Freehold Township, Wall Township, Brick, Jackson, and Lakewood
- Home to Manasquan Reservoir, a 1,381-acre natural landmark
How Howell Township grew from a colonial settlement into a modern suburb
Howell’s story starts long before European settlers arrived. The Lenape people inhabited this region for centuries, relying on the area’s waterways and forests. European colonization brought Dutch and English settlers into Monmouth County during the 17th century, gradually pushing into what would become Howell’s territory.
The township was formally incorporated in the early 19th century, carved from portions of Shrewsbury Township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. It was named for Richard Howell, who served as New Jersey’s third governor from 1794 to 1801. At its founding, Howell’s boundaries were enormous, encompassing land that would later become Wall Township, Lakewood Township, and Brick Township.
Key historical milestones:
- Early 1800s: Howell Township officially formed from Shrewsbury Township
- Mid-19th century: Brick Township formed from Howell’s territory when Ocean County was created.
- Mid-19th century: Wall Township separated from Howell.
- Mid-20th century: Post-World War II suburban expansion transformed the township’s character
- 2000–2020: Three consecutive census counts showed consistent population growth over two decades.
One geographic quirk worth knowing: Howell completely surrounds the borough of Farmingdale, making it one of 21 “doughnut town” pairs in New Jersey where one municipality entirely encircles another. That unusual boundary reflects the township’s long history of territorial adjustment as neighboring communities carved out their own identities.
The post-war decades brought the biggest transformation. Farmland gave way to residential subdivisions, Route 9 developed into a commercial corridor, and Howell’s population climbed steadily. Today the township operates under the Faulkner Act, formally the Optional Municipal Charter Law, using a council-manager form of government shared by only 42 of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities.
What does Howell Township’s geography actually look like?
Howell’s physical character is one of its strongest selling points. The township spans over 60 square miles of land with some water area, sitting at a modest elevation above sea level. That relatively flat terrain, typical of the New Jersey Coastal Plain, gives the township a mix of open fields, wooded lots, and developed corridors that coexist within a few miles of each other.
| Geographic Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total area | 61.21 square miles |
| Land area | over 60 square miles |
| Water area | — |
| Elevation | 30 m |
| County rank by area | 1st of 53 municipalities in Monmouth County |
| State rank by area | — |
| Coordinates | — |
The crown jewel of Howell’s natural environment is the Manasquan Reservoir, a 1,381-acre site featuring a 770-acre reservoir managed by Monmouth County Parks. The reservoir draws a significant number of visitors annually for fishing, boating, birdwatching, and a perimeter trail that circles the water. It functions as both a recreational hub and a drinking water source for the region.
Route 9 cuts through the township as its primary commercial and transportation artery. The corridor concentrates retail, restaurants, and services, but it also generates the peak-hour traffic congestion that residents cite as one of Howell’s most consistent frustrations. Away from Route 9, the landscape opens up considerably. Northern Howell in particular retains a rural character with large wooded lots and lower density development.
The climate follows a typical Mid-Atlantic pattern: humid summers, cold winters with moderate snowfall, and mild spring and fall seasons. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperature extremes somewhat, and the Jersey Shore’s beaches are genuinely close, not just a marketing claim.
Who lives in Howell Township? A look at the demographics
Howell’s population growth has been consistent across three decades. The 2020 census recorded 53,537 residents, the highest decennial count in the township’s history, and the 2025 estimate of 55,156 continues that upward trend. Within Monmouth County, Howell ranks second in population out of 53 municipalities, trailing only Freehold Township.
| Demographic Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| 2020 census population | 53,537 |
| 2025 estimated population | 55,156 |
| Population growth (2020–2025) | 3.2% |
| — | — |
| Population density (2020) | 888.3 per sq mi |
| State population rank | — |
| County population rank | 2nd of 53 municipalities |
| Median household income | Approx. $130,000 |
The median household income of approximately $130,000 places Howell well above national averages, and the cost of living runs about 30% higher than the U.S. average. That premium reflects both New Jersey’s generally high cost structure and Howell’s specific appeal: good schools, low crime relative to urban centers, and housing stock that offers genuine space.
The township’s density of 888.3 residents per square mile is relatively low for New Jersey, a state famous for crowding. That figure reflects Howell’s mix of developed neighborhoods and preserved open space. Families with children make up a large share of the population, drawn by the school system and the suburban lifestyle that the township consistently delivers.
What is it actually like to live in Howell Township?
Living in Howell NJ means different things depending on which part of the township you land in. The northern sections feel almost rural, with large wooded lots, longer driveways, and a quiet that suburban New Jersey rarely offers. The Route 9 corridor trades that privacy for convenience: shopping, restaurants, and easier access to major roads are right there, but so is the traffic.
Real estate and neighborhoods
North Howell is the township’s most affluent area, characterized by large lots, higher-end homes, and a distinctly suburban-rural feel. The Route 9 corridor offers more affordable entry points and shorter commutes, but the trade-off is density and noise. Ramtown and Howell Center represent middle-ground options, with established neighborhoods and reasonable access to schools and parks.
Howell NJ real estate spans a wide price range, from starter homes in the mid-$300,000s to custom builds in the northern sections that push well past $700,000. The market has stayed competitive, driven by demand from families relocating from more expensive parts of Monmouth County and from New York City itself.
Education and schools
Howell Public Schools serve approximately 5,400 students across multiple elementary schools. For high school, the township belongs to the Freehold Regional High School District, which has a strong academic reputation throughout central New Jersey. Which high school a student attends depends on their specific address within the township, so prospective buyers should verify school assignments before committing to a neighborhood.
Transportation and commuting
Getting to Manhattan from Howell takes roughly 75–90 minutes by bus. That is a real commute, not a quick hop, and residents who make that trip daily tend to be deliberate about it. The trade-off is space, quiet, and a cost of living that, while high by national standards, is meaningfully lower than Bergen or Hudson County. NJ Transit bus routes connect Howell to the Garden State Parkway and regional transit hubs.
Parks, recreation, and things to do in Howell
Beyond the Manasquan Reservoir, things to do in Howell NJ include Allaire State Park, which borders the township and offers hiking, mountain biking, and a historic village. Turkey Swamp Park, another Monmouth County property, provides camping, fishing, and paddleboat rentals. The township’s own recreation department runs youth sports leagues, adult fitness programs, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Community highlights at a glance:
- Manasquan Reservoir: fishing, boating, 5-mile trail, over one million annual visitors
- Allaire State Park: hiking, mountain biking, historic village
- Turkey Swamp Park: camping, fishing, paddleboats
- Howell Park Golf Course: public 18-hole course within the township
- Multiple township athletic fields and recreation centers
- Active youth sports leagues through Howell Township Recreation
How safe is Howell Township, and what can residents do about property security?
Howell Township’s public safety infrastructure includes a full-service police department and multiple fire companies serving the township’s 61 square miles. The Howell Township Police Department handles patrol, investigations, and community outreach across a territory that ranges from dense residential neighborhoods to more isolated rural properties. Emergency medical services operate in coordination with county resources.
Crime concerns in Howell, as in most suburban New Jersey townships, center primarily on residential and commercial theft rather than violent crime. The township’s relatively low density and active community culture keep serious crime rates well below those of urban centers. Still, property crime is a real consideration, particularly in neighborhoods along Route 9 and in areas with higher foot traffic near commercial zones.
Common security concerns for Howell residents and businesses:
- Package theft from front porches and driveways
- Vehicle break-ins in parking lots and residential streets
- Unauthorized access to detached garages and outbuildings
- Commercial theft along the Route 9 corridor
- Vandalism at parks and recreational facilities
Security technology adoption has grown steadily across the township. Professionally installed surveillance systems give homeowners and business owners documented coverage of their property, which supports both deterrence and post-incident investigation. Home security systems designed for Howell’s mix of large lots and varied property types need to account for longer perimeter distances, outdoor lighting conditions, and the specific access points that matter most in suburban settings.
Central Jersey Security Cameras designs and installs custom CCTV systems for Howell-area homes and businesses, with solutions that include 4K cameras, license plate recognition, PTZ cameras, and NVR-based recording. The focus is on coverage that fits the actual property rather than a generic off-the-shelf package.
Pro Tip: In suburban settings with large lots, camera placement at driveway entrances and detached structures matters as much as front-door coverage. A professionally designed system maps blind spots before installation, not after.
When evaluating CCTV camera options for residential properties, night vision range and weather resistance are the two specs that most directly affect real-world performance in New Jersey’s climate. A camera that performs well in July may struggle in January without proper housing and IR range.
Healthcare access rounds out the safety picture. The CentraState Health System, a partner of Atlantic Health System and affiliated with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, operates an 87-bed hospital campus in neighboring Freehold Township and serves the central New Jersey region. Family practices accessible to Howell residents operate in Jackson Township and Colts Neck as well.
Annual events and cultural activities in Howell Township
Howell’s calendar reflects its community character: family-oriented, locally organized, and tied to the seasons. The township’s recreation department anchors the annual event schedule, with programming that runs from spring through late fall.
The Howell Township Farmers Market runs seasonally and draws vendors from across Monmouth County, offering produce, baked goods, and local crafts. It functions as a genuine community gathering point, not just a shopping destination. Families with kids treat it as a weekend ritual during the warmer months.
The township’s parks host outdoor movie nights and concerts during summer, typically at locations near Turkey Swamp Park and the recreation complex. These events are free or low-cost and consistently draw large crowds from across the township. The informal atmosphere is part of the appeal: lawn chairs, food trucks, and neighbors who actually know each other.
Fall brings the Howell Harvest Festival, one of the township’s most attended annual events. Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and seasonal vendors fill the schedule, and the event draws residents from neighboring municipalities as well. The festival reflects Howell’s agricultural roots, which still show up in the farm stands and open fields that persist even as the township grows.
Youth sports leagues through Howell Township Recreation run year-round, covering baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. The leagues are organized and well-attended, and they serve as one of the primary social networks for families with school-age children. For many Howell residents, the rec league schedule is as much a part of community life as any formal cultural event.
The Freehold Regional High School District, which serves Howell students, hosts performing arts productions, athletic competitions, and academic events that draw township-wide audiences throughout the school year. The district’s reputation for quality extends to its extracurricular programming, and those events contribute meaningfully to Howell’s cultural calendar.
Howell New Jersey attractions extend beyond the township’s own borders. The proximity to Asbury Park, Spring Lake, and Belmar means that live music, art festivals, and beach events are genuinely accessible on weekends. Residents treat the Shore as an extension of their local amenity set, not a distant destination.
Protect your Howell property with professionally installed security cameras
Howell’s growth brings more residents, more traffic, and more property to protect. Central Jersey Security Cameras installs custom surveillance systems for homes and businesses throughout Howell Township and the surrounding Monmouth County area. Whether you need home security cameras installed at a large-lot property in North Howell or a commercial system along the Route 9 corridor, the approach starts with a site assessment, not a product catalog.
Every system is designed around the specific property: camera placement, recording capacity, remote viewing access, and long-term support. No subscriptions, no generic packages. Contact Central Jersey Security Cameras to schedule a consultation and get a system built for your address.
Key Takeaways
Howell Township, NJ, is a growing Monmouth County community of 55,156 residents that combines suburban convenience, strong schools, and natural amenities within commuting distance of New York City.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Population and growth | Howell’s 2025 population is 55,156, a 3.2% increase from the 2020 census count of 53,537. |
| Size and location | At 61.21 sq mi, Howell is the largest municipality in Monmouth County and sits in the New York Metro Area. |
| Income and cost of living | Median household income is relatively high compared to national averages; the cost of living is also notably above the national average. |
| Education | Howell Public Schools serve roughly 5,400 students; high schoolers attend Freehold Regional High School District. |
| Commuting reality | Bus travel to Manhattan takes 75–90 minutes; Route 9 is the primary local artery with notable peak-hour congestion. |