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Stafford Township, fading into a map of Stafford Township

Living InStafford Township

The Route 72 gateway to Long Beach Island, with Manahawkin Lake Park, lagoons along the bay and Pinelands at Warren Grove.

County
Ocean
Population
28,617 (2020 Census)
Land area
46.1 sq mi
Water area
8.6 sq mi

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Stafford Township is in southern Ocean County, about 74 miles from Times Square and 51 from Philadelphia in a straight line. Route 72 runs from Manahawkin, the township's historic downtown, over Cedar Bonnet Island and the Manahawkin Bay Bridge to Ship Bottom, the only road onto Long Beach Island. Other sections include Beach Haven West, most of Ocean Acres, Cedar Run and Mayetta.

West of the Garden State Parkway, much of the township is Pinelands, including the Little Pygmy Pine Plains at Warren Grove, and the bay side has lagoons and the salt marsh of the Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area. Manahawkin Lake Park holds Monday summer concerts and the October Fall Harvest festival, Southern Ocean Medical Center is on Route 72, and Parkway Exit 63 serves the township.

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Selling Stafford Township

Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about the market, these videos are packed with tips, success stories, and market trends.

Understanding the NEW Buyer Agency Laws in New Jersey

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Stafford Township At A Glance

Stafford, located in Ocean County, offers a dynamic coastal setting with a welcoming, year-round atmosphere and direct access to the Jersey Shore. Known for its lagoon-lined waterfronts, diverse neighborhoods like Ocean Acres and Beach Haven West, and a strong sense of community, Stafford attracts residents seeking a balanced lifestyle with easy access to nearby barrier island beaches, shopping, and local dining.

Curious about the latest trends in the Stafford real estate market? Whether you're a homeowner considering selling, a buyer searching for a beautiful bayfront residence, or an investor exploring opportunities, staying informed is essential. Our comprehensive market report for Stafford provides the latest insights to help you make confident real estate decisions.

Ask Dennis Mark About Stafford Prices

Market Snapshot

Stafford Township Real Estate September 2026

  • Median sale price, September

    $780,000

    Up 34.5% from September 2025

  • Homes sold, September

    35

    37 in September 2025

  • Median sale price, 2026 so far

    $649,900

    265 homes have sold this year, with the median up 10.2% from last year

  • Homes for sale in September

    97

    87 in September 2025

  • Median days on market

    21 days

    For homes sold in September

  • Months of supply

    3.1 months

    How long the homes for sale would last at the current pace of sales

Email me Stafford Township’s snapshot every month

Source: MOMLS (Monmouth Ocean Multiple Listing Service), Market Summary, Residential, September 2026, pulled October 5, 2026. Residential sales reported to the MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed. These are MLS figures, not Dennis Mark’s own. For what your home could sell for today, ask for a home value.

Photo: Stafford Recreation, Facebook

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Local Spotlight

The independent restaurants, cafés and shops that make Stafford feel like home.

Local Favorites

Local, independent businesses only, each confirmed open September 2026. Business list from OpenStreetMap contributors. Logos belong to their businesses and are shown to identify them. Own a local business in Stafford? Ask to be featured.

The Ultimate Guide to Living In Stafford, New Jersey: cover and first inside page

Get To Know Stafford Township

This town guide was created to give you an insider’s look at what life is like in the area, from the everyday essentials to the unique character that makes each place feel like home.

Inside, you’ll find helpful information about local neighborhoods, schools, parks, dining spots, events, and community highlights.

Stafford Township Q&A

Straight answers to common questions about Stafford Township and Manahawkin, each with its source. Checked September 2026.

What county is Stafford Township (Manahawkin) in?

Stafford Township is in Ocean County, New Jersey. It became part of Ocean County when the county was formed on February 15, 1850. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Stafford township; Wikipedia, Stafford Township, New Jersey.

Is Manahawkin the same as Stafford Township?

Manahawkin is part of Stafford Township, not a separate town. It is the township's historic downtown and a Census Bureau statistical area. Most of the township uses the Manahawkin mailing address. Other sections of Stafford include Beach Haven West, most of Ocean Acres (shared with Barnegat), Cedar Run, Mayetta, Cedar Bonnet Island and part of Warren Grove. Source: Wikipedia, Stafford Township, New Jersey.

What is the ZIP code for Manahawkin and Stafford Township?

08050, the Manahawkin ZIP Code. Source: Wikipedia, Stafford Township, New Jersey.

What is the population of Stafford Township?

28,617 people at the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau's estimate for July 1, 2025 is 30,958. Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Stafford township.

How big is Stafford Township?

About 46.1 square miles of land (46.11 square miles at the 2020 Census), plus about 8.6 square miles of water. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Stafford township; Wikipedia, Stafford Township, New Jersey.

Why is it called Stafford Township?

It was named for Staffordshire, England. Stafford was one of New Jersey's first 104 townships, incorporated on February 21, 1798. Source: Wikipedia, Stafford Township, New Jersey.

What towns are near Manahawkin?

Stafford Township borders Barnegat Township, Eagleswood Township and Little Egg Harbor Township on the mainland, and Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom and Surf City on Long Beach Island. Source: Wikipedia, Stafford Township, New Jersey.

How much are property taxes in Stafford Township?

The average residential property tax bill in Stafford Township was $7,777 for tax year 2025. The Ocean County average was $8,114 and the New Jersey average was $10,340. Any one home's bill depends on its assessed value. Source: NJ Division of Taxation, 2025 Average Residential Statistics.

Success Stories

Real stories from the people we've helped buy and sell their homes.

I would 10/10 recommend him to anyone!!!

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SPENCER & SARAH RAITT-FOREST

57 Google reviews as of October 2026. Read them all on Dennis Mark’s Google Business Profile.

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Summer Concert Series at the Lake Manahawkin gazebo. Photo: Stafford Recreation, Facebook

Stafford Township Insider Insights

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