Hazlet Township covers 5.6 square miles of coastal landscape along the Raritan Bay in Monmouth County, NJ. Defined by its scenic natural areas and parks throughout, Hazlet offers a blend of rural serenity and big-city closeness.
Hazlet Township has an estimated population of 20,614 as of July 2022. This represents a slight increase from the 2020 census count of 20,123 residents. The table below shows the racial composition of the town as recorded in the 2020 census.
Racial Group | Percentage of Population |
White | 81% |
Hispanic/Latino | 11.1% |
Two or More Races | 2.7% |
Asian | 2% |
Black/African American | 2% |
Other | 1% |
The median age of Hazlet residents is 44.1 years old.
Between July 2021 and July 2022, Hazlet's population decreased by 0.72% as 24 more people moved out of the township than moved in. This trend of outmigration mirrors that seen across New Jersey, which lost over 6,000 residents in the same period. However, Hazlet's population decline was smaller than in many other New Jersey municipalities.
At 3,457 people per square mile, Hazlet has a higher population density than the state average of 1,210 people per square mile. Residents also have a relatively high median household income of $108,994, exceeding the New Jersey median of $85,751.
While forecasts indicate Hazlet's population will remain stable, demographic projections from Esri estimate the 2027 population will reach 20,817 residents - a modest projected growth of 0.4% from 2022 numbers.
What is now known as Hazlet, NJ was originally incorporated on February 25, 1848 as Raritan Township, formed from portions of neighboring Middletown Township. On November 28, 1967, the township was renamed Hazlet in recognition of Dr. John Hazlett, a prominent local physician who owned an estate in the area.
Throughout its history, Hazlet has developed as a primarily suburban community. The township boundaries have changed over time with the creation of new municipalities such as Holmdel, Aberdeen, and Matawan carved from its original territory.
A notable part of Hazlet's past was the development of the Loew's Route 35 Drive-In theater, which opened on June 30, 1956. It became a popular local entertainment destination during its operation. However, like many drive-ins of the era, it ultimately closed down.
In 2023, Hazlet celebrated its 175th anniversary with a series of commemorative events. To honor its history, the township hosted educational discussions at the James J. Cullen Center focusing on Hazlet's development. There was also a special display of archival artifacts from throughout the years on exhibit at Town Hall.
The Hazlet Township Public School District serves around 2,700 students across eight public schools from preschool through twelfth grade. Student enrollment has declined approximately 15% over the past five years largely due to Hazlet's gradual population decrease.
Here are some notable facts about education in the township:
The student population demographics primarily consist of white residents at 82%, along with representation from Hispanic, Asian, and multi-racial backgrounds. Overall educational indicators reveal opportunities for the Hazlet district to boost learning outcomes closer to state benchmarks.
Hazlet works to address the mental health needs of its population through local treatment centers. Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center provides a range of services for those struggling with issues like depression, addiction, or trauma. Other facilities in the area offering support include Resa Treatment Center and Positive Reset Mental Health Clinic. Residents can also access providers through Psychology Today's directory of professionals in the Hazlet area.
In terms of physical healthcare, several hospitals are located near the township to handle emergencies or specialized care needs. Within close proximity are Bayshore Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center, and Staten Island University Hospital. These regional facilities help ensure Hazlet residents have access to quality medical services.
While chronic illnesses present ongoing challenges, Hazlet aims to support overall community wellness through accessible mental health resources and partnerships with surrounding hospitals. Coordinated efforts sustain a baseline standard of preventative, routine, and crisis care for all.
Hazlet Township strives to provide a high quality of life for residents through access to plentiful community amenities and recreational activities. Numerous parks like Veterans, Beers Street, and the Tony Galento Complex offer outdoor spaces complete with playgrounds, sports fields, courts, and picnic areas. Indoor facilities also serve residents, such as the James J. Cullen Community Center, Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club, and Skate Park.
Safety remains a high priority, as Hazlet maintains an overall crime rate lower than comparable municipalities across the country. With only 11 crimes reported per 1,000 people and minimal chance of victimization, Hazlet offers residents a peaceful environment. To combat the few incidents that do occur, the Hazlet Township Police Department actively implements programs targeting issues like auto theft and burglary through community-oriented policing.
Getting around Hazlet, NJ relies heavily on road transportation given its suburban layout. Real-time traffic conditions can impact commutes and are subject to roadwork, accidents, or other incidents. Sites like LocalConditions.com and ViaMichelin provide updates to help drivers efficiently navigate.
The average one-way commute from Hazlet exceeds half an hour, longer than national figures. This underscores the community's interconnectedness with jobs in surrounding regions reached primarily by automobile.
To assist commuters using rail or mass transit, Hazlet Station offers two parking lots. The main facility has over 290 standard spaces plus handicapped parking available daily or by quarterly permit. Another nearby option on Hazlet Avenue contains 175 standard spaces and accessible slots priced similarly. Advanced planning avoids payment surprises or potentially full capacity.
Temporary road closures or construction zones can worsen typical congestion too. Local news sources like Patch.com report these changes to advise alternative routes. For those able to coordinate schedules, NJ Rideshare and EZ Ride connect carpool drivers with passengers to help reduce individual trips amid busy commutes.
Hazlet shares various notable attractions with other nearby townships in Monmouth County and Middlesex County.
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