Toms River

Community and administrative headquarters of Ocean County, eastern New Jersey, on Toms River (an inlet of Barnegat Bay), 35 km/22 mi southwest of Asbury Park; population (1990) 7,500. The economy is primarily supported by tourism, although there are also boatyards and shellfishing operations.

Toms River was settled in the early 18th century. During the Revolution, its harbour sheltered American privateers. The town was burned during a Tory attempt to seize its saltworks and warehouses in 1782. The early economy was dependent on whaling, shipping, and fishing; with excellent sport fishing and boating facilities. Ocean County College (1964) is here.

The borough of South Toms River (population (1990) 3,900) is to the southwest, across the inlet.