Lake Como, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
 Lake Como Borough Hall | |
 Seal  wordmark | |
 Map of Lake Como inMonmouth County. Inset: Location of Monmouth County highlighted in the State ofNew Jersey. | |
 Census Bureau map of Lake Como, New Jersey | |
  Lake Como Location in the United States Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates:40°10′12″N74°01′29″W / 40.170011°N 74.024861°W /40.170011; -74.024861[1][2] | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Monmouth |
| Incorporated | May 6, 1924 asSouth Belmar |
| Renamed | January 4, 2005 asLake Como |
| Government | |
| • Type | Borough |
| • Body | Borough Council |
| • Mayor | Kevin G. Higgins (D, term ends December 31, 2026)[3] |
| • Administrator | Andrew Huisman[3] |
| • Municipal clerk | Amy L. Boney[3] |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.26 sq mi (0.67 km2) |
| • Land | 0.25 sq mi (0.65 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0077 sq mi (0.02 km2) 3.08% |
| • Rank | 556th of 565 in state 51st of 53 in county[1] |
| Elevation | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 1,697 |
• Estimate (2023)[8] | 1,665 |
| • Rank | 501st of 565 in state 45th of 53 in county[9] |
| • Density | 6,741.7/sq mi (2,603.0/km2) |
| • Rank | 73rd of 565 in state 6th of 53 in county[9] |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
| ZIP Code | |
| Area code | 732[11] |
| FIPS code | 3402537560[1][12][13] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0885400[1][14] |
| Website | www |
Lake Como is aborough located in theJersey Shore region, withinMonmouth County, in theU.S. state ofNew Jersey. As of the2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,697,[7] a decrease of 62 (−3.5%) from the2010 census count of 1,759,[15][16] which in turn reflected a decline of 47 (−2.6%) from the 1,806 counted in the2000 census.[17] It is the tenth-smallest municipality by land area in New Jersey.[18]
Lake Como was originally formed as the borough ofSouth Belmar by an act of theNew Jersey Legislature on March 12, 1924, from portions ofWall Township, subject to the results of a referendum held on May 6, 1924.[19] On November 2, 2004, voters in the borough approved changing the locality's name to Lake Como, which became effective as of January 4, 2005.[20]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.26 square miles (0.67 km2), including 0.25 square miles (0.65 km2) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.02 km2) of water (3.08%).[1][2]
The borough borders the Monmouth County communities ofBelmar,Spring Lake,Spring Lake Heights andWall Township.[21][22][23]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | 886 | — | |
| 1940 | 955 | 7.8% | |
| 1950 | 1,294 | 35.5% | |
| 1960 | 1,537 | 18.8% | |
| 1970 | 1,490 | −3.1% | |
| 1980 | 1,566 | 5.1% | |
| 1990 | 1,482 | −5.4% | |
| 2000 | 1,806 | 21.9% | |
| 2010 | 1,759 | −2.6% | |
| 2020 | 1,697 | −3.5% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 1,665 | [8] | −1.9% |
| Population sources: 1930[24] 1940–2000[25] 2000[26][27] 2010[15][16] 2020[7] | |||
The2010 United States census counted 1,759 people, 785 households, and 399 families in the borough. Thepopulation density was 6,943.6 per square mile (2,680.9/km2). There were 1,115 housing units at an average density of 4,401.4 per square mile (1,699.4/km2). The racial makeup was 82.89% (1,458)White, 6.14% (108)Black or African American, 0.85% (15)Native American, 1.19% (21)Asian, 0.00% (0)Pacific Islander, 6.82% (120) fromother races, and 2.10% (37) from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.31% (322) of the population.[15]
Of the 785 households, 22.9% had children under the age of 18; 34.9% were married couples living together; 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 49.2% were non-families. Of all households, 38.6% were made up of individuals and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 3.05.[15]
19.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.4 years. For every 100 females, the population had 105.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 102.7 males.[15]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010American Community Survey showed that (in 2010inflation-adjusted dollars)median household income was $76,576 (with a margin of error of +/− $8,374) and the median family income was $84,821 (+/− $15,308). Males had a median income of $58,173 (+/− $11,703) versus $49,444 (+/− $25,611) for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $37,729 (+/− $5,783). About 10.8% of families and 7.9% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.[28]
As of the2000 United States census[12] there were 1,806 people, 824 households, and 391 families residing in the borough. The population density was 7,322.9 inhabitants per square mile (2,827.4/km2). There were 1,107 housing units at an average density of 4,488.6 per square mile (1,733.1/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 82.17%White, 7.75%African American, 0.44%Native American, 1.27%Asian, 0.06%Pacific Islander, 5.87% fromother races, and 2.44% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 10.13% of the population.[26][27]
There were 824 households, out of which 22.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.3% weremarried couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.5% were non-families. 41.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 3.10.[26][27]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 21.8% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 36.7% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.[26][27]
The median income for a household in the borough was $47,566, and the median income for a family was $56,538. Males had a median income of $41,550 versus $27,708 for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $27,111. About 4.3% of families and 7.5% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.[26][27]
Lake Como is governed under theborough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[29] The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions electedat-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[4] The borough form of government used by Lake Como is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor canveto ordinances subject to anoverride by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[30][31]
As of 2025[update], themayor of Lake Como isDemocrat Kevin Higgins, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Douglas E. Witte (D, 2025), Heather Albala-Doyle (D, 2027), Chris D'Antuono (D, 2027), Nicholas DeMauro (D, 2026), Hawley G. Scull (D, 2025) and Peter Ventrice (D, 2026).[3][32][33][34][35]
In February 2021, the borough council considered three candidates whose names were submitted by the Democratic municipal committee and chose Peter Ventrice to fill the seat expiring in December 2023 that had been held by David Gardner until he resigned from office the previous month.[36] Ventrice served on an interim basis until the November 2021 general election, when he was selected to serve the balance of the term of office.[37]
In September 2019, the borough council selected Nicholas DeMauro from a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that was vacated by John Carvelli after he resigned from office the previous month after announcing that he was moving out of Lake Como.[38]
In September 2018, David Gardner was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that had been vacated by Kevin Higgins, who was appointed mayor the previous monthto fill the seat vacated by Brian T. Wilton.[39] Kevin Higgins and David Gardner served and were elected to their respective positions in November 2018. Kevin Higgins was elected to a full four-year term ending December 2022.[40]
In January 2017, Christopher D'Antuono was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2018 that was vacated by Michael Noonan; D'Antono will serve on an interim basis until the November 2017 general election, when voters will select a candidate to serve the balance of the term of office.[41]
In January 2015, the borough council selected Hawley Scull from three names nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the vacant seat of Patricia A. Tzibrouk expiring in December 2016.[42] In the November 2015 general election, Scull was elected to serve the balance of the term of office.[43]
Later in January 2015, the borough council chose Michael Noonan to fill the council seat expiring December 2015 that was vacated when Brian Wilton took office as mayor.[44]
Lake Como is located in the 4th Congressional District[45] and is part of New Jersey's 30th state legislative district.[46]
For the119th United States Congress,New Jersey's 4th congressional district is represented byChris Smith (R,Manchester Township).[47][48] New Jersey is represented in theUnited States Senate byDemocratsCory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) andAndy Kim (Moorestown, term ends 2031).[49]
For the2024-2025 session, the30th legislative district of theNew Jersey Legislature is represented in theState Senate byRobert Singer (R,Lakewood Township) and in theGeneral Assembly bySean T. Kean (R,Wall Township) andAvi Schnall (D, Lakewood Township).[50]
Monmouth County is governed by aBoard of County Commissioners composed of five members who are electedat-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects one of its members to serve as director and another as deputy director.[51]
As of 2025[update], Monmouth County's Commissioners areDirector Thomas A. Arnone (R,Neptune City, 2025),[52] Susan M. Kiley (R,Hazlet Township, 2027),[53]Erik Anderson (R,Shrewsbury, 2026),[54]Nick DiRocco (R,Wall Township, 2025),[55] and Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra (R,Marlboro Township, 2026).[56][57][58]
Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis areClerk Christine Giordano Hanlon (R, 2025;Ocean Township),[59][60] Sheriff Shaun Golden (R, 2025;Howell Township)[61][62] and Surrogate Rosemarie D. Peters (R, 2026;Middletown Township).[63][64]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 461 | 47.72% | 473 | 48.96% | 32 | 3.31% |
| 2020 | 436 | 44.67% | 526 | 53.89% | 14 | 1.43% |
| 2016 | 388 | 48.26% | 384 | 47.76% | 32 | 3.98% |
| 2012 | 295 | 42.20% | 390 | 55.79% | 14 | 2.00% |
| 2008 | 314 | 39.75% | 459 | 58.10% | 17 | 2.15% |
| 2004 | 374 | 45.95% | 428 | 52.58% | 12 | 1.47% |
| 2000 | 311 | 40.81% | 409 | 53.67% | 42 | 5.51% |
| 1996 | 250 | 33.07% | 411 | 54.37% | 95 | 12.57% |
| 1992 | 234 | 31.84% | 337 | 45.85% | 164 | 22.31% |
As of March 2011, there were a total of 992 registered voters in Lake Como, of which 301 (30.3%) were registered asDemocrats, 151 (15.2%) were registered asRepublicans and 539 (54.3%) were registered asUnaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.[66]
In the2012 presidential election, DemocratBarack Obama received 55.8% of the vote (390 cast), ahead of RepublicanMitt Romney with 42.2% (295 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (14 votes), among the 706 ballots cast by the borough's 1,057 registered voters (7 ballots werespoiled), for a turnout of 66.8%.[67][68] In the2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 57.1% of the vote (459 cast), ahead of RepublicanJohn McCain with 39.1% (314 votes) and other candidates with 2.1% (17 votes), among the 804 ballots cast by the borough's 1,123 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.6%.[69] In the2004 presidential election, DemocratJohn Kerry received 52.5% of the vote (428 ballots cast), outpolling RepublicanGeorge W. Bush with 45.8% (374 votes) and other candidates with 1.0% (12 votes), among the 816 ballots cast by the borough's 1,156 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 70.6.[70]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2021 | 343 | 51.66% | 313 | 47.14% | 8 | 1.20% |
| 2017 | 232 | 47.74% | 243 | 50.00% | 11 | 2.26% |
| 2013 | 298 | 64.22% | 150 | 32.33% | 16 | 3.45% |
| 2009 | 262 | 49.62% | 215 | 40.72% | 51 | 9.66% |
| 2005 | 245 | 39.26% | 325 | 52.08% | 54 | 8.65% |
In the2013 gubernatorial election, RepublicanChris Christie received 64.2% of the vote (298 cast), ahead of DemocratBarbara Buono with 32.3% (150 votes), and other candidates with 3.4% (16 votes), among the 470 ballots cast by the borough's 1,047 registered voters (6 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 44.9%.[72][73] In the2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 49.1% of the vote (262 ballots cast), ahead of DemocratJon Corzine with 40.3% (215 votes), IndependentChris Daggett with 8.8% (47 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (4 votes), among the 534 ballots cast by the borough's 1,048 registered voters, yielding a 51.0% turnout.[74]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 449 | 48.12% | 469 | 50.27% | 15 | 1.61% |
| 2018 | 310 | 45.45% | 338 | 49.56% | 34 | 4.99% |
| 2012 | 266 | 40.92% | 368 | 56.62% | 16 | 2.46% |
| 2006 | 261 | 44.46% | 310 | 52.81% | 16 | 2.73% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2020 | 452 | 47.18% | 493 | 51.46% | 13 | 1.36% |
| 2014 | 187 | 39.12% | 273 | 57.11% | 18 | 3.77% |
| 2013 | 126 | 44.06% | 158 | 55.24% | 2 | 0.70% |
| 2008 | 280 | 38.57% | 419 | 57.71% | 27 | 3.72% |
Students from Lake Como attend theBelmar School District, which serves students in public school forpre-kindergarten througheighth grade at Belmar Elementary School.[77][78][79][80] Lake Como sends students to Belmar as part of asending/receiving relationship.[81][82] As of the 2023–24 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 405 students and 51.7 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 7.8:1.[83]
Students attendingpublic high school are assigned based onsending/receiving relationships to eitherManasquan High School inManasquan orAsbury Park High School inAsbury Park.[84] Manasquan High School also serves students fromAvon-by-the-Sea,Brielle,Sea Girt,Spring Lake andSpring Lake Heights, who attend as part of sending/receiving relationships with their respective districts.[85][86][87] As of the 2023–24 school year, Manasquan High School had an enrollment of 945 students and 81.2 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 11.6:1[88] while Asbury Park High School had an enrollment of 370 students and 36.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.3:1.[89]
Public school students may also attendRed Bank Regional High School,Marine Academy of Science and Technology,Academy of Allied Health & Science, Academy Charter School,High Technology High School,Communications High School orBiotechnology High School.[81] They also have the option to attendAcademy Charter High School in Lake Como, which accepts students on a lottery basis from the communities ofAllenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea,Belmar,Bradley Beach,Deal,Interlaken and Lake Como.[90][91]
_at_18th_Avenue_in_Lake_Como%2c_Monmouth_County%2c_New_Jersey.jpg)
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 5.47 miles (8.80 km) of roadways, of which 5.03 miles (8.10 km) were maintained by the municipality and 0.44 miles (0.71 km) by Monmouth County.[92]
No major highways pass directly through the borough. The most significant roads are minor county routes, such asCounty Route 30, which serves as Main Street. However, several highways are accessible in neighboring communities, such asRoute 35 in both Belmar and Wall, as well asRoute 18,Route 34,Route 138, theGarden State Parkway andInterstate 195 all in Wall Township.
NJ Transit offers service to and fromPhiladelphia on the317 route and local bus service on the830 route.[93]
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Lake Como include:
