Ocean County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It the southernmost county in the New York metropolitan area, with the Southern part of the county falling in the Philadelphia metro area. Its county seat is Toms River6. As of the United States 2000 Census, the population was 510,916. 2005 Census Bureau estimates show the county's population growing to around 555,000, making it the fastest growing county in New Jersey. Ocean County was established in 1850 from portions of Monmouth County.

It is home to Island Beach State Park and the resort of Seaside Heights. It is also home to Six Flags Great Adventure, and the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The state's largest suburban school district, Toms River Regional Schools, is located in this county. It is also home to Mantoloking, the wealthiest community in the state of New Jersey. Brick Township, America's safest city, is also located in Ocean County. It is also home to the world's tallest, fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka.