[23] In 1908, the residents of what was the West Long Branch section of Eatontown thought that they were not getting a fair return on their taxes.

A request was made that the West Long Branch section be separated from Eatontown.

The Township of Eatontown strongly resisted as there were several large estates in the West Long Branch section that were a source of considerable tax revenues.

An act of the New Jersey Legislature was passed on April 7, 1908, and the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders authorized an election.

On May 5, 1908, a referendum was held in West Long Branch, with voters approving the separation.

[1][2] Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Norwood Park.

[30] The borough borders the Monmouth County municipalities of Eatontown, Long Branch, Ocean Township and Oceanport.

[31][32][33] The 2010 United States census counted 8,097 people, 2,384 households, and 1,757 families in the borough.

[40] As of the 2000 United States census[17] there were 8,258 people, 2,448 households, and 1,860 families residing in the borough.

The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office.

[7] The borough form of government used by West Long Branch 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 can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council.

[3] Members of the West Long Branch Borough Council are Stephen A. Bray (R, 2025), Steven Cioffi (R, 2024), James P. Gomez (R, 2025), Christopher M. Neyhart (R, 2026), John M. Penta Jr. (R, 2024) and Matthew B. Sniffen (R, 2026).

The Operations Division consists of Patrol, Traffic, Dispatch, Firearms, Records and Special Services.

[51] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 6th congressional district is represented by Frank Pallone (D, Long Branch).

[54] For the 2024-2025 session, the 13th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Declan O'Scanlon (R, Little Silver) and in the General Assembly by Vicky Flynn (R, Holmdel Township) and Gerard Scharfenberger (R, Middletown Township).

[93] The campus is notable for the Great Hall at Shadow Lawn, a National Historic Landmark that was used in the 1982 film Annie.

Diesel service operates from Hoboken Terminal to Bay Head station.