Watchung borough, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Watchung borough, New Jersey has a total population of 6,429, the 242nd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $166,536, which is 65% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 65% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.1% — among the lowest in New Jersey.
- Unemployment rate of 8.0% is notably above the national average.
Watchung borough Quick Facts
How Watchung borough Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Watchung borough Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Somerset County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Plainfield borough | 22,667 | $83,529 | 14.0% | $350,700 |
| Somerville borough | 12,958 | $103,869 | 6.2% | $403,600 |
| Bound Brook borough | 12,023 | $80,876 | 10.6% | $362,900 |
| Manville borough | 10,870 | $93,872 | 12.3% | $321,100 |
| Raritan borough | 8,192 | $103,699 | 7.0% | $449,200 |
| Bernardsville borough | 7,871 | $231,006 | 1.0% | $737,600 |
| South Bound Brook borough | 4,833 | $102,019 | 16.4% | $345,300 |
| Peapack and Gladstone borough | 2,547 | $184,231 | 2.4% | $843,400 |
| Far Hills borough | 1,004 | $152,188 | 5.3% | $798,900 |
| Rocky Hill borough | 814 | $127,344 | 4.3% | $608,200 |
Cities Similar to Watchung borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roseland borough | 6,211 | $160,644 | $640,600 | 66.1% | 2.3% |
| Strathmore CDP | 6,593 | $155,048 | $503,600 | 65.3% | 2.8% |
| Green Knoll CDP | 6,664 | $156,630 | $581,600 | 58.4% | 2.9% |
| Lincroft CDP | 6,901 | $168,945 | $719,000 | 62.4% | 2.2% |
| Oceanport borough | 6,130 | $156,196 | $685,800 | 51.6% | 2.9% |
Population Overview
Watchung borough is a small city located in New Jersey, within Somerset County. The total population is 6,429. It ranks as the 242nd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Watchung borough is 46.4 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 10.9% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Watchung borough is $166,536. This is 65% higher than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 112% higher. The poverty rate stands at 2.1%. This is 79% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 8.0%. This is 31% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $833,300. Housing costs are 95% higher than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x. 87.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 37% higher than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Watchung borough is White (non-Hispanic), making up 73.2% of the population. Asian residents account for 11.5%. The Black or African American population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (8.9%) is well below the state average of 21.9%.
Education
62.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 46% higher than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.1%. Notably, 25.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Watchung borough, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Watchung borough, New Jersey?
Watchung borough, New Jersey has a population of 6,429 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Watchung borough, NJ?
The median household income in Watchung borough is $166,536, which is 112% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Watchung borough, NJ?
The poverty rate in Watchung borough is 2.1%. This means approximately 130 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Watchung borough, New Jersey?
Watchung borough's population is 73.2% White, 1.3% Black, 8.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 11.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Watchung borough, NJ?
The median home value in Watchung borough is $833,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x.
How educated is Watchung borough, New Jersey?
62.8% of adults (25+) in Watchung borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 25.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.