Watsessing, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Watsessing, New Jersey had a total population of 8,232, the 202nd largest community in New Jersey, with a median household income of $103,378, which is about the same as the state average. The poverty rate is 7.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New Jersey (diversity index: 76/100).
Watsessing Quick Facts
How Watsessing Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,944 | 8,232 | +3.6% |
| Median household income | $94,301 | $103,378 | +9.6% |
| Median home value | $418,500 | $435,400 | +4.0% |
How Watsessing Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 66 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Watsessing Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Essex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 310,178 | $52,060 | 23.4% | $373,700 |
| East Orange | 70,090 | $60,830 | 16.4% | $365,900 |
| Short Hills | 14,923 | $250,000+ | 2.3% | $1,674,100 |
| Upper Montclair | 12,457 | $250,000+ | 1.9% | $989,000 |
| Brookdale | 9,960 | $161,779 | 3.8% | $573,500 |
| Caldwell | 9,003 | $96,824 | 8.0% | $575,400 |
| Glen Ridge | 7,943 | $250,000+ | 1.1% | $836,600 |
| North Caldwell | 6,656 | $208,245 | 1.7% | $904,500 |
| Roseland | 6,268 | $164,458 | 2.5% | $665,700 |
| Vauxhall | 6,157 | $111,421 | 7.3% | $360,000 |
Cities Similar to Watsessing
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotswood | 8,171 | $105,060 | $369,900 | 36.9% | 4.2% |
| Atco | 8,164 | $105,847 | $275,000 | 28.6% | 9.7% |
| Twin Rivers | 8,382 | $100,833 | $301,400 | 32.7% | 3.5% |
| Raritan | 8,368 | $107,672 | $456,900 | 44.5% | 8.0% |
| Butler | 8,133 | $111,557 | $442,500 | 43.1% | 8.7% |
Population Overview
Watsessing is a small city located in New Jersey, within Essex County. The total population is 8,232. It ranks as the 202nd most populous out of 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Watsessing is 36.4 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 40.1 years. Only 14.8% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Watsessing is $103,378. This is about the same as the state median of $103,556. It is also 28% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%. This is 23% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.7%. The unemployment rate is 6.2%. This is 1% lower than the state rate of 6.3%. The median home value is $435,400. Housing costs are 4% lower than the state median of $454,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 31.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 50% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Watsessing is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 29.5%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (29.6% vs 12.2%).
Education
53.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% higher than the state rate of 43.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.4%. Notably, 18.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Watsessing, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Watsessing, New Jersey?
Watsessing, New Jersey has a population of 8,232 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Watsessing, NJ?
The median household income in Watsessing is $103,378, which is 28% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Watsessing, NJ?
The poverty rate in Watsessing is 7.5%. This means approximately 609 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Watsessing, New Jersey?
Watsessing's population is 29.5% White, 29.6% Black, 23.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Watsessing, NJ?
The median home value in Watsessing is $435,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Watsessing, New Jersey?
53.0% of adults (25+) in Watsessing hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.