Upper Montclair, NJ
Population 12,279 · New Jersey
About Upper Montclair, NJ
Upper Montclair is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 12,279 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Upper Montclair features a median home value of $968,200, which is 295% above the national median of $244,900. This places Upper Montclair in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,290, 97% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,212 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (3,396 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (525 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Upper Montclair shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 1.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Upper Montclair have an average one-way commute time of 43.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
85.5% of Upper Montclair residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 10.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Upper Montclair Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Upper Montclair, NJ
Compared to national averages, Upper Montclair has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $968,200, which is 295% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,290 is 97% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Upper Montclair's income is 116% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 106% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Upper Montclair, NJ?
Upper Montclair offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 85.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 1.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $968,200. However, Upper Montclair’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Upper Montclair has a population of 12,279 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Upper Montclair with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Upper Montclair
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsville | 12,238 | $75,162 | $188,100 | Compare |
| Glen Rock | 12,082 | $210,369 | $817,300 | Compare |
| Hasbrouck Heights | 12,067 | $118,670 | $508,500 | Compare |
| Haddonfield | 12,502 | $190,882 | $708,800 | Compare |
| Freehold | 12,504 | $82,183 | $401,900 | Compare |
| River Edge | 12,024 | $155,827 | $637,500 | Compare |
| Bound Brook | 12,023 | $80,876 | $362,900 | Compare |
| Martinsville | 12,016 | $206,839 | $702,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Upper Montclair With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Montclair
What is the population of Upper Montclair, NJ?
The population of Upper Montclair, NJ is 12,279 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Upper Montclair?
The median household income in Upper Montclair, NJ is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Upper Montclair?
The median home value in Upper Montclair, NJ is $968,200, which is 295% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Upper Montclair?
The median monthly rent in Upper Montclair, NJ is $2,290, which is 97% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Upper Montclair?
The unemployment rate in Upper Montclair, NJ is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Upper Montclair, NJ a good place to live?
Upper Montclair offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,279 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Upper Montclair, NJ?
85.5% of residents in Upper Montclair aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Upper Montclair?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Upper Montclair, NJ: median home value is $968,200 (295% above national), median rent is $2,290/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Upper Montclair?
The poverty rate in Upper Montclair, NJ is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Upper Montclair, NJ?
Upper Montclair's population is 1.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 4.7% two or more races. 10.8% of residents are foreign-born.