Watchung, NJ
Population 6,429 · New Jersey
About Watchung, NJ
Watchung is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 6,429 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $166,536 per year, which is 122% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watchung features a median home value of $833,300, which is 240% above the national median of $244,900. This places Watchung in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,571, 121% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,429 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (2,034 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (293 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watchung shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watchung have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
62.8% of Watchung 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 0.8% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 24.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watchung, NJ
Compared to national averages, Watchung has a median household income of $166,536 (122% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $833,300, which is 240% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,571 is 121% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Watchung's income is 44% above the state average of $115,667, and home values are 77% above the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Watchung, NJ?
Watchung offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $166,536, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 62.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $833,300. However, Watchung’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watchung has a population of 6,429 with a median age of 46.4 years. Compare Watchung with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Watchung
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramtown | 6,410 | $138,967 | $452,500 | Compare |
| Carlstadt | 6,343 | $94,854 | $523,800 | Compare |
| Ramblewood | 6,542 | $110,130 | $376,900 | Compare |
| Leisure Village | 6,307 | $42,705 | $127,000 | Compare |
| Prospect Park | 6,286 | $48,615 | $391,500 | Compare |
| Rockaway | 6,589 | $100,028 | $427,800 | Compare |
| Yardville | 6,266 | $100,776 | $326,400 | Compare |
| Strathmore | 6,593 | $155,048 | $503,600 | 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 Watchung With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watchung
What is the population of Watchung, NJ?
The population of Watchung, NJ is 6,429 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Watchung?
The median household income in Watchung, NJ is $166,536 per year, which is 122% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watchung?
The median home value in Watchung, NJ is $833,300, which is 240% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Watchung?
The median monthly rent in Watchung, NJ is $2,571, which is 121% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watchung?
The unemployment rate in Watchung, NJ is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watchung, NJ a good place to live?
Watchung offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,429 and a median age of 46.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Watchung, NJ?
62.8% of residents in Watchung 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 Watchung?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watchung, NJ: median home value is $833,300 (240% above national), median rent is $2,571/month, and median household income is $166,536. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Watchung?
The poverty rate in Watchung, NJ is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Watchung, NJ?
Watchung's population is 0.8% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 24.0% of residents are foreign-born.