Living in Watchung, New Jersey
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Watchung · Census data 2020–2024
Watchung has 6,485 residents with a median age of 48.1. The median household income is $173,672 (68% higher than the New Jersey median), the median home value is $882,500, the median rent is $2,738/month.
Watchung at a glance
- Population
- 6,485
- Median age
- 48.1State: 40.1
- Median household income
- $173,672State: $103,556
- Median home value
- $882,500State: $454,400
- Median rent
- $2,738/moState: $1,720
- Homeowners
- 84.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 64%
- Average commute
- 34 min
Is Watchung a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 68% higher than the New Jersey median; unemployment of 6.1%; a poverty rate of 1.2%.
Cons: Home values 94% higher than the state median; an average commute of 34 minutes.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Watchung
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Watchung the median home value is $882,500, 165% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,738 per month, which is 33.6% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Watchung median household income
The median household income in Watchung is $173,672 and the income per person is $89,210. 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line (New Jersey: 9.7%).
Housing in Watchung: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,470
- Owner-occupied
- 84.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 15.9%
- Vacant
- 4.6%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1974
- Average household size
- 2.66
Watchung demographics
- Population
- 6,485
- Median age
- 48.1
- Under 18
- 20.9%
- 65 and older
- 29.4%
- Households
- 2,357
- Foreign-born
- 22.4%
- Veterans
- 3.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Watchung ›
Education in Watchung
64% of adults 25 and older in Watchung have a bachelor's degree or higher (New Jersey: 43.6%), and 25.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Watchung
- Unemployment rate
- 6.1%State: 6.3%
- Average commute
- 34 minState: 31 min
- Work from home
- 27.1%
- Drive alone
- 60.4%
- Public transit
- 7.8%
- Walk to work
- 1.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 91.5%
Watchung vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watchung | 6,485 | $173,672 | $882,500 | $2,738 |
| North Plainfield | 22,809 | $87,349 | $374,700 | $1,752 |
| Plainfield | 55,236 | $85,908 | $410,800 | $1,767 |
| Berkeley Heights | 13,426 | $204,658 | $789,400 | $2,203 |
| Fanwood | 7,799 | $195,529 | $635,200 | $2,446 |
| Scotch Plains | 24,843 | $183,655 | $718,200 | $2,060 |
| Green Brook | 7,028 | $208,375 | $538,500 | $2,115 |
| Gillette | 2,833 | $109,050 | $635,900 | — |
| Stirling | 2,599 | $180,875 | $695,300 | $1,427 |
More for people moving to Watchung
Watchung ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Watchung: FAQ
What is the median household income in Watchung, NJ?
The median household income in Watchung is $173,672, 68% higher than the New Jersey median of $103,556 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Watchung?
The median home value in Watchung is $882,500, compared with $454,400 in New Jersey.
How much is rent in Watchung?
The median gross rent in Watchung is $2,738 per month, about 33.6% of household income.
Is Watchung, NJ a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 68% higher than the New Jersey median; unemployment of 6.1%; a poverty rate of 1.2%. Minuses: home values 94% higher than the state median; an average commute of 34 minutes.
What is the median age in Watchung?
The median age in Watchung is 48.1 years (New Jersey: 40.1).
How long is the commute in Watchung?
The average commute to work in Watchung is 34 minutes; 27.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Watchung?
The unemployment rate in Watchung is 6.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Watchung?
64% of adults in Watchung have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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