Scotch Plains, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,604
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$183,655/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,755
-2.2% year-over-year change

Scotch Plains population

How many people live in Scotch Plains

Scotch Plains is home to 24,604 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Scotch Plains locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
24,604
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
11,626
Female
52.8%
12,978
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,626 47.2% -0.8%
Female 12,978 52.8% 2.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Scotch Plains is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.8% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.6% of the population, while another 27.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.8%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
21.6%
45 to 64
27.9%
Over 65
17.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,362 21.8% 1.4%
15 to 24 2,785 11.3% 9.2%
25 to 44 5,327 21.6% 0.3%
45 to 64 6,869 27.9% -2.2%
Over 65 4,261 17.3% 0.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Scotch Plains, 82.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 62.4% of locals are Caucasian, 8.2% are African American and 11.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.4%
Non-citizens
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,395 82.9% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,815 11.4% -6.8%
Non-citizens 1,394 5.7% 1.4%
Racial breakdown
White
62.4%
Black or African American
8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
11.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 15,340 62.4%
Black or African American 2,025 8.2%
Asian 2,936 11.9%
Two or more races 3,940 16%
Other 362 1.5%

Households in Scotch Plains

A peek inside Scotch Plains households

Scotch Plains has 8,481 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 80% are families, while the remaining 20% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,481
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,697
Family households
6,784
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,697 20% -14.8%
Family households 6,784 80% 1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Scotch Plains

The housing landscape of Scotch Plains

Scotch Plains's housing consists of 8,755 units, with 75.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
8,755
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,581 75.2%
1 unit, attached 321 3.7%
2 units 517 5.9%
3 or 4 units 256 2.9%
5 to 9 units 63 0.7%
10 to 19 units 142 1.6%
20 to 49 units 81 0.9%
50 or more units 794 9.1%
Homes built since 2020
97
47.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Scotch Plains

In Scotch Plains, the median construction year is 1960. About 13.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,184 13.5% 2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 594 6.8% -10.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,661 30.4% -10.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,567 17.9% 5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,100 12.6% 17.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 334 3.8% -22.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 617 7% 49.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 349 4% -28.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 253 2.9% -20.9%
Built in 2020 or later 97 1.1% 47.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Scotch Plains occupancy rates

Out of the 8,481 occupied housing units in Scotch Plains, 79% are owner-occupied, while 21% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,481
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,780
Owner occupied
6,701
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,780 21% 8.5%
Owner occupied 6,701 79% -4.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Scotch Plains housing costs

Housing costs in Scotch Plains come to a median of $2,786 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,060.

Median housing costs per month
$2,786/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Scotch Plains
$2,060/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Scotch Plains

Scotch Plains education at a glance

About 16.3% of the population in Scotch Plains went to high school, while 12.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 33.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 27.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 247 1.4% 11.8%
High school diploma 2,952 16.3% -11.9%
College diploma 2,215 12.2% 0.7%
Associate degree 1,566 8.6% 48.3%
Bachelor's degree 6,129 33.8% -2.8%
Graduate degree 5,014 27.7% 3.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Scotch Plains

How much people earn in Scotch Plains

The average annual household income in Scotch Plains was $214,992 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $183,655, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Scotch Plains
$214,992/year
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Scotch Plains
$183,655/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Scotch Plains income by age

In Scotch Plains, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $241,324. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $211,593 overall. Overall, 97.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $241,324 5.1%
45 - 64 $211,593 4.4%
Over 65 $83,431 -8.9%
Above poverty level
23,766
Below poverty level
612
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,766 97.5% 1.1%
Below poverty level 612 2.5% -10.9%

Employment in Scotch Plains

Workforce and job types in Scotch Plains

93.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
11,382
Blue collar
783
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,382 93.6% 0.9%
Blue collar 783 6.4% -15.2%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,361 11.2% -14.3%
Private companies 7,707 63.4% 0.4%
Governmental workers 1,904 15.6% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 1,193 9.8% 7.4%

Transportation in Scotch Plains

How people get around in Scotch Plains

Commuting methods vary: 89.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,812 89.2% -2.2%
Taxicab 22 0.2% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 384 4.4% -16.7%
Railroad 448 5.1% -19.7%
Walk 90 1% 650.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Scotch Plains by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
07076 24,843 8,563 $183,655 $217,722

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FAQs about Scotch Plains demographics 

What is the total population of Scotch Plains?

Scotch Plains has a total population of 24,604 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Scotch Plains?

The gender ratio in Scotch Plains is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (11,626 residents)
  • 52.8% females (12,978 residents)

What is the median age in Scotch Plains?

The median age in Scotch Plains is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Scotch Plains?

The age distribution in Scotch Plains is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.8% (5,362 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (2,785 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.6% (5,327 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.9% (6,869 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.3% (4,261 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Scotch Plains?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Scotch Plains is as follows:
  • White: 62.4% (15,340 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.2% (2,025 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 11.9% (2,936 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16% (3,940 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (362 residents)

What percentage of the population in Scotch Plains are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.9% of the population in Scotch Plains.

How many housing units are there in Scotch Plains?

There are 8,755 housing units in Scotch Plains, reflecting a -2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Scotch Plains and what is the average household size?

Scotch Plains has a total of 8,481 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Scotch Plains?

Scotch Plains has a median household income of $183,655, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Scotch Plains?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.6% (11,382 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.4% (783 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (1,361 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (7,707 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (1,904 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (1,193 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025