Watchung, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,238
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$171,705/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,378
2.1% year-over-year change

Watchung population

How many people live in Watchung

Watchung is home to 6,238 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Watchung locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
6,238
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
2,944
Female
52.8%
3,294
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,944 47.2% 0.6%
Female 3,294 52.8% 1.7%
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 Watchung is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 6.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.6% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
6.4%
25 to 44
19.6%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
29.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,186 19% -2.0%
15 to 24 398 6.4% -8.5%
25 to 44 1,223 19.6% 4.0%
45 to 64 1,572 25.2% -0.5%
Over 65 1,859 29.8% 5.4%
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 Watchung, 74.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 12.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.9%
Non-citizens
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,673 74.9% 3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,178 18.9% -9.5%
Non-citizens 387 6.2% 17.6%
Racial breakdown
White
73.4%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
12.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 4,582 73.4%
Black or African American 198 3.2%
Asian 775 12.4%
Two or more races 650 10.4%
Other 34 0.5%

Households in Watchung

A peek inside Watchung households

Watchung has 2,272 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.9% are families, while the remaining 26.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,272
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
592
Family households
1,679
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 592 26.1% 4.4%
Family households 1,679 73.9% 0.9%
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 Watchung

The housing landscape of Watchung

Watchung's housing consists of 2,378 units, with 77% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,378
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,830 77%
1 unit, attached 139 5.8%
2 units 48 2%
5 to 9 units 76 3.2%
10 to 19 units 125 5.3%
20 to 49 units 104 4.4%
50 or more units 56 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watchung

In Watchung, the median construction year is 1974. About 5.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 122 5.1% -19.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 132 5.6% -26.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 160 6.7% -8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 642 27% 2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 354 14.9% 28.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 404 17% 28.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 182 7.6% -8.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 297 12.5% -10.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 86 3.6% 19.4%
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.

Watchung occupancy rates

Out of the 2,272 occupied housing units in Watchung, 84.5% are owner-occupied, while 15.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,272
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
353
Owner occupied
1,919
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 353 15.5% 27.9%
Owner occupied 1,919 84.5% -1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

Watchung housing costs

Housing costs in Watchung come to a median of $2,489 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,738.

Median housing costs per month
$2,489/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 Watchung
$2,738/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 Watchung

Watchung education at a glance

About 22.3% of the population in Watchung went to high school, while 9.1% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 37.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 88 1.8% -3.3%
High school diploma 1,103 22.3% 26.1%
College diploma 450 9.1% -29.5%
Associate degree 260 5.2% -17.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,861 37.6% 2.9%
Graduate degree 1,193 24.1% 3.1%
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 Watchung

How much people earn in Watchung

The average annual household income in Watchung was $236,741 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $171,705, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watchung
$236,741/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watchung
$171,705/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Watchung income by age

In Watchung, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $161,196. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 97.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $161,196 3.6%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $113,611 7.8%
Above poverty level
5,842
Below poverty level
132
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,842 97.8% 0.7%
Below poverty level 132 2.2% -11.4%

Average renter income in Watchung

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watchung, their median household income was $85,038 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$85,038
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Watchung

Workforce and job types in Watchung

89.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.3% run their own businesses, 67.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,806
Blue collar
333
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,806 89.4% 5.8%
Blue collar 333 10.6% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
15.3%
Private companies
67.1%
Governmental workers
10.6%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 480 15.3% -7.0%
Private companies 2,105 67.1% 3.6%
Governmental workers 333 10.6% 10.3%
Not for profit companies 220 7% 63.0%

Transportation in Watchung

How people get around in Watchung

Commuting methods vary: 89.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 1,962 89.9% 4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 53 2.4% 1.9%
Railroad 127 5.8% 33.7%
Walk 41 1.9% 5.1%
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 Watchung by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
07069 6,623 2,412 $171,705 $238,798

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FAQs about Watchung demographics 

What is the total population of Watchung?

Watchung has a total population of 6,238 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watchung?

The gender ratio in Watchung is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (2,944 residents)
  • 52.8% females (3,294 residents)

What is the median age in Watchung?

The median age in Watchung is 48.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watchung?

The age distribution in Watchung is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (1,186 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.4% (398 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.6% (1,223 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (1,572 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.8% (1,859 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watchung?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watchung is as follows:
  • White: 73.4% (4,582 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (198 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 12.4% (775 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (650 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (34 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.9% of the population in Watchung.

How many housing units are there in Watchung?

There are 2,378 housing units in Watchung, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Watchung has a total of 2,272 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watchung?

Watchung has a median household income of $171,705, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Watchung?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.4% (2,806 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.6% (333 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.3% (480 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.1% (2,105 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.6% (333 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (220 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