Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scotch Plains, NJ
Thinking of moving to Scotch Plains, NJ? With a population of about 24,500, this family-friendly suburb features top-rated schools, a low crime rate (63 violent crimes per 100K), and a strong median household income of $151,500. The median home price is $610,000, with rents averaging $1,970, reflecting a higher cost of living but excellent community amenities and access to transit. Residents enjoy 56% sunny days, great healthcare, and a welcoming, well-educated atmosphere ideal for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Scotch Plains, NJ
Demographics - Scotch Plains, NJ
Scotch Plains is a diverse suburb of 24,522 residents, with a median age of 43.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The community features a strong representation of White, Black, and Asian populations, and about 14.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, fostering a welcoming multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
24,522
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.2%
Black:
8.9%
Asian:
7.7%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Scotch Plains, NJ?
Scotch Plains has a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value around $610,000 and average rent of $1,970. Residents should expect above-average expenses in housing, groceries, and utilities, reflecting the area's desirable amenities and proximity to major urban centers.
Median House Value:
$610,000
Gross Rent:
$1,970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$990
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.0
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
145.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
129.0
Health Care:
113.0
Miscellaneous:
111.0
Crime
Is Scotch Plains, NJ a safe place to live?
Scotch Plains enjoys a notably low crime rate, with only 63 violent crimes and 567 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and professionals. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 1,590, contributing to the community’s reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
63
Property Crimes Per 100k:
567
Crime Index:
630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,590
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 176
Weather
What is the weather like in Scotch Plains, NJ year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm, humid summers reaching up to 85°F and winters dipping to lows around 24°F. The town receives an average of 48 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The area boasts a strong median household income of $151,500 and a low poverty rate of just 3.2%. Most residents are highly educated, with over 61% holding at least a bachelor's degree, and the average commute time is about 38 minutes, reflecting its suburban character and access to employment hubs.
Median Income:
$62,000
Household Income:
$151,500
Family Income:
$167,400
Per Capita Income:
$63,200
Income Male:
$81,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
3.2%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,970
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
11.2%
Commute Time:
37.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
61.0%
Education
How are the schools in Scotch Plains, NJ?
Families in Scotch Plains benefit from highly rated public schools, such as Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, which offers a low student-teacher ratio. The area also features quality private schools and is close to major colleges like Kean University and Union County College, supporting lifelong learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School
Street:
667 Westfield Rd
Phone:
908-889-8600
Students:
1,570
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Name:
Park Middle School
Street:
580 Park Ave
Phone:
908-322-4445
Students:
880
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Private Schools
Name:
Union Catholic Regional High School
Street:
1600 Martine Ave
Phone:
908-889-1600
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
Kean University
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
14,000
Name:
Union County College
City:
Cranford
State:
NJ
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Scotch Plains residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals such as Overlook Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health. With 3.2 physicians per 1,000 people and over 95% health insurance coverage, the community is well-served for both routine and emergency needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Overlook Medical Center
Address:
99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Phone:
(908) 522-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
RWJBarnabas Health - Rahway Hospital
Address:
865 Stone St, Rahway, NJ 07065
Phone:
(732) 499-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.4%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Scotch Plains, NJ?
The housing market is robust, with a median home price of $610,000 and owner occupancy at 83.1%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, and a low rental vacancy rate indicates high demand and a stable investment environment.
Median Home Price:
$610,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,970
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Scotch Plains residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, accessible online or at its Trenton location. The DMV provides all standard licensing and registration services for drivers and vehicle owners in the state.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.