Wanderlust World Wanderlust World When it comes to affluence in the Garden State, one Morris County township stands apart. Harding Township, with a median household income of $233,385 according to 2020 Census data, claims the title of New Jersey's wealthiest municipality—a distinction that reflects both its exclusive character and its proximity to major economic centers.
Harding Township's 20.4 square miles encompass rolling hills, horse farms, and sprawling estates rather than dense suburban development. With a population of just over 3,800 residents, the township maintains a deliberately low-density character through zoning that mandates large minimum lot sizes—often 3 to 10 acres. This preservation of open space attracts high-net-worth individuals seeking privacy and country living within commuting distance of New York City.
The township's location in the Somerset Hills region of Morris County places it roughly 35 miles west of Manhattan. Direct rail access via the nearby Morristown Line and proximity to major highways (I-287, I-78) make it feasible for finance, legal, and corporate executives to maintain city careers while enjoying semi-rural living. This commuter accessibility has historically driven property values and, by extension, household incomes.
Harding's wealth manifests in more than income statistics. The township boasts some of New Jersey's highest property values, with median home prices consistently exceeding $1 million. Its public schools—part of the highly regarded Morris School District—rank among the state's best. The community maintains extensive preserved land, including parts of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and numerous parks and equestrian trails.
While Harding leads in median household income, other communities compete in different metrics. Short Hills (Millburn Township), Alpine, Saddle River, and Colts Neck frequently appear atop lists for average home values or per capita income. New Jersey consistently ranks among the wealthiest U.S. states overall, with its northern suburbs forming part of the New York metropolitan area's "gold coast."
Harding Township represents a specific manifestation of suburban affluence: low-density, high-privacy, land-intensive living within the orbit of the world's financial capital. Its position at the top of New Jersey's income rankings reflects both the township's deliberate planning choices and the enduring premium placed on space and exclusivity in the tri-state region.