Six in Bergen Including Ridgewood Make the Top 20 list of “Most Educated” Towns in the Garden State

Is Your Neighborhood on the List? Ranking New Jersey’s 50 Most “Educated” ZIP Codes

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In the Garden State, education isn’t just a priority—it’s a defining feature of the local landscape. According to the latest 2023 Census data, New Jersey continues to cement its reputation as a national leader in academic achievement, with approximately half of all residents now holding a college degree.

But which neighborhoods are leading the pack? From the prestigious lanes of Short Hills to the booming waterfront of Jersey City, new rankings reveal exactly where the state’s most educated residents are settling down.

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The Top Performers: Where 9 out of 10 Neighbors are Grads

For the second year in a row, Short Hills (07078) claims the #1 spot. In this tony Essex County community, a staggering 93.5% of residents hold a college degree.

However, the real story this year is the shifting “Top 5.” Jersey City’s 07310 ZIP code—the rapidly developing downtown area along the Hudson River—secured the #2 position, proving that urban centers are becoming major hubs for high-level talent. Meanwhile, Princeton Junction (08550) made a massive leap, climbing from 7th place last year to take the bronze at #3.

The “Smartest” ZIP Codes: Bergen & Essex County Highlights

Bergen and Essex counties continue to dominate the top 50 list. If you live in these areas, chances are your neighborhood made the cut:

• #8 Ridgewood (07450): 85.20%

• #13 Tenafly (07670): 84.00%

• #15 Ho-Ho-Kus (07423): 83.50%

• #17 Franklin Lakes (07417): 83.30%

• #20 Englewood Cliffs (07632): 82.00%

• #26 Woodcliff Lake (07677): 80.10%

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The Education Divide: A Stark Contrast

While the top of the list celebrates academic success, the data also highlights a significant “education gap” in other parts of the state. In communities like Fairton (Cumberland County), only about 4% of residents hold a degree. Similarly, Leesburg and Elizabethport saw figures around 7% and 11%, respectively—underscoring the socioeconomic disparities that persist across New Jersey.

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Quick Stats: NJ Education at a Glance

Data Note: These rankings are based on an analysis of 2023 U.S. Census data (the most recent comprehensive set available) compiled by UnitedStatesZipCodes.org.

Does your ZIP code match the stats? Whether you’re in a top-ranked hub or a growing community, New Jersey remains one of the most academically driven states in the nation.