Somerset Hills Municipalities: Population and Geographic Overview
The Somerset Hills region is composed of several distinct municipalities, each contributing to the area's unique residential and geographic landscape. Based on 2010 Census data, these communities vary significantly in size, population density, and administrative structure, ranging from expansive townships to smaller, concentrated boroughs.
Key Facts
- Bernards Township is the most populous municipality in the region with 26,652 residents.
- Bedminster Township covers the largest total area at 26.30 square miles.
- Far Hills is the smallest municipality by population, with 919 residents.
- The 07931 ZIP Code is a regional hub that spans across multiple borders in both Somerset and Morris counties.
Detailed Municipal Profiles
Townships of the Somerset Hills
Townships generally cover larger land areas and often encompass multiple smaller communities. Bedminster Township is the largest by area, spanning 26.30 square miles. It serves several communities, including Lamington, Larger Cross, Lesser Cross, Pluckemin, and Pottersville. Education is managed through the Bedminster Township district (PK-8) and the Somerset Hills district for grades 9-12.
Bernards Township stands as the population center of the region, with a population density of 1,113.6 people per square mile. It includes the communities of Basking Ridge, Franklin Corners, Liberty Corner, Lyons, Madisonville, and W. Millington.
Boroughs of the Somerset Hills
Boroughs in this region tend to be more compact. Bernardsville and Peapack-Gladstone are key residential hubs, with Bernardsville housing 7,707 residents and Peapack-Gladstone housing 2,582. Far Hills is the most intimate of the boroughs, with a land area of 4.80 square miles and a population of 919.
Most of these boroughs are served by the Somerset Hills school district.
Regional Data Summary
The following table provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 2010 Census data for the municipalities within the Somerset Hills.
| Municipality | Type | Population | Housing Units | Land Area (sq mi) | Pop. Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedminster Township | Township | 8,165 | 4,349 | 26.08 | 313.1 |
| Bernards Township | Township | 26,652 | 10,103 | 23.93 | 1,113.6 |
| Bernardsville | Borough | 7,707 | 2,871 | 12.91 | 597.2 |
| Far Hills | Borough | 919 | 418 | 4.80 | 191.6 |
| Peapack-Gladstone | Borough | 2,582 | 949 | 5.81 | 444.5 |
The 07931 ZIP Code Geography
The 07931 ZIP Code is a notable geographic feature of the region because it does not align strictly with a single municipal border. While associated with Far Hills, it extends into several other communities across Somerset and Morris counties. This includes the boroughs of Bernardsville and Peapack-Gladstone, as well as the townships of Bedminster, Bernards, Chester, and Mendham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which municipality in the Somerset Hills has the highest population?
Bernards Township has the highest population, with 26,652 residents according to the 2010 Census.
Which municipality covers the most land?
Bedminster Township is the largest, with a land area of 26.08 square miles.
What communities are located within Bernards Township?
Bernards Township includes Basking Ridge, Franklin Corners, Liberty Corner, Lyons, Madisonville, and W. Millington.
Does the 07931 ZIP Code only cover Far Hills?
No, the 07931 ZIP Code extends beyond Far Hills into Bernardsville, Peapack-Gladstone, and the townships of Bedminster, Bernards, Chester, and Mendham across Somerset and Morris counties.
Which municipality has the lowest population density?
Far Hills has the lowest population density among the listed municipalities, at 191.6 people per square mile.