Towaco is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in the township of Montville, Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 5,624. The area is served as United States Postal Service ZIP Code 07082. Its name reflects the Native American history in the area, which identified the locale as TaWagh, meaning "hill", a reference to the terrain of Towaco. The Towaco station offers NJ Transit rail service along the Montclair-Boonton Line. It essentially replaced the abandoned Montville station. The train station has been renovated.

Geography

Towaco is in eastern Morris County and occupies the northeastern part of Montville Township. It is bordered to the north by the borough of Kinnelon and to the east by the borough of Lincoln Park. The Passaic River forms the southeast border of the community, across which is Fairfield Township in Essex County. U.S. Route 202 passes through the center of Towaco, leading east into Lincoln Park and west 4 mi to Boonton. Interstate 287 passes through the west side of the community, with the closest access being Exit 47 (US 202) just outside the community to the west. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Towaco CDP has a total area of 6.06 sqmi, of which 6.00 sqmi are land and 0.06 sqmi, or 1.06%, are water. The community is within the watershed of the Passaic River.

Demographics

Towaco was first listed as a census-designated place for the 2020 census. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population for the Towaco ZIP Code Tabulation Area of 07082 was 5,384.

Economy

Towaco is a location of Bäumer of America, Inc., a manufacturer of machines and plants for the foam industry. Sea Breeze, maker of Bosco Chocolate Syrup and beverage concentrates for the food service trade, is located in Towaco.

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Towaco include: