Bergen
New Jersey

What stands out

Against every county in America, Bergen County is unusual in three ways: the median household income is among the highest in America ($118,714), violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.6 per 1,000), and natural-hazard risk is among the riskiest in America (99 of 100). Within New Jersey it ranks 4th of 21 counties for the median household income.

Where you are

You live in Bergen County, New Jersey. 953,243 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -2,728).

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation, averaging more than $9,000 a year per home, and a graduated income tax reaching 10.75% above $1 million. It repealed its estate tax in 2018 but kept an inheritance tax on non-family heirs. Social Security is not taxed, and retirement income up to $100,000 is excluded for many couples. The whole state is within commuting range of New York or Philadelphia.

Money

The typical household here brings in $118,714 a year, higher than almost every county in America. Employers pay an average wage of $80,639. Unemployment runs 3.4%, lower than 52% of American counties. 14% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 27 minutes each way.

New Jersey takes 4.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $5,436 a year.

Home

The median home costs $786K, pricier than 98% of American counties, about 3.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,877 a month. Property tax is 1.78% of home value, roughly $10,001 a year on that median home, higher than 94% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 81.9 years, longer than 97% of American counties. There are 5,664 active physicians in the county, about 59.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.6 of 5 stars. 7.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.62 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 97% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 8 points. 77% of eligible voters turned out. Under New Jersey law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 63 and lows near 44, colder than 58% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 99 out of 100, riskier than almost every county in America; the county has had 32 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 271 Mbps down, faster than 84% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 8 museums.