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Bergen County, NJ

RANK #96 / 996  ·  POP 953,243  ·  NJ

PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.9%

Bergen County ranks among the top U.S. counties across nearly every economic indicator.

[01] Why Bergen County?

Bergen County, New Jersey, distinguishes itself with its proximity to Manhattan, connected by the George Washington Bridge, and its unique "blue laws" which keep most retail stores closed on Sundays, particularly in Paramus. Located in the northeastern corner of New Jersey, the county offers a suburban feel with easy access to New York City via extensive train and bus networks. Residents can commute to Penn Station or Port Authority, with some towns like Rutherford offering commutes as short as 27 minutes. The area boasts nearly 9,000 acres of parkland, including the Palisades Interstate Park with its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Hudson River, offering hiking, biking, and scenic views. Other notable outdoor amenities include Saddle River County Park and Van Saun County Park, which features a zoo.

Life in Bergen County often appeals to families seeking strong communities and highly-rated public schools, with districts in towns like Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and Tenafly consistently ranking high. The county's economy is diverse and has seen growth in sectors like healthcare, financial services, and warehouse/logistics, driven by its strategic location and access to major markets. This economic landscape supports a workforce that includes many commuters to New York City, alongside those employed within the county's varied industries. Bergen County's blend of suburban living, educational opportunities, and economic activity contributes to its quality of life.

[02] Market Snapshot

Housing Ratio
6.4x

Above national median (4.7x)

GDP Growth
+0.8%

Well below national median

Home Prices
+5.4%

Outpacing national median

Climate & Terrain
1.2

Moderate climate & terrain

Price/Rent
17x

Above national median (13x)

Housing is fairly valued at 6.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.

[03] Signal Profile

[04] Home Value Growth vs National

Bergen County U.S. National

The Numbers

DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
953,243
+0.03% YoY
Median Household Income
$118,714
Median Home Value
$561,500
+5.38% 12mo
Median Rent
$1,782
Average Annual Pay
$80,639
+2.1% YoY
Employment
438,240
+0.3% YoY
Income-to-Home-Value
0.2114
Near national average
Migration Inflow
1.57%
of pop. from another state

Market Activity

REAL ESTATE
Median Sale Price
$700,000
Days on Market
95
Slower market
Months of Supply
4.4
Balanced market
Sale-to-List Ratio
100.7%
Homes selling above asking
Sold Above List
46.0%
Listings w/ Price Drops
6.1%
Building Permits (2024)
3,329
Single-Family Permits
1,450

Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →

[06] Score Breakdown

GDP Growth +0.8% 15 percentile
Population Growth +0.0% 31 percentile
Income Growth +8.4% 48 percentile
Vacancy Rate 0.9% 63 percentile
Home Price Change +5.4% 92 percentile
Rent Growth +3.9% 66 percentile
Price/Rent 17x 20 percentile

Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.

[07] Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bergen County, NJ a good place to move to?

Bergen County has a Boom Town Index score of 90/100, ranking #96 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $118,714, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.

Is Bergen County affordable?

The median home value in Bergen County is $561,500 with median rent at $1,782/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2114, which is less affordable than the national average.

Is Bergen County growing or shrinking?

Population growth: +0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +5.4% in the past 12 months.

[08] Similar Metros

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