Hackensack
RANK #540 / 996 NAT · #10 / 21 NJ · POP 953,243
1YR FORECAST: +4.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
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.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Bergen County scores 45/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#540). Median household income is $118,714 and job growth is running at +0.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Bergen County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $561,500 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.21 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,782/month on average.
Population and employment in Bergen County are both close to flat — population +0.0% YoY and jobs +0.3%. Home values shifted +5.4% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.57% of Bergen County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.
Home values climbed +5.4% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Bergen County is now valued at $561,500. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.