RANK #501 / 1001 NAT · #11 / 21 NJ · POP 962,316
1YR FORECAST: +2.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
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.
Bergen County is one of 110 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +5.7% runs above the profile's typical +2.4%.
See all 110 Educated Suburban Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 16.4x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 1001 counties.
Bergen County scores 50/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#501). Median household income is $124,884 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 $623,000 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.20 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,914/month on average.
Bergen County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.3%). Home values shifted +5.7% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.65% 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 +5.7% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Bergen County is now valued at $623,000. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.