The Bronx
RANK #84 / 1001 NAT · #5 / 45 NY · POP 1,404,779
1YR FORECAST: +2.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
Bronx County, coextensive with the Bronx borough, stands out as the only New York City borough primarily located on the U.S. mainland. A local might first mention its expansive green spaces, such as Pelham Bay Park, the city's largest park at 2,772 acres, or Van Cortlandt Park, the third largest. These parks offer extensive natural scenery, including forests, wetlands, and lakes, with amenities like hiking trails, golf courses, and Orchard Beach. Commuting to Manhattan is facilitated by subway and Metro-North Railroad lines, which generally run north-south. The community feel varies across neighborhoods, from the suburban atmosphere of Riverdale to the urban density of Mott Haven.
Life in Bronx County reflects a diverse urban experience. While some areas, particularly the South Bronx, have historically faced economic challenges and higher poverty rates, recent years have seen revitalization efforts. The economy is largely driven by small businesses, with the healthcare and social assistance sectors showing significant job growth. The New York City Department of Education oversees public schools, which serve a diverse student population. Residents utilize an extensive public transit system of subways and buses for local and inter-borough travel.
Bronx County is one of 11 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +5.9% runs above the profile's typical -1.1%.
See all 11 Persistent Housing Weakness counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 29.2x — 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.
Bronx County ranks #84 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 92/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +6.4% and a median household income of $48,676 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Affordability is a real challenge in Bronx County. The median home is valued at $529,500 — with an income-to-home-value ratio of just 0.09, that's significantly harder to afford than in most U.S. counties. Median rent runs $1,458/month.
It's a mixed picture in Bronx County. The population is declining (-1.0% YoY), but employers are actually hiring — job growth is at +6.4%. Home values moved +5.9% in the last year. That tension between shrinking population and expanding employment often signals a county in transition.
Not particularly — 1.82% of Bronx 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 +5.9% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Bronx County is now valued at $529,500. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.