The Bronx
RANK #507 / 996 NAT · #32 / 45 NY · POP 1,443,229
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
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.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 16.0x — 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.
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.
Bronx County scores 49/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#507). Median household income is $47,036 and job growth is running at +3.6%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Affordability is a real challenge in Bronx County. The median home is valued at $501,400 — 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 $1,401/month.
It's a mixed picture in Bronx County. The population is declining (-1.7% YoY), but employers are actually hiring — job growth is at +3.6%. Home values moved +5.2% in the last year. That tension between shrinking population and expanding employment often signals a county in transition.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.16% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Bronx County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Bronx County is now valued at $501,400. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.