countyscore
48
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.9Schools 93.4Health 90.2

County Report Card

About Bergen County, New Jersey

Matching the national standard

Bergen County earns a composite score of 48.0, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top-tier counties nationally for health and income potential.

A leader in the Garden State

With a score of 48.0, Bergen comfortably exceeds the New Jersey state average of 41.4. It stands out as one of the state's most prosperous regions despite extreme housing costs.

Exceptional wealth and health outcomes

The county boasts an elite income score of 98.9, fueled by a median household income of $123,715. Residents benefit from top-tier schools and a health score of 90.2, reflecting a high quality of life.

Prohibitive housing costs and environmental risk

Affordability is a major barrier, as evidenced by a cost score of 1.1 and median home values near $593,200. Additionally, the risk score of 2.2 suggests vulnerability to environmental factors.

The premier choice for affluent families

Bergen County is ideal for high-income families seeking elite public schools and world-class health services. It requires a significant financial commitment to overcome some of the highest housing prices in the nation.

Score breakdown

Tax7.5Cost1.1Safety51Health90.2Schools93.4Income98.9Risk2.2Water67.1Weather61.2
🏛7.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓93.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

New York County
New York
56.5
Bronx County
New York
42.6
Essex County
New Jersey
33.3
Hudson County
New Jersey
33.6
Passaic County
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Queens County
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Kings County
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Rockland County
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Deep Dives

Bergen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bergen County

via TaxByCounty

Bergen taxes are below national average

Bergen County's effective tax rate of 1.686% sits below the national median of 1.56%—a rarity among high-value Northeast counties. Despite homes averaging $593,200, residents pay $10,001 annually, which equals 3.7 times the national median tax despite the county's lower rate.

Among New Jersey's lowest rates

Bergen County ranks in the bottom 10% of New Jersey's 21 counties by effective tax rate at 1.686%, well below the state average of 2.211%. This efficiency reflects strong municipal management and is a major reason Bergen commands premium home prices.

Bergen's tax advantage is clear

Bergen's 1.686% effective rate crushes nearly every neighbor in the region, from Essex County (2.023%) to Hudson County's higher burdens. For high-value properties like Bergen's, this lower rate translates into thousands in annual savings compared to adjacent counties.

Premium homes, efficient taxes

The median home in Bergen County costs $593,200 and carries an annual tax bill of $10,001—substantial in absolute terms but remarkably efficient given the property value. That represents just 1.7% of your home's value going to taxes each year.

Even Bergen homeowners benefit from appeals

Despite Bergen's strong assessments, properties can still be overvalued during market fluctuations or due to assessment errors. Consulting a property tax professional or filing an appeal costs little but often yields five-figure savings over several years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bergen County

via CostByCounty

Bergen County shows surprising rental affordability

Bergen County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% sits below the national average of 18.5%, a notable achievement given that residents earn significantly more. The county's median household income of $123,715—65% higher than the U.S. median of $74,755—allows higher earnings to offset steep rents of $1,863 monthly.

New Jersey's most affordable county by ratio

Bergen County boasts the state's best rent-to-income ratio at 18.1%, beating New Jersey's 19.1% average. Though median rents of $1,863 rank among the state's highest, Bergen's affluent workforce keeps housing costs manageable relative to income.

Pricey rents, but income gap tells the real story

Bergen County's $1,863 median rent is $234 higher than Essex County's $1,459, yet Bergen households earn $47,003 more annually. This income advantage transforms Bergen's higher rents into a smaller burden—18.1% of income versus Essex's 22.8%.

Homeownership premium commands high price in Bergen

Bergen County homeowners pay $2,711 monthly—45% more than renters' $1,863—reflecting a median home value of $593,200, New Jersey's highest. At $123,715 median household income, monthly ownership costs consume 26.3% of earnings, a significant jump from renters' 18.1%.

Bergen attracts high earners despite steep home prices

If your household income exceeds $120,000, Bergen County's exceptional school systems and proximity to New York City justify the premium: rents are actually affordable relative to earning power. But renters looking to buy should brace for a $593,200 median home price—the state's most expensive.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bergen County

via IncomeByCounty

Bergen ranks among America's richest

Bergen County's median household income of $123,715 towers 65.5% above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties by income. This exceptional wealth concentration reflects Bergen's proximity to New York City and its strong professional services economy.

New Jersey's income leader

Bergen's $123,715 median income exceeds New Jersey's state average of $100,891 by 22.6%, ranking it among the state's most affluent counties. Only a handful of New Jersey counties rival Bergen's income levels, cementing its position as an economic powerhouse.

Dramatically outearning surrounding counties

Bergen's $123,715 median income dwarfs nearby Atlantic ($76,819), Essex ($76,712), and even Burlington ($105,271). The income gap between Bergen and its neighbors reflects the county's unique position as a gateway to Manhattan's financial district.

Wealth unlocks homeownership easily

Bergen's low 18.1% rent-to-income ratio gives households exceptional flexibility for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $593,200 still requires substantial savings, but Bergen's high incomes make homeownership achievable for many families within 4–5 years of disciplined saving.

Leverage income for aggressive wealth building

Bergen households earning well above national averages should prioritize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, real estate investments, and diversified portfolios. High earners benefit from professional financial planning, estate strategies, and alternative investments that compound wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bergen County

via CrimeByCounty

Bergen County Ranks Exceptionally Safe

Bergen County boasts a total crime rate of 1,104.1 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Its high safety score of 98.3 makes it one of the most secure counties in the country.

Leading the State in Public Safety

The county's safety score of 98.3 exceeds the New Jersey average of 97.6. Reporting from 74 separate agencies confirms that Bergen remains significantly safer than the typical New Jersey county.

Safer than Neighboring Urban Hubs

Bergen's crime rate is significantly lower than neighboring Essex County, which reports 1,823.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. This makes it a preferred haven for safety in the densely populated North Jersey corridor.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Rare

Violent crime in Bergen occurs at a very low rate of 73.6 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low, recorded at just 1,030.5 per 100,000 residents.

Maintain Safety with Proactive Measures

While rates are low, residents can maintain this standard by using smart home technology and alarm systems. Vigilance and community engagement remain the best tools to deter property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bergen County

via HealthByCounty

Bergen County leads in health outcomes

Bergen County residents live to 81.9 years on average—5.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1—making it one of America's healthiest counties. Just 12.6% report poor or fair health, significantly below national and state averages, reflecting strong healthcare access and economic stability.

New Jersey's healthiest county

Bergen County's 81.9-year life expectancy ranks first among New Jersey counties, a full 3.4 years above the state average of 78.5. Its 12.6% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the state, demonstrating exceptional health outcomes across the population.

Far ahead of regional peers

Bergen County's 81.9-year life expectancy outpaces all neighboring counties, including Essex County (77.7) and Gloucester County (77.1) by a significant margin. The county boasts 113 primary care providers and 328 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the densest networks in the state.

Lowest uninsured rate in state

Just 6.8% of Bergen County residents lack health insurance, the lowest rate among New Jersey counties and well below the state average of 7.5%. With robust primary care and mental health networks, most residents enjoy consistent access to preventive and specialist care.

Keep your coverage strong

If you're among Bergen County's small uninsured population, subsidized plans on NJ's marketplace make coverage affordable. Visit NJ.gov/HealthCoverage or call 1-855-877-NJ-HELP to secure a plan that fits your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bergen County

via SchoolsByCounty

New Jersey's Largest School Network

Bergen County manages a massive system of 290 public schools serving 133,477 students across 80 school districts. This extensive network includes 170 elementary schools and 52 high schools, providing deep coverage for the county's families.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Investment

The county boasts an elite 95.1% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.4%. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $13,504, reflecting a strong community commitment to academic excellence.

Leading Districts in Northern Jersey

The Ridgewood and Fair Lawn districts are major players, each serving over 5,400 students across multiple campuses. Charter schools have a minimal footprint here, representing only 1.0% of the county's 290 educational institutions.

Consistent Suburban Learning Environments

Education in Bergen County is exclusively suburban, with all 290 schools located in traditional residential locales. The average school size is 463 students, though Ridgewood High School stands out as a flagship with 1,746 enrolled pupils.

Finding a Home in an Academic Hub

Boasting a composite school score of 70.3, this county is a top destination for education-focused homebuyers. Families often prioritize locations near acclaimed institutions like Northern Highlands Regional High to ensure access to premier resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bergen County

via RiskByCounty

Bergen County faces relatively high risk

Bergen County registers a composite risk score of 97.84, placing it well above the national average and earning a relatively high overall disaster risk rating. This makes Bergen one of the more vulnerable counties in the nation for multiple hazard types.

Bergen ranks highest in New Jersey

At 97.84, Bergen County's composite risk score significantly exceeds New Jersey's state average of 90.81, making it the highest-risk county in the state. This elevation reflects acute vulnerability across several major hazard categories.

Bergen stands out from peers

Bergen County (97.84) substantially outpaces Essex County (97.71) to the south and is far above most other New Jersey counties in overall risk exposure. Its perfect 100.00 flood risk score is the highest in the state, reflecting intensive water and surge vulnerability.

Bergen's critical hazards

Flood risk peaks at a perfect 100.00, making Bergen the state's most flood-vulnerable county—a result of its coastal and low-lying inland areas. Tornado risk (92.30) and earthquake risk (96.02) also pose significant threats, though wildfire risk is relatively lower at 21.66.

Essential coverage for Bergen residents

Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Bergen County given the maximum 100.00 flood risk score; federal programs like NFIP provide coverage separate from standard homeowners policies. Additionally, earthquake and tornado coverage should be reviewed with your insurer, as these aren't always included in standard plans.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bergen County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the National Median

Bergen County averages 55.4°F annually, which is notably warmer than the typical U.S. county median. Its 46.9 inches of annual precipitation keeps the landscape lush compared to much of the country.

Near the Top of State Rankings

At 55.4°F, Bergen is nearly two degrees warmer than the New Jersey state average of 53.6°F. It stands as one of the warmest counties in the northern part of the state.

Warmer Than Nearby Essex

Bergen County is significantly warmer than its neighbor Essex, which averages just 53.0°F. Despite their proximity, Bergen experiences a much higher summer intensity.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

The county experiences 29 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, significantly higher than many coastal neighbors. While snowfall data is limited for this period, a January average of 32.8°F ensures distinct freezing cycles.

Prepare for High Heat Stress

With nearly a month of days topping 90°F, robust air conditioning is a necessity for Bergen residents. The 46.9 inches of rain also demands well-maintained gutters and drainage systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bergen County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Acidity in Northern New Jersey

Bergen County soil is highly acidic, with a pH of 4.13 that falls just below the state average of 4.24. This level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime amendments for traditional lawn and garden projects.

A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt

The soil is a balanced mix of 42.6% sand and 30.3% silt, offering a more stable structure than southern coastal counties. While clay is low at 8.3%, the silt content provides decent nutrient retention and fair workability for urban landscaping.

Moderate Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter stands at 8.25%, which is over four times the national average of 2.0% but only about half the New Jersey state average. An available water capacity of 0.142 in/in suggests moderate drought resistance for local flora.

Well-Drained Landscapes for Easy Building

The county benefits from being primarily well-drained, which is ideal for both basement construction and residential gardening. While specific hydrologic group data is limited, the drainage class suggests that water moves through the soil profile efficiently.

Azaleas and Ornamentals Love This Zone

In hardiness zone 7b, Bergen residents can enjoy success with acid-loving ornamentals like azaleas and rhododendrons. This is a great environment to establish a perennial garden, provided you manage the naturally low pH levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bergen County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenge of North Jersey Lawns

Bergen County faces a challenging lawn difficulty score of 43.5, which is lower than both the national median and the state average of 48.0. Despite being in Zone 7b, local factors make keeping a pristine green space more labor-intensive than in neighboring regions.

Higher Heat and Long Growing Seasons

The area sees 29 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 23 and can stress cool-season grasses. Lawns benefit from 46.9 inches of rain, but the 3,853 growing degree days mean you will be mowing frequently throughout the long summer.

Acidic Ground Requires Soil Prep

Local soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.13, requiring aggressive amendments to reach the ideal 6.0 threshold. While the ground is well-drained and contains 42.6% sand, the extreme acidity can lock out essential nutrients if left untreated.

Severe Drought Risks in Bergen

The county spent 39 weeks in drought over the last year, and 13.7% of the area currently faces severe drought conditions. Strict water conservation and the use of drought-tolerant seed blends are essential for maintaining lawn health during these extended dry periods.

Early Starts for Bergen Lawns

The last spring frost typically occurs early on April 3, providing an early window for spring overseeding. Utilize the long window before the November 4 frost to establish hardy tall fescues that can withstand the local heat and acidity.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bergen County's county score?
Bergen County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 48 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bergen County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Bergen County ranks #6 among all counties in New Jersey on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Bergen County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Bergen County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 1.69%. This earns Bergen County a tax score of 7.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bergen County?
The median household income in Bergen County, New Jersey is $123,715 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bergen County earns an income score of 98.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bergen County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Bergen County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Bergen County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bergen County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.