countyscore
48.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.7Schools 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.

204060801008.11.35190.293.498.72.267.161.2Tax8.1Cost1.3Safety51Health90.2Schools93.4Income98.7Risk2.2Water67.1Weather61.248.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Bergen County DNA

Foverall

How Bergen County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Bergen County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.7/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.1-43.9
Cost
1.3-46.7
Safety
51
Health
90.2+40.2
Schools
93.4+39.400000000000006
Income
98.7+47.7
Risk
2.2-44.8
Water
67.1+9.099999999999994
Weather
61.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Bergen County

Whether buying or refinancing in Bergen County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$623,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,914/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$623,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$76,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $124,884/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Bergen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bergen County's county score?
Bergen County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 48.1 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 1.61%. This earns Bergen County a tax score of 8.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bergen County?
The median household income in Bergen County, New Jersey is $124,884 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bergen County earns an income score of 98.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bergen County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Bergen County scores 48.1/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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