Bergen County Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Bergen County, NJ, had a population of 955,732. The median age is approximately 42 years, with 51.2% female and 48.8% male residents. The county is racially diverse: 60.8% White (53.2% non-Hispanic), 17.3% Asian, 5.1% Black or African American, and 20.3% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey and continues to experience moderate growth and diversification.
Bergen County Elections
Bergen County, NJ, has over 700,000 residents and about 630,000 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in primaries, general, school board, and municipal elections, with polling locations in elementary schools, municipal buildings, and libraries. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout was 79%: Biden received 57%, Trump 42%. The Board of Elections administers voting, managing nearly 800 precincts. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans about 1.5:1. Local issues include property taxes and school funding, while recent elections have featured close races for county executive and sheriff.
Bergen County Housing
Bergen County, NJ, boasts a homeownership rate of about 64%, with median home values around $600,000 as of 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $2,300. The area features diverse housing, from single-family homes in towns like Ridgewood to apartments in Fort Lee. Property values have risen roughly 5% year-over-year. Popular neighborhoods include Hackensack, Paramus, and Englewood. Property taxes are among the highest nationwide, averaging over $15,000 annually. Rental demand remains strong due to proximity to NYC and quality schools, making Bergen County desirable for both homeowners and renters.
Employment in Bergen County
Bergen County, NJ, boasts an employment rate of approximately 65%. Major industries include healthcare (15%), retail trade (12%), and professional, scientific, and technical services (11%). About 52% of workers hold management, business, science, and arts occupations. Nearly 65% commute by car, while about 20% use public transportation, mainly to New York City. Around 35% of employed residents work outside Bergen County, indicating a robust commuter population.
Education in Bergen County
Bergen County, NJ boasts over 80 public high schools and numerous private options, with more than 57% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. The county’s average public school rating hovers around 8/10, and graduation rates exceed 95%. Noted for robust Advanced Placement and STEM programs, Bergen also offers extensive adult education through Bergen Community College. School safety is a top priority, with incidents remaining below national averages. Innovative programs, including dual enrollment and vocational studies, enhance student opportunities. Overall, Bergen County ranks among New Jersey’s top counties for educational achievement and school quality.
Bergen County Crime & Safety
Bergen County, NJ, is among the safer counties in New Jersey, with a 2022 reported crime rate of 7.46 per 1,000 residents—significantly below the national average. Violent crime remains low at 0.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is 6.8 per 1,000. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office oversees crime reporting, and local police departments contribute to robust community safety measures. Despite occasional spikes in thefts or burglaries in some areas, the county consistently reports lower crime rates compared to neighboring regions.