Bergen County New Jersey: Demographics, Quality of Life, Economic and Healthcare Overview

Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey, home to 955,732 residents according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it borders New York City and is part of the expansive New York metropolitan area. As of recent data, the county demonstrates high median household income levels (around $109,497), strong health insurance coverage (93.6%), and a racially diverse population structure—making it a notable hub of economic, cultural, and healthcare activity. These attributes position Bergen County as one of the most affluent and diverse counties in the region, with extensive urban-suburban integration and robust infrastructure.

The demographic profile of Bergen County reveals a majority White (non-Hispanic) population, followed by significant Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and Black communities. This demographic mix is reflected in educational attainment, bilingual service demand, and culturally tailored business and healthcare models. The housing market is strong, with a median home value near $593,200 and a homeownership rate exceeding 65%, which indicates a stable and investment-worthy residential base. Commute times, averaging 31.3 minutes, underscore the county’s connectivity to broader regional job markets.

Quality of life in Bergen County is defined by its high concentration of parks, recreational areas, and proximity to both nature and metropolitan conveniences. Despite higher-than-average living costs, access to transit, education, and healthcare enhances resident satisfaction. Public services are well-developed, supported by both county infrastructure and private investment.

The county’s economic foundation includes healthcare, education, professional services, and retail trade, anchored by a GDP of approximately $81.5 billion (2022). Low unemployment rates, high income levels, and strategic proximity to New York City contribute to a competitive but opportunity-rich market environment. These conditions are favorable for organizations seeking to establish or expand services in sectors such as treatment centers, behavioral healthcare, and private specialty practices.

Healthcare accessibility in Bergen County is among the highest in New Jersey, with a strong network of acute care hospitals, public health collaborations, and behavioral health programs. While the region performs well on most health indicators, disparities remain across socioeconomic lines, necessitating targeted services in mental health, addiction recovery, and multicultural health outreach.

What are Bergen County’s Key Demographics and Population Statistics?

Bergen County contains approximately 955,000 residents, establishing it as New Jersey’s most populous county among the state’s 21 total counties (US Census Bureau, 2021). This substantial population represents roughly 10.3% of New Jersey’s total 9.27 million residents, demonstrating the county’s significant demographic concentration within the state (US Census Bureau, 2023). The county’s resident density reflects New Jersey’s status as the most densely populated state with 1,263 people per square mile, over 13 times the national average (US Census Bureau, 2021).

The county’s age distribution aligns closely with state demographics, where New Jersey’s median age reaches 40.2 years, slightly exceeding the U.S. median of 38.8 years (US Census Bureau, 2020). Bergen County residents aged 65 and older comprise approximately 17% of the population, matching statewide aging trends (US Census Bureau, 2022). Population growth patterns from 2010-2020 show Bergen County participating in New Jersey’s overall 5.7% growth rate, which fell below the national 7.4% increase during the same census period (US Census Bureau, 2021).

Bergen County is located within New Jersey’s complete metropolitan classification system, where 100% of residents live in metropolitan areas across all counties (US Census Bureau, 2012). The county’s demographic composition includes significant diversity, with 52% non-Hispanic white residents and 48% people of color throughout New Jersey’s population structure (US Census Bureau, 2023). Educational attainment levels remain high, with approximately 47% of adults holding associate degrees or higher, well above the 42% national rate (US Census Bureau, 2022).

How Diverse is Bergen County’s Racial and Ethnic Composition?

Bergen County’s racial and ethnic composition reflects 48% people of color among its approximately 955,000 residents, with non-Hispanic white residents comprising 52.0% of the population (US Census Bureau, 2023). The county’s diverse demographic makeup includes substantial communities representing multiple ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. This multicultural character stems from decades of immigration patterns that established Bergen County as one of New Jersey’s most ethnically varied regions.

The county’s 23.2% foreign-born population represents one of the highest proportions among U.S. counties, significantly contributing to its cultural diversity (US Census Bureau, 2023). These immigrant communities maintain strong linguistic traditions, with 32.2% of Bergen County residents speaking languages other than English at home, demonstrating active preservation of native languages and customs (US Census Bureau, 2023). The multilingual environment creates distinct ethnic enclaves throughout the county, from Korean communities in Fort Lee to Hispanic populations in Hackensack and Garfield.

Educational attainment reinforces the county’s diverse professional landscape, with 47% of adults holding associate degrees or higher, well above the national rate of 42% (US Census Bureau, 2022). This highly educated, multicultural workforce contributes to New Jersey’s status as having the highest concentration of scientists and engineers among U.S. states at 505 per 10,000 workers (National Science Board, 2020). Bergen County’s ethnic diversity extends beyond demographics into economic sectors, where immigrant-owned businesses and international corporations create employment opportunities that attract additional diverse populations to the region.

What Educational Levels Characterize Bergen County Residents?

Bergen County residents demonstrate exceptionally high educational attainment levels, with approximately 47% of adults holding an associate degree or higher (US Census Bureau, 2022). This educational achievement rate significantly exceeds the national average of 42%, positioning Bergen County among the most educated populations in the United States. The county’s educational credentials reflect New Jersey’s broader reputation for academic excellence, as the state consistently ranks at or near #1 nationally in K-12 education quality according to Education Week’s Quality Counts report (Education Week, 2021).

The highly educated workforce in Bergen County directly correlates with New Jersey’s status as a major pharmaceutical industry hub, where 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharma companies maintain significant facilities (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021). New Jersey boasts the highest concentration of scientists and engineers among U.S. states, with approximately 505 scientists and engineers per 10,000 workers (National Science Board, 2020). This educational foundation supports the state’s robust economy, which generated a gross domestic product of $679.0 billion in 2024 and maintains a median household income of $97,126 (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024; US Census Bureau, 2023).

What Drives Bergen County’s Economic Performance?

Bergen County drives New Jersey’s economic performance through diverse industry concentrations and strategic metropolitan positioning within the state’s $679 billion economy (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). The county’s 955,000 residents represent the largest population concentration in New Jersey, creating significant economic output that contributes to the state’s ranking as the 10th largest economy nationally (US Census Bureau, 2021). Bergen County’s economic drivers include pharmaceutical manufacturing, financial services, and technology sectors that leverage New Jersey’s highest concentration of scientists and engineers at 505 per 10,000 workers (National Science Board, 2020).

The county’s strategic location enhances New Jersey’s economic performance through proximity to major transportation infrastructure including Newark Liberty International Airport which served 46 million passengers in 2019 (Port Authority of NY/NJ, 2020). Bergen County businesses benefit from the state’s highly educated workforce where 47% of adults hold associate degrees or higher, well above the 42% national average (US Census Bureau, 2022). The pharmaceutical industry concentration particularly strengthens economic output, with 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical companies maintaining significant facilities throughout New Jersey (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021).

Tourism and small business sectors further amplify Bergen County’s economic contribution within New Jersey’s broader performance metrics. The state welcomed 120.5 million visitors in 2023 who spent $49.1 billion, generating $5.2 billion in state and local taxes (NJ Department of State, 2025). Bergen County’s 953,000 small businesses comprise 99.6% of all New Jersey businesses and employ 1.9 million people statewide, directly supporting the state’s $71,500 GDP per capita that places New Jersey among the top 15 states economically (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022).

How Do Income and Employment Statistics Compare in Bergen County?

Bergen County residents earn significantly higher household incomes compared to New Jersey’s statewide median of $97,126, with the county maintaining some of the strongest economic indicators among New Jersey’s 21 counties (US Census Bureau, 2023). Bergen County’s median household income exceeds $108,000 annually, placing it among the top 5 highest-earning counties in the state. The county’s employment statistics reflect New Jersey’s overall economic strength, with unemployment rates consistently tracking below the state’s 4.5% average in 2024 (BLS, 2025).

Employment opportunities in Bergen County benefit from New Jersey’s status as a major pharmaceutical industry hub, where 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharma companies maintain significant facilities (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021). The county contributes substantially to New Jersey’s low poverty rate of 9.7%, compared to national averages of 11-12% (US Census Bureau, 2023). Bergen County’s high concentration of scientists and engineers supports the state’s ranking of 505 scientists/engineers per 10,000 workers, the highest among U.S. states (National Science Board, 2020).

Which Major Industries Shape Bergen County’s Economy?

The major industries shaping Bergen County’s economic landscape include pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology services, financial services, and healthcare sectors, directly benefiting from New Jersey’s status as a pharmaceutical industry hub where 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharma companies maintain significant facilities or headquarters (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021). Bergen County’s economic strength stems from New Jersey’s highest concentration of scientists and engineers nationally at 505 per 10,000 workers, creating a specialized workforce that drives innovation across multiple industrial sectors (National Science Board, 2020). The county’s proximity to New York City combined with New Jersey’s $679.0 billion GDP in 2024 positions it as a critical component of the state’s economic engine (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024).

Manufacturing and corporate headquarters dominate Bergen County’s industrial composition, with pharmaceutical companies establishing research and development facilities to leverage the region’s concentrated scientific talent pool. The county benefits from New Jersey’s economic ranking as the nation’s 10th largest economy by GDP, while maintaining access to the state’s highly educated workforce where 47% of adults hold associate degrees or higher (US Census Bureau, 2022). Financial services and technology companies cluster in Bergen County due to its strategic location and the state’s median household income of $97,126, creating demand for professional services (US Census Bureau, 2023). Healthcare systems and biotechnology firms capitalize on the pharmaceutical industry’s presence, forming integrated supply chains across Bergen County’s 955,000 residents (US Census Bureau, 2021).

What Role Do Small Businesses Play in Bergen County?

Small businesses drive critical economic activity in Bergen County, representing a substantial portion of New Jersey’s 953,000 small enterprises that comprise 99.6% of all businesses statewide (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022). Bergen County’s business environment benefits from the state’s highest concentration of scientists and engineers among U.S. states – about 505 scientists/engineers per 10,000 workers – creating entrepreneurship opportunities in pharmaceuticals, technology, and research sectors (National Science Board, 2020). The county leverages New Jersey’s position as a major pharmaceutical industry hub, where 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharma companies maintain significant facilities (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021).

Bergen County small business growth connects to statewide employment patterns, where small enterprises employ 1.9 million people across New Jersey’s diverse economic landscape (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022). The county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem operates within New Jersey’s $679.0 billion economy that ranks as the nation’s 10th largest by GDP (US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). Business formation in Bergen County draws from the state’s highly educated workforce, with roughly 47% of adults holding associate degrees or higher compared to the national rate of 42% (US Census Bureau, 2022).

Local entrepreneurship opportunities expand through Bergen County’s strategic location within New Jersey’s metropolitan framework, where 100% of the population lives in metro areas (US Census Bureau, 2012). Small businesses access regional markets through infrastructure including the Garden State Parkway carrying 200 million vehicle trips annually and Newark Liberty International Airport serving 46 million passengers in 2019 (NJ Turnpike Authority, 2019; Port Authority of NY/NJ, 2020). Bergen County enterprises benefit from New Jersey’s median household income of $97,126 – one of the highest among states – creating strong consumer purchasing power for local business development (US Census Bureau, 2023).

How Does Healthcare Access and Quality Function in Bergen County?

Healthcare access and quality in Bergen County function through a comprehensive network of major medical centers, specialty facilities, and primary care providers serving the county’s 955,000 residents (US Census Bureau, 2021). The county anchors its medical infrastructure around several flagship hospitals including Hackensack University Medical Center, Valley Hospital, and Holy Name Medical Center, which collectively provide tertiary and quaternary care services across multiple specialties. Bergen County’s healthcare delivery system integrates with New Jersey’s broader medical framework, where 2.1 million residents (24% of the population) access care through Medicaid enrollment (NJ Department of Human Services, 2023).

Medical facilities in Bergen County benefit from New Jersey’s status as a major pharmaceutical industry hub, with 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharma companies maintaining significant operations statewide (NJ Economic Development Authority, 2021). The county’s healthcare infrastructure supports New Jersey’s relatively strong health outcomes, including an infant mortality rate of 4.0 per 1,000 live births, markedly lower than the national average of 5.4 per 1,000 (CDC, 2020). Healthcare providers in Bergen County serve a diverse population where 32.2% of New Jersey residents speak languages other than English at home, requiring multilingual care coordination and culturally competent medical services (US Census Bureau, 2023).

Quality metrics for Bergen County healthcare align with New Jersey’s overall performance indicators, including 80% COVID-19 vaccination completion rates among the highest nationally (CDC, 2023). The county’s medical system operates within New Jersey’s regulatory framework that maintains the lowest firearm mortality rate nationally at 4.1 deaths per 100,000 people in 2024 (US CDC/NCHS, 2024). Bergen County healthcare facilities contribute to statewide achievements in reducing drug overdose deaths, which fell 26% in the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 (NJ Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner, 2024).

What are the Major Health Outcomes and Statistics for Bergen County?

Major health outcomes and statistics for Bergen County demonstrate the region’s position as New Jersey’s most populous county with significant health disparities across demographic groups. Bergen County’s health metrics align closely with statewide averages, where life expectancy reached 77.7 years in 2020, representing a sharp 3-year decline from 2019 due to COVID-19’s impact (NJ Department of Health, 2022). The county’s 955,000 residents experience varying health outcomes based on geographic location and socioeconomic factors (US Census Bureau, 2021).

Health statistics reveal significant demographic variations in life expectancy outcomes across Bergen County’s communities. Asian residents achieve approximately 86.1 years of life expectancy compared to Black residents at 72.2 years, creating a 14-year disparity that reflects broader state health inequities (NJ Department of Health, 2022). Women in the county live about 6 years longer than men, with female life expectancy at 80.7 years versus 74.8 years for males (NJ Department of Health, 2022). The county’s infant mortality rate of 4.0 deaths per 1,000 live births falls below the national average of 5.4 per 1,000, indicating stronger maternal and neonatal care systems (CDC, 2020).

Chronic disease prevalence and preventive health measures in Bergen County mirror statewide health patterns and outcomes. Approximately 30.7% of adults have obesity with BMI measurements at or above 30, while 11.9% have diagnosed diabetes (Trust for America’s Health, 2022; CDC, 2022). Bergen County residents achieved high COVID-19 vaccination rates, with nearly 80% completing the full primary vaccination series (CDC, 2023). The county benefits from New Jersey’s lowest firearm mortality rate nationally at 4.1 gun deaths per 100,000 people, which is one-third the national rate (US CDC/NCHS, 2024).

How Do Chronic Disease Rates Affect Bergen County Residents?

Chronic disease prevalence places 30.7% of Bergen County adults in the obesity category, matching statewide rates that mirror national averages (Trust for America’s Health, 2022). Diabetes affects 11.9% of adult residents in Bergen County as part of New Jersey’s diabetes burden, aligning with the national diabetes prevalence of 11-12% (CDC, 2022). These disease burdens impact the county’s 955,000 residents, representing New Jersey’s most populous county where chronic conditions influence healthcare utilization and community wellness outcomes (US Census Bureau, 2021).

Smoking rates among Bergen County residents reflect New Jersey’s exceptionally low tobacco use, with only 12% of adults smoking cigarettes compared to the national rate of 16% (United Health Foundation, 2022). Youth obesity statistics demonstrate more favorable outcomes, with New Jersey ranking as the 10th lowest state at 13.8% for children ages 10-17, suggesting Bergen County benefits from this statewide pediatric health advantage (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2022). The county’s disease patterns correlate with New Jersey’s high educational attainment, where 47% of adults hold associate degrees or higher, potentially influencing health behaviors and chronic disease prevention strategies (US Census Bureau, 2022).

What Public Health Challenges Face Bergen County?

Bergen County faces multiple interconnected public health challenges including substance abuse crises, pandemic recovery burdens, and demographic health disparities. Drug overdose fatalities represent the most critical concern, with New Jersey recording 2,816 deaths in 2023 compared to 3,163 deaths in 2022, marking an 11% statewide decline (NJ Department of Health, 2025). This improvement extends across 17 of New Jersey’s 21 counties by mid-2024, with suspected overdose deaths dropping 26% lower than the same period in 2023 (NJ Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner, 2024).

COVID-19 continues impacting community health outcomes despite high immunization rates. Nearly 80% of New Jersey’s population completed the full primary COVID-19 vaccination series, ranking among the highest state vaccination rates nationally (CDC, 2023). However, the pandemic contributed to significant mortality burdens, with New Jersey recording over 36,000 COVID-19 deaths total, corresponding to approximately 386 deaths per 100,000 residents (CDC, 2023). Life expectancy dropped to 77.7 years in 2020, representing a sharp 3-year decline from 2019 levels (NJ Department of Health, 2022).

Maternal health disparities create additional public health concerns across different demographic groups. Black mothers in New Jersey face 7 times higher likelihood of pregnancy-related death compared to white mothers, representing one of the nation’s widest racial gaps in maternal mortality (NPR, 2020). These disparities reflect broader health inequality patterns, with life expectancy varying by race from 86.1 years for Asian residents to 72.2 years for Black residents, creating a 14-year longevity gap (NJ Department of Health, 2022).

How Do Bergen County’s Demographics Compare to State and National Trends?

Bergen County’s demographics align with state and national patterns while exhibiting distinct characteristics as New Jersey’s most populous county with approximately 955,000 residents (US Census Bureau, 2021). The county’s population density reflects New Jersey’s status as the most densely populated state at 1,263 people per square mile, which exceeds the national average by over 13 times (US Census Bureau, 2021). Bergen County’s demographic composition mirrors statewide trends where 52.0% of residents are non-Hispanic white, indicating that nearly half of the county’s population consists of people of color (US Census Bureau, 2023).

Educational attainment levels in Bergen County exceed both state and national benchmarks, with the county contributing to New Jersey’s 47% of adults holding associate degrees or higher compared to the national rate of approximately 42% (US Census Bureau, 2022). The county’s age distribution follows state patterns where the median age is 40.2 years, slightly above the U.S. median of 38.8 years (US Census Bureau, 2020). Language diversity characterizes the demographic landscape, as 32.2% of New Jersey residents speak languages other than English at home, reflecting significant immigrant populations throughout Bergen County and surrounding areas (US Census Bureau, 2023).

Economic indicators position Bergen County within New Jersey’s high-income demographic profile, contributing to the state’s median household income of $97,126, which substantially surpasses the national median of approximately $70,000 (US Census Bureau, 2023). Population growth trends show Bergen County participating in New Jersey’s 5.7% growth rate from 2010 to 2020, slightly below the national growth rate of 7.4% during the same period (US Census Bureau, 2021). The county’s demographic characteristics place it among New Jersey’s 21 counties where 100% of residents live in metropolitan areas, emphasizing the state’s complete urbanization across all geographic regions (US Census Bureau, 2012).