Bergen County is 232.8 square miles in size and boasts a population of almost one million inhabitants. Bordering New York County in New York and Essex County in New Jersey, this area sits between two booming metropolises. The people in Bergen County are well off, highly educated, and enjoy high healthcare insurance coverage. However, when determining whether to move to the area or to invest, curious potential inhabitants are keen to analyze the Bergen County crime rate.
By understanding the crime rates in Bergen County, those who are living or working in the area, as well as interested potential residents, can understand the level of risk associated with being in Bergen County.
For example, an investor interested in purchasing property in Bergen County will be less likely to invest if property crime rates are high, as this would likely lead to a decrease in property value. Those charged with crimes in Bergen County can also benefit from learning about the crime rates in the area, as they can help contextualize the nature of the charges they are facing.
Violent Crime in Bergen County
Bergen County enjoys relatively low crime rates when compared to the rest of the state of New Jersey, and this applies to both violent crimes and property crimes. While there are no FBI crime rate statistics by county in New Jersey, there are crime rate statistics by city. By analyzing the crime rates in the largest city in the county, Hackensack, one can get a better understanding of the crime rates in the county.
In 2020, the population of Hackensack was 46,030. In 2019, there were 116 instances of violent crime, resulting in a violent crime rate of 2.58 per 1,000, which is slightly higher than the statewide violent crime rate of 2.06 per 1,000 residents. There were 0 instances of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter reported, resulting in a rate of 0 per 100,000, which is low compared to the statewide rate of 3.25 per 100,000.
There were 15 reported instances of rape, resulting in a high rate of 33.39 per 100,000, which is more than double the New Jersey state rate of 15.53 per 100,000. 28 instances of robbery were reported, yielding a rate of 62.32 per 100,000, which is slightly lower than the statewide rate of 72.04 per 100,000. Aggravated assault crime rates were higher in Hackensack when compared to the state of New Jersey, with the Hackensack rate being 162.49 per 100,000 and the New Jersey rate being 114.92 per 100,000.
Hackensack, Bergen County, Property Crime Rates and Statistics
Property crime rates in Hackensack are slightly higher than the statewide metrics. In Hackensack, 649 property crimes were committed in 2018, resulting in a rate of 14.45 per 1,000, compared to the New Jersey property crime rate of 13.76 per 1,000. There were 36 instances of burglary reported, resulting in a rate per 1,000 of 0.8, which is less than half the statewide burglary rate of 2.13 per 1,000.
578 cases of larceny/theft were reported, yielding a rate of 12.87 per 1,000, slightly higher than the New Jersey larceny/theft rate of 10.39 per 1,000. The Hackensack motor vehicle theft rate was 0.78 per 1,000. This is low compared to the statewide rate of 1.24 per 1,000. There were 0 instances of arson in 2018, which is low compared to the 385 cases reported across the state of New Jersey, resulting in a statewide rate of 4.43 per 100,000 residents.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Demographics of Bergen County, New Jersey?
A: According to data from the 2020 Decennial Census, there were 955,732 people living in Bergen County in 2020, with 858,445 reporting to have been of one race. Of those who reported being one race:
- -543,849 were White.
- -54,831 were Black or African American.
- -4,535 were Native American and Alaska Native.
- -158,630 were Asian.
- -217 were Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.
- -96,383 were reported as some other race.
In addition, 97,287 reported being of two or more races.
Q: Is Bergen County, NJ, a Good Place to Live?
A: What it means to live in a good place is relative and dependent on many factors. Bergen County is generally an appealing destination due to the low crime rates in the area as well as the job and housing opportunities. However, Bergen County has a higher cost of living compared to the rest of New Jersey, meaning that it may not be ideal for people who do not make a high income.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Bergen County, New Jersey?
A: The cost to rent is higher in Bergen County relative to the rest of New Jersey. However, individuals living in Bergen County tend to make more money than the rest of the state, so they have the disposable income to afford higher housing costs. In Bergen County, according to the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, the median gross rent is $1,753, compared to the median gross rent in the state of $1,555.
Q: What Is the Average Income in Bergen County, NJ?
A: According to data from the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, the median household income is $114,336 in Bergen County. This is significantly higher than the median household income in the entire state of New Jersey, which is $96,346. In terms of median income by type of family, married-couple families make the most, with the median income in 2022 being $161,621. Nonfamily households make the least, with a median income of $58,603.
Get Strong Criminal Defense Legal Representation in Bergen County, New Jersey
If you are going up against charges in Bergen County, New Jersey, it is critical to have legal representation who can listen to your side of the story, analyze your case, address your questions and concerns, and help you move forward with a strong and comprehensive defense plan.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, are here to employ aggressive representation, whether you are facing minor property crime charges or serious violent felony charges. Contact a member of our team today to get started with your case.
