Bergen County, New Jersey

Located in New Jersey’s northeastern corner, Bergen County is ranked among one of the wealthiest of US counties. According to 2010 Census, the median household income of this county was $81,708, which got a boost in 2014 to reach an estimated $84,677, which was about 18% higher than the statewide median of $71,919. Thanks to its unique location at the heart of the Boston/Washington D.C. corridor, Bergen County serves as a preferred region at the center of the New Jersey/NYC Metropolitan Region. Nature enthusiasts are sure to love this county as it plays host to an extensive park system (21 parks) that’s spread across almost 9,000 acres.
Demographics
According to 2010 U.S Census, Bergen County’s population is predominantly non-Hispanic White (78.41%) with Asians coming a close second (10.67%). The rest of the racial makeup is made up of Black (5.27%), Native Americans (0.15%), Pacific Islanders (0.02%), some other races (3.22%) and two or more races (2.26%). Of the total population, 10.34% was Latino or Hispanic of any race as per 2010 Census data.
When you consider the heritage of people in Bergen County, you will find Italy, Ireland, Germany and Poland to be the top four countries of their origin.
Proximity to NYC
From Bergen County’s Fort Lee, you can take the George Washington Bridge across the Hudson River to reach NYC’s Upper Manhattan area. However, before embarking on this route, remember that this is one of the busiest motor vehicle bridges in the world. Motorists can also take the Holland Tunnel and Lincoln Tunnel in Hudson County to reach New York City.
Population growth
According to Census data of 2015, Bergen County is home to an estimated population of 938,506. This represents a 3.7% increase over the population in 2010 which stood at 905,116. When compared to 2000 Census when the population stood at 884,118, the 2010 figures represented a 2.4% increase of 20,998.
The population of Bergen County resides not in any large cities but among its 70 municipalities. During 2010 Census, Hackensack – the county seat, was the most populous place by hosting as many as 43,010 residents.
Types of housing
The county’s total number of households stands at 335,730 as per the 2010 Census and the average household size is 2.54.
33.9% (113,764) households are renter households.
Bergen County’s largest federally assisted rental community that’s affordable too is Mediterranean House with 306 units, while Advance Supportive Housing II is the smallest at 3 units. For seniors, 11 apartment properties with 734 units provide housing options from which they can choose their preferred one.
Families with very low income can get some form of rental assistance (like Section 8), where a subsidy will pay a part of their monthly housing costs that include rent and tenant-paid utilities. However, to become eligible for most rental assistance programs, the earning of a renter must not be more than 50% of the AMI (Area Median Income). In some instances, rental assistance is set aside for renters who earn 30% or less of the AMI. To become eligible for Section 8 assistance in Bergen County, a renter household with four persons must bring in $45,600 or less. However, for some particular rental assistance programs, a renter household consisting of four individuals can’t earn over $27,350.
It’s wise to remember that several rental assistance programs have minimum rent regulations that need assistance recipients to pay a minimum sum of $25 to $50 every month, irrespective of how low their income is.
Municipalities
Bergen County has 70 municipalities namely: