Is Dumont Safe, Pros and cons of living in Dumont

Dumont, New Jersey, offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to New York City. This Bergen County borough provides a blend of residential tranquility and community amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between urban proximity and a more relaxed pace of life. Its location positions residents within commuting distance of major employment centers while maintaining a distinct local character.

The community is characterized by its diverse population and a range of housing options. Dumont’s infrastructure supports a family-friendly environment, with attention to local services and community engagement. Understanding the various facets of life in Dumont, from its safety and cost of living to its educational opportunities and local economy, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this New Jersey borough.

Is it Safe to Live in Dumont?

Violent Crime Rates

Dumont generally exhibits a low rate of violent crime, contributing to its reputation as a safe community. The violent crime rate is significantly below the national average, with specific categories like murder, aggravated assault, and robbery occurring less frequently than in many other U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and Crime Explorer). This safety is further underscored by its ranking, being safer than a high percentage of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes).

Residents can feel secure with the low incidence of violent offenses, which is a key factor for families and individuals prioritizing safety. The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Dumont is notably low, with some analyses indicating a rate of 0 per one thousand inhabitants in specific assessments (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This low rate contributes to Dumont’s overall appeal as a secure place to reside.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime rates in Dumont are also considerably lower than the national average. Statistics indicate that property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft, are less common than in many other areas (as reported by Crime Explorer and AreaVibes). This trend aligns with the overall lower crime rate observed in the borough.

The property crime rate in Dumont is substantially below the national average, with some reports showing it to be as much as 52% lower (as reported by Crime Explorer). This lower prevalence of property-related offenses enhances the sense of security for residents and contributes to the borough’s positive safety profile.

Cost of Living in Dumont

Housing Expenses

The cost of living in Dumont, New Jersey, is higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant contributing factor. The median home value in Dumont is $666,365 (as of March 2026) (as reported by Zillow), and the median listing price was $675,000 in April 2026 (as reported by Movoto). These figures indicate a substantial investment is required for homeownership in the area.

Rentals in Dumont also reflect the higher cost of living. The average rent for an apartment in Dumont is approximately $2,885 per month (as of May 2026) (as reported by Zillow), with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,850 and two-bedroom units at $3,000 (as reported by Zillow). These rental costs are notably higher than the national average, with one source stating it is 39% higher (as reported by Apartments.com).

Daily Expenses and Income

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Dumont contribute to its overall cost of living. Utility prices are slightly higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas prices, are also elevated (as reported by PayScale). Groceries and healthcare costs are also above the national average, with healthcare being approximately 11% higher (as reported by PayScale).

The median household income in Dumont is reported as $126,071 (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA and Dumont Population Trends). While this income level is higher than the national average, the significant housing costs mean that affordability can be a concern for many residents (as reported by CommunityScale). A family of four would need to earn approximately $136,771 annually to comfortably meet the area’s economic demands (as reported by Living in Dumont NJ).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Industries

Dumont’s economy is supported by various industries, with healthcare and education being prominent sectors. Other key employment areas include professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as office and administrative support occupations (as reported by Data USA). While Dumont is a smaller borough, its residents often commute to jobs outside the immediate area, given the average commute time of around 32.5 minutes (as reported by Dumont NJ Jobs).

The borough’s employment landscape is diverse, with major employers likely including local healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and businesses within the surrounding Bergen County. The proximity to New York City also provides access to a vast array of employment opportunities in various sectors.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Dumont is generally low. As of recent reports, the unemployment rate is around 2.6% (as reported by Dumont Demographics and Statistics). This figure is favorable and suggests a healthy job market within the region.

Salaries in Dumont tend to be higher than the national average, reflecting the higher cost of living. The average annual salary is approximately $53,860 (as of May 26) (as reported by ZipRecruiter), with a median household income of $126,071 (as reported by Dumont Population Trends). Some sources indicate a higher average salary of $80,229 per year or $39 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Seasons

Dumont experiences distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The summer months, typically from late May to mid-September, see average daily high temperatures above 76°F, with July being the hottest month, reaching highs of around 85°F to 86°F (as reported by Dumont Climate and Dumont, NJ weather).

Winter in Dumont is cold, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F from early December to mid-March. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 25°F and highs near 38°F (as reported by Dumont Climate). The town experiences a significant amount of snowfall during the winter months, with an annual average of about 31 inches.

Precipitation Patterns

Dumont receives a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year. The month with the most rainfall is typically April, with an average of about 3.7 inches (as reported by Dumont Climate). The total annual precipitation averages around 46.71 inches (as reported by Dumont New Jersey Climate Data).

The wetter season generally spans from April to August, with July having a high chance of wet days. Conversely, the drier season extends from August to April, with January having the fewest wet days. The area experiences rain, and at times, snow during the colder months, contributing to the overall precipitation averages.

Education and Schools

Public School Performance

Dumont, New Jersey, is served by the Dumont Public School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is generally well-regarded, with schools often ranking in the top tiers within New Jersey (as reported by Dumont Public School District and Best Public Schools in Dumont, NJ). Grant Elementary School, Selzer Elementary/Middle School, and Lincoln Elementary School are frequently cited as top-ranked public schools within the borough (as reported by Best Public Schools in Dumont, NJ).

Student proficiency in math and reading within Dumont’s public schools is often higher than the state average. For instance, reading proficiency scores can be around 67%, exceeding the New Jersey average of 49% (as reported by Best Public Schools in Dumont, NJ). The district’s overall performance places it favorably compared to other districts in the state.

Student Demographics and District Overview

The Dumont Public School District serves a diverse student population, with minority enrollment comprising a significant portion of the student body. Hispanic students represent a large segment of the student population, often mirroring or exceeding the state average for minority enrollment (as reported by Best Public Schools in Dumont, NJ). The student-teacher ratio in the district is approximately 13 to 1, indicating a relatively focused learning environment (as reported by Dumont Public School District).

The district’s overall ranking within New Jersey is competitive, often placing it in the top 30% of public school districts. Dumont High School also receives positive recognition for its academic performance, graduation rates, and low dropout rates (as reported by Dumont Public School District).

Demographics of Dumont

Population and Age Distribution

As of the 2020 census, Dumont had a population of 17,863, showing a slight increase from previous years (as reported by Dumont, New Jersey – Wikipedia). The projected population for 2026 is around 18,985, indicating continued growth (as reported by Dumont, New Jersey Population 2026). The median age in Dumont is approximately 41.2 years, with a balanced distribution across age groups, including a notable percentage of residents aged 45 to 64 (as reported by Dumont, New Jersey Population 2026 and Dumont Demographics).

The age distribution shows that about 20.2% of residents are under 18, and 17.5% are 65 or older (as reported by Dumont, New Jersey – Wikipedia). This demographic makeup suggests a community with a mix of young families and established older residents.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Dumont is a diverse borough with a significant portion of its population identifying as White, followed by Asian and Hispanic residents. As of recent data, White residents constitute about 51.58%, Asian residents about 18.27%, and Hispanic or Latino residents around 14.76% to 27% (as reported by Dumont, New Jersey – Wikipedia, Dumont Demographics, and Dumont, NJ Demographics: Population, Income, and More). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages.

A notable percentage of Dumont residents, around 28.2% as of 2024, were born outside the United States, indicating a diverse foreign-born population (as reported by Dumont, NJ Demographics). This diversity contributes to the cultural richness of the borough.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dumont

The Advantages of Residing in Dumont

One of the primary advantages of living in Dumont is its strong sense of safety, with low crime rates significantly below national averages (as reported by Crime Explorer and AreaVibes). The borough also offers a good educational system, with highly-rated public schools that perform well academically (as reported by Best Public Schools in Dumont, NJ).

Dumont’s suburban setting provides a quieter lifestyle while maintaining convenient access to New York City for employment and entertainment (as reported by Dumont, New Jersey – Wikipedia). The community is diverse, offering a multicultural environment for its residents.

Potential Drawbacks of Dumont Living

The cost of living in Dumont is a significant drawback, being considerably higher than the national average, particularly in housing expenses (as reported by Living in Dumont NJ and PayScale). Both home prices and rental rates are elevated, potentially posing a challenge for affordability.

While salaries are higher than the national average, they may not fully offset the high cost of living, especially for housing. Additionally, while Dumont has local employment opportunities, many residents commute to surrounding areas or New York City, which can add to daily expenses and time.