Is Midland Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Midland Park
Midland Park, New Jersey, offers a distinct suburban experience with a strong sense of community. This borough is characterized by its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient access to the greater New York City metropolitan area. Its appeal lies in a combination of good schools, a stable housing market, and a generally safe environment.
The community is home to a population that values education and stability, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to live. Midland Park provides a quieter pace of life compared to its urban neighbors, yet remains well-connected for those who commute or seek city amenities. This balance makes it an attractive option for a variety of residents, from young families to established professionals.
Is it Safe to Live in Midland Park?
Midland Park is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 53% below the national average as of May 2026 (according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data). Residents have approximately a 1 in 414 chance of being a victim of violent crime annually, and a 1 in 151 chance for property crime (according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) & local law enforcement agencies). This low crime rate contributes to the borough’s reputation for safety and security.
Violent crime, including murder, assault, and robbery, occurs at rates considerably lower than the national and state averages (according to FBI UCR data). Property crime, such as burglary and larceny, also remains low, with burglary rates being 77% below the national average (according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) & local law enforcement agencies). While the overall safety is high, it is worth noting that safety can vary by neighborhood, and researching specific areas is always recommended.
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Midland Park is notably higher than the national average, largely driven by housing expenses. Midland Park’s housing expenses are 145% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). The median property value in Midland Park was $607,200 in 2024 (according to Data USA), and as of March 2026, the average home value was $732,465, reflecting a 4.5% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). These figures indicate a strong real estate market with significant investment value.
Rental costs in Midland Park also reflect this higher cost of living. The median gross rent was $1,853 per month (according to Point2Homes), with the average rent for all bedrooms and property types being $2,789 as of April 2026 (according to Zumper). Housing prices in Midland Park borough average around $508,114 (according to MetroStatUSA), though other sources indicate higher figures, suggesting a dynamic market. The homeownership rate is high, at 72.6% (according to Data USA), indicating a preference for ownership among residents.
Job Market and Economy
Midland Park boasts a robust economy with a strong job market and high median incomes. The median household income in Midland Park was $146,841 in 2024 (according to Data USA), and other reports place it around $136,326 (according to Kurby AI), which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. The unemployment rate in Midland Park borough is consistently low, reported at 2.20% (according to MetroStatUSA), indicating a stable job market.
The primary industries in Midland Park include educational services, professional, scientific, and technical services, and retail trade (according to Data USA). These sectors, combined with a highly educated populace, contribute to the area’s economic prosperity. The per capita income in Midland Park in 2022 was $73,397 (according to NeighborhoodScout), further underscoring the community’s economic strength.
Climate and Environment
Midland Park experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, with average high temperatures around 84°F in July (according to Weather Spark). Winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures around 23°F in January (according to Weather Spark). The borough sees significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with September typically being the wettest month, receiving about 3.8 inches of rain.
Overall, the temperature in Midland Park typically ranges from 22°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 8°F or exceeding 92°F (according to Weather Spark). The area receives an average of about 50 inches of rainfall annually and around 25 inches of snowfall (according to Livability.com). The climate is generally partly cloudy year-round, with variations in cloud cover throughout the seasons.
Education and Schools
Midland Park is highly regarded for its excellent public school system, making it an attractive location for families. The Midland Park School District consistently ranks among the top in New Jersey. Public schools in the 07432 zip code have an average math proficiency score of 57% and a reading proficiency score of 69%, both exceeding the state averages (according to Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is 9/10, placing it in the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey.
Key institutions include Highland Elementary School, which ranks highly for its academic performance, and Midland Park Jr./Sr. High School, recognized for its strong college preparatory programs. The student-teacher ratio in Midland Park Jr./Sr. High School is 9:1, indicating a focused learning environment (according to Niche). The district’s commitment to education is further evidenced by a high graduation rate of 95% (according to Public School Review).
Demographics and Community
Midland Park is a borough with a population of approximately 7,014 residents as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The median age is around 41.8 years (according to Data USA), with a balanced gender distribution. The community is predominantly White, making up about 86% of the population, with smaller percentages of Hispanic, Asian, and other racial groups (according to Point2Homes). A notable aspect of the demographics is the high level of education among residents, with 55.22% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (according to NeighborhoodScout).
The borough has a high rate of homeownership, with 72.6% of residents owning their homes (according to Data USA). The community is characterized by its family-friendly environment, with 60.9% of households being families (according to Point2Homes). While not a large borough, it maintains a close-knit feel, appealing to those seeking a strong sense of community. A significant portion of residents also report speaking only English at home, with 98.1% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Midland Park
Midland Park offers numerous advantages, including its high safety ratings and excellent school system, which are significant draws for families and individuals seeking a secure and well-educated environment. The strong job market and high median household income suggest economic stability and prosperity for its residents (according to Data USA, MetroStatUSA). The suburban setting provides a quieter lifestyle while maintaining convenient access to New York City for work and leisure.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is considerably higher than the national average, which can be a barrier for some potential residents (according to PayScale). While the housing market is strong, the median home prices and rents reflect this elevated cost. Additionally, while Midland Park is generally safe, crime rates can vary by neighborhood, necessitating localized research.