Is Ledgewood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ledgewood
Ledgewood, a community within Roxbury Township, Morris County, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. This census-designated place is known for its residential character and proximity to natural landscapes. The area provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, balancing community feel with access to amenities and employment centers.
The demographic profile of Ledgewood reveals a community with a median age of 45.4 years, indicating a mature population (as reported by the US Census Bureau). The racial makeup is predominantly White, with a significant Hispanic population and smaller percentages of Asian and Black residents, reflecting a growing diversity over recent years (as reported by Census Dots). The population consists of a slightly higher percentage of females than males (as reported by the US Census Bureau).
Is it Safe to Live in Ledgewood?
Ledgewood is generally considered a safe community, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in Ledgewood is reported at 1.732 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Overall crime rates are also below national figures, with one source indicating a crime index that is 93% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Residents often consider the western part of Ledgewood to be the safest area within the community (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While crime is infrequent, it is advisable for residents to be aware of their surroundings, particularly in certain neighborhoods. Your chance of being a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas having a higher likelihood than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and DoorProfit).
Housing Costs and Real Estate Market
The housing market in Ledgewood presents a competitive landscape with a median sale price of $450,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This median price represents a notable increase of 14.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The price per square foot also reflects this trend, standing at $325, which is up 1.9% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).
For those looking to rent, the median gross rent in Ledgewood was approximately $2,118 per month in recent data (as reported by VertexAI Search). However, more recent data from April 2026 indicates the average rent in Ledgewood, NJ, is $2,787 (as reported by Zillow). This average rent is 39% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). Available rentals can be limited, with only two properties listed in a recent market overview (as reported by VertexAI Search).
Home Prices and Appreciation
Ledgewood’s median listing price is currently $439,500, indicating a solid value for potential buyers (as reported by VertexAI Search). While the market has seen some shifts, such as a 1.25% decrease in median sale price year-over-year, the price per square foot has risen by 29.53% (as reported by VertexAI Search). Homes in Ledgewood tend to sell quickly, often receiving multiple offers and selling above the list price (as reported by Redfin).
Rental Market Dynamics
The rental market in Ledgewood shows a tight inventory, with a limited number of properties available at any given time (as reported by Zillow and VertexAI Search). The average rent has seen fluctuations, with a month-over-month decrease of $204 and a year-over-year decrease of $65 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This suggests a dynamic rental environment where availability can impact pricing trends.
Cost of Living
Ledgewood’s cost of living is significantly higher than both the national and state averages. For a single person, monthly expenses are estimated at $3,289, while a family of four can expect to spend around $7,243 per month (as reported by Salary.com). These figures represent a 33% increase over the U.S. national average and a substantial 174% increase over New Jersey’s state average (as reported by Salary.com).
The primary drivers of this elevated cost of living include soaring housing expenses, elevated transportation costs, and rising food prices (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs alone are noted to be 5.9% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). These combined expenses make Ledgewood one of the more expensive cities in the United States, according to Salary.com.
Job Market and Employment
The employment landscape in Ledgewood is characterized by a predominantly white-collar workforce. Approximately 93% of the workforce is employed in white-collar jobs, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This indicates a town populated by professionals, managers, and individuals in sales and office support roles.
Major employers in the area include large retail and service corporations such as Walmart, McDonald’s, The Home Depot, CVS Health, and Walgreens (as listed on Indeed.com). These companies provide a range of employment opportunities across various sectors. While specific unemployment rate data for Ledgewood CDP shows an increase from 15.1% in 2020 to 17.3% in 2023 (as reported by CensusDepth), the presence of these large employers suggests a consistent demand for labor.
Major Employers and Industries
Key employers in Ledgewood span retail, healthcare, and service industries. Companies like Walmart and The Home Depot are significant contributors to local employment, offering a wide array of positions (as listed on Indeed.com). CVS Health and Walgreens also represent major employers in the healthcare and retail pharmacy sectors.
Average Salary and Income
The median household income in Ledgewood is reported to be $119,539 per year, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 31.5% (as reported by VertexAI Search). Another source indicates a median household income of $135,912 (as reported by NJ.gov). This income level is considered middle-income relative to New Jersey but wealthy when compared to the rest of the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Climate and Weather
Ledgewood experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm, with average high temperatures reaching around 85°F in July (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are cold, with average low temperatures dropping to around 28°F in January (as reported by Time and Date).
Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with an average of about 4.17 inches per month (as reported by Time and Date). May tends to be a pleasant month with average high temperatures of 71°F and average lows of 54°F (as reported by Time and Date). The area can experience various weather conditions, including rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the spring and summer months (as reported by AccuWeather and Time and Date).
Education and School Ratings
Ledgewood is served by schools that have received positive ratings. Ledgewood Elementary School, located in Roscoe, IL, has received an overall Niche Grade of A and is ranked among the top public elementary schools in Illinois, the Rockford Area, and Winnebago County (as reported by Niche). This school serves students in Pre-K through 1st grade and demonstrates high proficiency in math (95%) and reading (92%) (as reported by Niche).
The educational attainment of Ledgewood residents is notably high, with a significant portion holding bachelor’s or advanced degrees. Approximately 43.5% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree, and 13.4% have earned a master’s or doctorate (as reported by VertexAI Search). This educational background contributes to the town’s professional workforce.
Demographics and Population
Ledgewood is a small community with a population of approximately 5,000 residents, though some sources indicate a slightly higher current estimate (as reported by US Census Bureau and VertexAI Search). The population has seen growth in recent years (as reported by VertexAI Search). The median age in Ledgewood is around 43 to 45 years, indicating a population that is neither particularly young nor elderly (as reported by VertexAI Search and US Census Bureau).
The racial composition of Ledgewood is predominantly White, but it has become more diverse over time (as reported by Census Dots). There is a notable Hispanic population, as well as Asian, Black, and multiracial residents (as reported by Census Dots). The gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females compared to males (as reported by the US Census Bureau).
Household and Family Structure
Ledgewood has a moderate number of households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by VertexAI Search). A significant majority of these households are considered families, with the remaining composed of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by VertexAI Search). This family-oriented structure contributes to the community’s overall atmosphere.
Pros and Cons of Living in Ledgewood
Ledgewood offers a safe environment with a strong sense of community, making it an appealing place to live. The high educational attainment of its residents and the predominantly white-collar workforce contribute to a professional atmosphere. The median household income is robust, providing a good quality of life for many families (as reported by VertexAI Search).
However, the cost of living in Ledgewood is a significant drawback, being considerably higher than both national and state averages, largely due to housing expenses (as reported by Salary.com). Additionally, residents often face a long daily commute, averaging over 33 minutes each way (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The rental market can also be challenging due to limited availability.