Is Bloomfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bloomfield
Bloomfield, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an appealing place to call home. Situated in Essex County, this township provides residents with a diverse living environment, characterized by a mix of historical charm and modern conveniences. Its strategic location near major transportation routes and New York City enhances its desirability for commuters and those seeking access to a broader range of amenities and opportunities.
The community boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, contributing to a vibrant local atmosphere. With a population that values community engagement and a good quality of life, Bloomfield presents a compelling option for individuals and families alike. Understanding the various facets of life in Bloomfield, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is key for anyone considering a move to this New Jersey township.
Is it Safe to Live in Bloomfield?
Bloomfield’s crime rate is generally considered to be slightly lower than the average for U.S. cities, with a safety grade of B- (safer than 55% of cities) according to recent analyses. The overall crime rate stands at approximately 22.36 per 1,000 residents annually. While your chance of being a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas being safer than others, the northeast part of the city is often considered the safest.
Violent crime rates in Bloomfield are notably lower than both the national and statewide averages. In 2025, the violent crime rate was 82.1 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly below the U.S. rate of 325.3 and the New Jersey rate of 193.8. Property crime, however, presents a different picture, with a rate of approximately 15 per 1,000 population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to other communities nationwide. The total projected cost of crime in Bloomfield for 2025 is estimated at over $13.9 million, translating to about $310 per resident.
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Bloomfield, New Jersey, is higher than the national average, with an overall index that is 22% more expensive than the U.S. average. Housing costs are a significant contributor to this, being approximately 24.2% higher than the national average. The median home value in Bloomfield is around $596,996, showing a 2.2% increase over the past year. For renters, the median rent is approximately $2,375 per month, which is 22% higher than the national average.
While living in Bloomfield is more expensive than the national average, it offers a degree of affordability compared to some other nearby communities in New Jersey. Housing expenses, along with transportation costs, are the primary drivers of Bloomfield’s higher cost of living. Utilities are also about 12% higher than the national average, and groceries and clothing are approximately 5% more expensive. However, healthcare costs are slightly lower than the national average.
Housing Market Trends
Bloomfield’s housing market features a median listing price of $537,000. The market currently has limited inventory, with around 83 homes for sale, indicating potential competition among buyers. Despite a slight year-over-year decline in the median sale price, rental demand remains steady, with a median rent of $2.4K per month. Homes for sale typically range from the $300s to the $900s, with architectural styles like Colonial, Arts & Crafts, and Tudor-Revival adding to the town’s historic appeal.
Affordability and Income
The median household income in Bloomfield was approximately $103,663 in 2024. However, the typical home price of around $580,597 may present an affordability challenge, as it is close to the New Jersey state average and exceeds the income needed for most local households. The gap between median income and the income required to afford a typical home is estimated to be around $51,674 as of February 2026. The average annual household income in Bloomfield was reported as $136,891 in 2024, showing a notable increase from the previous year.
The Job Market and Economy
Bloomfield offers diverse employment opportunities across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and engineering. The average salary for a full-time position in Bloomfield, NJ, is approximately $147,985 per year, based on data from 309 real wages. The median wage is reported at $47.4K per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $66.1K. Some popular job titles in Bloomfield include Automotive Technician, Housekeeper, and Firefighter, which can offer salaries significantly above the city’s average.
Major employers in the Bloomfield area contribute to the local economy and job market. While specific comprehensive lists of the largest employers within Bloomfield can vary, large companies with a presence in the broader New Jersey area include those in retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. For instance, Medical Resources, Inc. is headquartered in Bloomfield and operates diagnostic imaging centers. Other notable companies with a presence include McDonald’s, ALDI, Lowe’s Home Improvement, and CVS Health.
Employment and Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Bloomfield township, NJ, was recorded at 10.8% in 2020. More recent data for New Jersey indicates an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of March 2026, which is slightly higher than the U.S. national average. The state’s unemployment rate has seen a gradual increase, with projections suggesting it may rise further before stabilizing in the longer term. Essex County, where Bloomfield is located, had an unemployment rate of 6.9% in July 2025.
Climate and Environment
Bloomfield experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid, and wet summers, and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 24°F to 85°F throughout the year, with rare excursions below 11°F or above 93°F. The hottest month is July, with average highs around 85°F and lows of 68°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 25°F and highs of 39°F.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Bloomfield. April typically sees the most rain, averaging 3.7 inches, while February has the least, with about 2.0 inches. Seasonal variations are present, with summer being hotter and drier than normal, and winter experiencing above-normal temperatures but below-normal precipitation and snowfall.
Education and Demographics
Bloomfield’s public school system includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Oak View Elementary School, Brookdale Elementary School, and Franklin Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the district. The Bloomfield Township School District has an overall Niche grade of B+, serving approximately 6,468 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. The district’s math proficiency is at 37%, and reading proficiency is at 55%, with some schools showing strong performance while others face challenges.
The demographic makeup of Bloomfield is diverse. As of recent data, the population is approximately 37,302 residents. The racial composition includes about 42.6% Caucasian, 16.2% African American, and 9.5% Asian residents, with a significant portion identifying with two or more races. The median age is around 38 years old, with a balanced gender distribution. The population is growing, with an increase of nearly 8% since the 2020 census.