Is Little Ferry Safe, Pros and cons of living in Little Ferry
Little Ferry, a borough nestled in Bergen County, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban centers. Its history is rooted in the Lenape Nation and early Dutch settlements, evolving from an agricultural area to a more industrialized community. Today, it is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to major highways, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between a close-knit community and metropolitan opportunities.
The borough’s population is diverse, with a significant percentage of residents born outside the United States, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. This diversity is reflected in its community life and local businesses. Little Ferry’s strategic location provides residents with the best of both worlds: a peaceful hometown feel coupled with the dynamic energy of nearby New York City and other New Jersey hubs.
Is it Safe to Live in Little Ferry?
Little Ferry generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is reported to be lower than both the state and national averages. Specifically, violent crime rates are notably below the national average, suggesting a lower incidence of serious offenses.
Property crime rates also tend to be lower than the national average. While crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas considered safer than others, the general trend indicates a secure living environment. The borough’s safety record contributes to its appeal as a residential location.
Crime Statistics
The violent crime rate in Little Ferry is reported at 2.185 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This rate is lower than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime being 1 in 688 in the southwest neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of property crime being 1 in 169 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Neighborhood Safety
Residents often consider the southwest part of Little Ferry to be the safest area within the borough. Crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood, with chances of being a victim ranging from 1 in 36 in the southeast to 1 in 63 in the southwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The northeast parts of Little Ferry tend to see more incidents, while the southwest has the fewest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Little Ferry
The cost of living in Little Ferry is higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. Bergen County, where Little Ferry is located, has a cost of living index of 119.3, meaning prices are about 19.3% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale and AreaVibes).
While overall expenses are elevated, a family of four in Bergen County would need to earn approximately $131,215 annually to cover living costs (as reported by the Economic Policy Institute). This figure, though substantial, is noted as being lower than the cost of living in New York City.
Housing Costs
Housing expenses in Little Ferry are significantly higher than the national average, by about 80% (as reported by Payscale). The median rent for an apartment in Little Ferry is approximately $1,725 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), with median home values around $389,800 (as reported by Kurby AI). Other sources indicate a median listing price of $500K and a median rent of $2.5K per month (as reported by Redfin).
Utilities and Transportation
Utility prices in Little Ferry are slightly higher than the national average, by about 4% (as reported by Payscale). Similarly, transportation expenses, including bus fares and gas prices, are also around 4% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Little Ferry’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with health care and social assistance, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade being the largest sectors (as reported by DataUSA). A significant portion of jobs also fall into sales and transportation occupations.
While specific unemployment rate data for Little Ferry is not readily available, the broader New Jersey unemployment rate was 5% as of July (as reported by NJ Patch). The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area, which includes Little Ferry, had an unemployment rate of 4.4% in March 2025 (as reported by CareerOneStop).
Major Employers
Key employers in and around Little Ferry include Hackensack Meridian Health, a large healthcare system, and Quest Diagnostics (as reported by Hiring Solutions Group and Bergen County Corporate Community). Other significant employers and businesses in the area include H Mart, a supermarket chain, and various retail and service establishments like McDonald’s and Starbucks (as reported by Indeed and Lensa).
Salaries and Wages
The average salary in Little Ferry is reported to be around $93,000 per year, with an average hourly rate of $24.99 (as reported by Payscale). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $85,750 (as reported by Zillow) and a median income of $72,722 (as reported by Kurby AI). The median wage is reported as $50.6K/yr (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Little Ferry experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 12°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and AccuWeather).
The borough receives an average annual precipitation of 48 inches, with snowfall averaging around 30 inches. July is typically the wettest month, while January sees the least amount of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Seasonal Temperatures
Summers in Little Ferry are warm, with average daily high temperatures above 76°F from June to September. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 85°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with average daily high temperatures below 48°F from December to March. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 26°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Snowfall
The wet season lasts from late March to late August, with July having the most days with precipitation. The drier season spans from late August to late March. Snowfall is common during the winter months, with February typically seeing the most snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Little Ferry
Little Ferry is served by the Little Ferry Public School District, which operates two schools: Washington Elementary School and Memorial Middle School. The district serves approximately 798 students across these two institutions (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger).
The student-teacher ratio in the district is 12 to 1, which is close to the state average. However, the district’s average math proficiency is 35% and reading proficiency is 47%, both slightly below the New Jersey statewide averages (as reported by Niche).
School Performance
Memorial Middle School has shown strong performance in specific areas, such as the NJSLA Algebra I exam, with 80% of students scoring proficient, significantly higher than the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger). Washington Elementary School, while facing some challenges, has seen good performance in English Language Arts, with 55% of 4th graders scoring proficient (as reported by SchoolDigger).
Student Demographics
The student body in Little Ferry’s public schools is diverse, with a minority enrollment of 75%, which is higher than the New Jersey average. Hispanic students form the majority within this diverse population (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Little Ferry
Little Ferry is a diverse borough with a population of approximately 10,987 residents as of the most recent census data (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in the borough is around 41.5 years (as reported by Wikipedia), with a slightly older median age of 44.6 years noted in other recent estimates (as reported by Zillow).
The racial makeup of Little Ferry is varied, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Asian, Hispanic, and other racial categories. This diverse population contributes to the unique character of the community.
Population and Age Distribution
As of the 2020 census, Little Ferry had a population of 10,987 (as reported by Wikipedia). Recent estimates suggest a slight increase, with the population around 11,228 in 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the adult working-age brackets, with about 18.1% of residents aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The borough’s population is composed of approximately 41.3% White, 20.7% Asian, and 38% Hispanic residents, with smaller percentages of African American and other racial groups (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche). This demographic composition highlights the multicultural environment of Little Ferry.
Household Income and Poverty
The median household income in Little Ferry is approximately $85,750 (as reported by Zillow), with a poverty rate of 6.32% (as reported by Zillow). The median income for families is higher, reflecting a generally stable economic environment for many households (as reported by Wikipedia).
Housing Market Trends
Little Ferry’s housing market is characterized by a stable pricing level and a robust rental market. The median listing price for homes is around $500,000, indicating a consistent demand from buyers (as reported by Redfin). The market is currently considered a buyer’s market, suggesting that the supply of homes is greater than the demand.
The rental market shows strong demand, with a median rent of approximately $2,500 per month (as reported by Redfin). Year-over-year rent growth is notable, which benefits landlords but may present affordability considerations for renters.
Home Prices and Values
The median home value in Little Ferry is around $389,800 (as reported by Kurby AI), with a median listing price of $500,000 (as reported by Redfin). While prices can fluctuate, these figures provide a general idea of the real estate landscape in the borough.
Rental Market Dynamics
The median rent in Little Ferry is approximately $2,500 per month (as reported by Redfin), and this figure has seen an increase of 21.95% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). This upward trend in rental prices reflects the ongoing demand for housing in the area.
Pros and Cons of Living in Little Ferry
Little Ferry offers a compelling mix of advantages for potential residents, including its safe environment and diverse community. The borough’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, and violent crime is particularly low, contributing to a sense of security. Its strategic location provides convenient access to major employment centers and urban amenities.
However, the cost of living, especially housing, is higher than the national average, which could be a significant consideration for some. While salaries are generally competitive, the elevated cost of living may impact affordability. The local schools, while serving a diverse student population, show average proficiency scores below the state average.
Advantages
The primary advantages of living in Little Ferry include its relatively low crime rates, especially for violent crimes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). The community is diverse and offers a family-friendly atmosphere (as reported by Little Ferry NJ). Its proximity to New York City and major highways facilitates commuting and access to broader opportunities.
Disadvantages
The main drawbacks include a higher-than-average cost of living, particularly for housing (as reported by Payscale). While salaries are decent, the cost of living can make it challenging for some residents. Additionally, the public schools’ test scores are somewhat below the state average (as reported by Niche).