If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in a jury waiting room or trying to navigate the tangled web of suburban traffic in North Jersey, you’ve probably asked yourself: hackensack is in what county? It’s a fair question. The town has such a massive footprint on the local culture that it feels like its own entity entirely.
The short answer is easy. Hackensack is in Bergen County.
But that’s just the surface. Hackensack isn't just "in" the county; it is the county seat of Bergen County. This means it’s the legal, political, and historical heart of one of the wealthiest and most populous counties in the United States. If you’re dealing with the sheriff’s office, the court system, or the county clerk, you’re coming here.
Why the Location Matters So Much
Honestly, people get confused because Hackensack feels like a city, but it's surrounded by a sea of boroughs. Bergen County is famous—or maybe infamous—for having 70 different municipalities. Most of these are tiny, quiet towns with names like Maywood, River Edge, or Lodi.
Then there’s Hackensack.
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It’s got the high-rises. It’s got the massive Hackensack University Medical Center. It has a vibe that’s way more "urban-lite" than its neighbors. Because it serves as the judicial hub, the daytime population swells as lawyers, judges, and citizens pour into the downtown area. This gives the city a rhythmic pulse that most suburban New Jersey towns just don’t have.
A Quick Trip Back in Time
Hackensack wasn’t always called Hackensack. For a long time, it was officially New Barbadoes Township. It wasn’t until 1921 that the residents finally decided to embrace the name everyone was using anyway and officially became the City of Hackensack.
The name itself comes from the Lenni Lenape word Ackingsah-sack, which basically means "mouth of a river." It makes sense once you see how the city hugs the Hackensack River.
Historically, this place was a big deal during the American Revolution. George Washington actually retreated through here in 1776. There’s a spot called the Green right in the center of town where his troops camped out. If you walk by the First Dutch Reformed Church (built in 1696!), you’re looking at the oldest building in Bergen County.
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Hackensack Is In What County? Understanding the Bergen Lifestyle
Living in Bergen County usually means two things: high property taxes and proximity to Manhattan. Hackensack sits roughly 12 miles from Midtown. That’s a dream for commuters, but it also creates a unique local economy.
What is it actually like to live here in 2026?
- Diverse Housing: You’ve got everything from million-dollar "stately" homes on the Hill to sleek new luxury apartments downtown like The Vue.
- The Food Scene: You cannot talk about this city without mentioning White Manna. It’s a tiny sliding joint that people travel from all over the state to visit. But beyond the burgers, Main Street is a literal world tour of food—Argentinian, Colombian, Italian, and some of the best Thai you’ll ever eat.
- The Shops at Riverside: If you want high-end shopping (think Louis Vuitton or Tiffany & Co.), you head to the northern edge of the city.
The population is currently hovering around 46,630 people. It’s growing, too. While other parts of New Jersey are stagnant, Hackensack is in the middle of a massive "Renaissance." They are tearing down old parking lots and putting up massive mixed-use buildings that combine apartments with ground-floor retail. It’s changing the skyline fast.
Common Misconceptions About Hackensack
One thing people often get wrong is thinking Hackensack is part of Hudson County. It’s an easy mistake to make because of the "urban" feel and the fact that it’s so close to Jersey City or Hoboken. But nope, it’s firmly Bergen.
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Another weird quirk? South Hackensack. You’d think South Hackensack is just the southern part of the city. It’s not. It’s a completely separate municipality. In fact, South Hackensack is split into three non-contiguous "islands" of land. It’s one of those bizarre New Jersey geography facts that keeps mail carriers awake at night.
Navigating the County Seat
Since Hackensack is the seat of Bergen County, the traffic around the Justice Center on Main Street can be a nightmare. If you have to go there for jury duty, here’s a pro tip: don't rely on finding street parking. Use the parking garages.
The city is also a major transportation hub. Between the Bus Terminal and the two train stations (Essex Street and Anderson Street), you can get almost anywhere. It’s one of the few places in Bergen County where you can reasonably survive without a car, though most people still have one.
Actionable Insights for Visitors and Residents
If you are heading into town or thinking about moving to the county seat, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Calendar: The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) has become a legitimate cultural powerhouse. They host everything from jazz nights to professional theater.
- Explore the Parks: Everyone knows the malls, but Hackensack River County Park offers some of the best bird-watching and walking trails in the region.
- The Medical Hub: Hackensack University Medical Center is one of the largest employers in the state. If you’re looking for work in healthcare, this is the place to be.
- Blue Laws: This is a big one. Bergen County still has Blue Laws. This means that on Sundays, most retail stores (including those at the big malls) are closed. You can buy food and gas, but you aren't buying a new TV or a pair of jeans on a Sunday in Hackensack.
Knowing that hackensack is in what county is really just the beginning of understanding this place. It’s a city that manages to be both a historic colonial outpost and a modern, bustling urban center all at once. Whether you're there for the history, the sliders, or a court date, it's a place that defines the Bergen County experience.
For the most up-to-date transit schedules or to check for local events at the Green, visit the official City of Hackensack website or follow the Downtown Hackensack Business Development District for the latest on new restaurant openings.