Schools consume a growing share of property tax dollars across New Jersey. While municipalities statewide spent an average of 52 percent on education in 2024, some towns dedicate far more.
The following towns rank from the lowest to the highest percentage of property taxes going to schools:
- Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County – Schools account for 72% of property taxes. Average 2024 bill: $10,731.
- Alexandria, Hunterdon County – Schools account for 72.4% of property taxes. Average bill: $11,711.
- Chesterfield, Burlington County – Schools account for 72.6% of property taxes. Average bill: $12,808.
- Millstone Township, Monmouth County – Schools account for 73.2% of property taxes. Average bill: $12,111.
- Farmingdale, Monmouth County – Schools account for 73.4% of property taxes. Average bill: $8,694.
- Upper Freehold, Monmouth County – Schools account for 74.4% of property taxes. Average bill: $13,658.
- Washington Township, Burlington County – Schools account for 74.9% of property taxes. Average 2024 bill: $4,945.
- Woodland, Burlington County – Schools account for 75% of property taxes. Average bill: $7,477.
- Holland, Hunterdon County – Schools account for 78.1% of property taxes. Average bill: $9,467.
- Shamong, Burlington County – Schools account for 80.2% of property taxes. Municipal spending makes up just 3.7% of the total. Average 2024 bill: $9,943.
Residents in towns with rising property taxes may be eligible for relief. In Nutley, where homeowners will see a $369 increase in property taxes, with $241 of that going to schools, residents can apply for relif through programs such as PAS-1 or STAYNJ. Local officials cite increases in public safety, insurance, and school funding as key drivers of higher bills.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.