Sussex
New Jersey

What stands out

Against every county in America, Sussex County is unusual in three ways: the property tax rate is among the highest in America (2.60%), the median household income is in the top 2% of American counties ($111,094), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the top 3% of American counties ($1,614 a month). Within New Jersey it ranks 7th of 21 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Sussex County, New Jersey. 144,808 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +392).

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation, averaging more than $9,000 a year per home, and a graduated income tax reaching 10.75% above $1 million. It repealed its estate tax in 2018 but kept an inheritance tax on non-family heirs. Social Security is not taxed, and retirement income up to $100,000 is excluded for many couples. The whole state is within commuting range of New York or Philadelphia.

Money

The typical household here brings in $111,094 a year, higher than 98% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $58,693. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 60% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 32 minutes each way.

New Jersey takes 4.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,950 a year.

Home

The median home costs $446K, pricier than 90% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,614 a month. Property tax is 2.60% of home value, roughly $8,366 a year on that median home, higher than almost every county in America. 85% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 83% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 20 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.4 years, longer than 79% of American counties. There are 197 active physicians in the county, about 13.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 5.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.29 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 82% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 24 points. 80% of eligible voters turned out. Under New Jersey law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 60 and lows near 40, colder than 75% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 70 out of 100, riskier than 70% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 269 Mbps down, faster than 83% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 4 museums.