countyscore
31.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.7Schools 74.5Weather & Climate 64.7

County Report Card

About Atlantic County, New Jersey

Falling short of the national median

Atlantic County earns a composite score of 31.8, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a challenging balance between high income levels and significant cost-of-living burdens.

Lagging behind New Jersey averages

The county's overall score sits significantly lower than the New Jersey state average of 41.4. While its income levels are competitive, other metrics pull its state ranking toward the bottom third.

High incomes and strong schools

Atlantic County excels in household earnings with an income score of 79.7, supported by a median household income of $76,819. Local schools also perform well, earning a robust 74.5 score.

Significant tax and safety hurdles

The county faces a steep tax burden with a tax score of just 0.8 and an effective tax rate of 2.475%. Safety and environmental risk scores also remain low, both falling below 10.0.

A choice for established professionals

Atlantic County best suits high-earning professionals who prioritize quality education and can navigate a high-tax environment. Families will appreciate the school system, provided they can manage the elevated local costs.

Score breakdown

Tax0.8Cost8.3Safety9.4Health60.1Schools74.5Income79.7Risk7Water59.9Weather64.7
🏛0.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Cape May County
New Jersey
38.9
Cumberland County
New Jersey
25.4
Ocean County
New Jersey
47.4
Burlington County
New Jersey
46.6
Camden County
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Gloucester County
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Salem County
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Philadelphia County
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Deep Dives

Atlantic County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Atlantic County

via TaxByCounty

Atlantic taxes run high nationally

Atlantic County's effective tax rate of 2.475% sits well above the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the top 25% of counties nationwide. While the median home here ($272,700) is slightly cheaper than the national average ($281,900), residents pay $6,749 annually—2.5 times more than the typical American homeowner.

Middle of the pack in New Jersey

Atlantic County's 2.475% effective rate ranks in the middle tier among New Jersey's 21 counties—higher than the state average of 2.211% but lower than the highest-taxed counties. The median annual tax of $6,749 is below the state median of $8,512, reflecting Atlantic's more modest home values.

Slightly above regional peers

Compared to neighboring Cape May County (1.325%) and Cumberland County (2.455%), Atlantic's tax burden is moderate. However, it's notably lower than Camden County (3.075%), which sits just inland and taxes at a significantly higher rate despite similar home values.

Your annual tax bill here

A homeowner with Atlantic County's median-valued property ($272,700) pays approximately $6,749 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure ticks up slightly to $6,830, adding roughly $570 monthly to housing costs.

You might be overassessed

Many Atlantic County homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value. Filing a tax appeal—free or low-cost through county assessment offices—can uncover errors and reduce your annual bill by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Atlantic County

via CostByCounty

Atlantic County's rent burden tops nation

Atlantic County residents spend 20.7% of household income on rent, well above the national average of 18.5%. While the county's median household income of $76,819 slightly exceeds the national median of $74,755, housing costs consume a larger share of earnings here than in most U.S. counties.

Middle-of-the-road affordability in New Jersey

Atlantic County ranks in the middle tier among New Jersey's 21 counties for rental affordability, with a 20.7% rent-to-income ratio slightly higher than the state average of 19.1%. The county's median rent of $1,325 sits well below the statewide average of $1,577, offering some relief compared to northern New Jersey.

More affordable than Cape May, pricier than Cumberland

Atlantic County's $1,325 median rent falls between its southern neighbors: Cape May County renters pay $1,345 monthly, while Cumberland County averages just $1,254. Compared to nearby Burlington County's $1,669, Atlantic offers noticeably cheaper housing while maintaining similar income levels.

Rent or own? Atlantic County costs diverge

Renters in Atlantic County face $1,325 monthly payments versus homeowners paying $1,675 monthly, creating a $350 gap. With median household income at $76,819, housing costs consume roughly 21-26% of income depending on tenure—a squeeze that leaves limited room for other expenses.

Consider Atlantic for better beach access and affordability

If you're weighing South Jersey options, Atlantic County delivers below-state-average rents paired with solid median income, making it competitive for renters and moderate-income buyers. The county's lower home values ($272,700) compared to Bergen ($593,200) or Essex ($494,400) offer an exit ramp from New Jersey's steepest coastal markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Atlantic County

via IncomeByCounty

Atlantic tops the national average

Atlantic County's median household income of $76,819 edges out the national median of $74,755—a solid 2.8% advantage. This places Atlantic above half of all U.S. counties, a meaningful achievement in an era of stagnant wage growth across much of America.

Middle of the pack statewide

While Atlantic exceeds the national average, its $76,819 median income falls below New Jersey's $100,891 state average by $24,072. Among New Jersey's 21 counties, Atlantic ranks in the lower-middle tier, reflecting the state's significant income inequality.

Stronger than Cumberland, trailing Burlington

Atlantic's median income of $76,819 substantially outpaces Cumberland County ($64,499) and Essex County ($76,712), but lags behind the more affluent Burlington County ($105,271) and Gloucester County ($102,807). The variation within the region underscores diverse economic conditions across South Jersey.

Rent is manageable, home buying is tight

Atlantic's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters keep most wages for other needs. However, the median home value of $272,700 requires significant savings—roughly 3.5 years of gross household income—making homeownership a long-term goal rather than an immediate prospect.

Build wealth through consistent saving

With income above the national median, Atlantic households have a foundation for financial growth. Starting early with retirement contributions, diversified investments, and an emergency fund of 6 months' expenses positions families to weather downturns and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Atlantic County

via CrimeByCounty

Atlantic County Crime Above National Average

Atlantic County reports a total crime rate of 2,837.4 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this higher activity, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 95.5.

Safety Score Trails State Average

The county's safety score of 95.5 sits below the New Jersey state average of 97.6. Data from 21 reporting agencies shows that local crime rates are significantly higher than the statewide average of 1,525.9 per 100,000.

Comparing Safety with Southern Neighbors

Atlantic's crime rate of 2,837.4 per 100K is higher than neighboring Cape May (2,481.8) and Cumberland (2,671.5). These figures highlight Atlantic as a more active area for crime within the South Jersey region.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crimes make up the majority of incidents at 2,475.4 per 100K, while violent crime remains at 362.0. This violent crime rate is slightly lower than the national average of 369.8 per 100,000 residents.

Prioritize Home Security and Awareness

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should invest in robust security systems and motion-sensor lighting. Staying connected with local neighborhood watch groups further enhances community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Atlantic County

via HealthByCounty

Atlantic County lags national health

At 75.7 years, Atlantic County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by half a year—and falls 2.8 years below New Jersey's state average of 78.5. One in six residents report poor or fair health, a rate above the national norm, signaling persistent health challenges across the county.

Middle of the pack in New Jersey

Atlantic County ranks in the lower half of New Jersey counties for life expectancy, sitting 2.8 years below the state average. Its 16.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds most county peers, reflecting both aging demographics and economic pressures that affect overall wellness.

Struggling next to stronger neighbors

Atlantic County's 75.7-year life expectancy falls short of nearby Cape May County (76.6 years) and significantly behind Bergen County across the state (81.9 years). With 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Atlantic has fewer doctors than Camden County (99) but comparable mental health support at 230 providers per 100K.

Nearly 1 in 10 lack health insurance

An estimated 8.7% of Atlantic County residents are uninsured, above the state average of 7.5%, meaning roughly 28,000 people lack coverage. While the county maintains 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, gaps in coverage create barriers for many seeking routine and preventive care.

Find affordable coverage now

If you're among the uninsured in Atlantic County, New Jersey's marketplace offers subsidized plans year-round. Visit NJ.gov/HealthCoverage or call 1-855-877-NJ-HELP to explore options tailored to your income and family size.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Atlantic County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Coastal Education Infrastructure

Atlantic County supports 42,193 students across 77 public schools and 28 distinct districts. The network includes a mix of 43 elementary, 15 middle, and 14 high schools serving diverse coastal and inland communities.

Solid Performance Exceeding National Standards

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87.0% but trailing slightly behind the New Jersey state average of 91.4%. Local districts invest $13,823 per pupil, which is higher than both the state and national spending benchmarks.

Spotlight on Regional Powerhouses

Egg Harbor Township is the county's largest district, educating 7,473 students, followed closely by Atlantic City School District with 6,346 pupils. While traditional districts dominate, three charter schools offer alternative options to 3.9% of the local student population.

From Suburban Campuses to Rural Classrooms

Most schools sit in suburban settings, though 14 rural and 10 city schools create a varied educational landscape. Schools average 570 students, ranging from massive hubs like the 2,335-student Egg Harbor Township High School to smaller neighborhood primaries.

Education Drives Local Real Estate

With a strong school score of 68.3, education quality remains a primary motivator for families moving to the area. Explore homes near top-rated facilities like the Atlantic County Institute of Technology to secure a future in this high-performing region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Atlantic County

via RiskByCounty

Atlantic County's moderate risk profile

Atlantic County scores 92.97 on the composite risk scale, placing it slightly above the national average and marking it as relatively moderate in overall disaster risk. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly coastal and water-related threats that define much of the county's geography.

Ranking among New Jersey counties

At 92.97, Atlantic County exceeds New Jersey's state average composite risk score of 90.81, putting it in the middle-to-upper tier of risk exposure statewide. The county faces higher-than-average vulnerability compared to many inland New Jersey communities.

How Atlantic compares nearby

Atlantic County's risk profile sits between Cape May County (91.03) to the south and Burlington County (93.61) to the north, making it a moderate risk zone along New Jersey's shore. All three counties share substantial flood and hurricane exposure, though Atlantic's wildfire risk (94.31) is notably higher than Cape May's.

Atlantic's top three hazards

Hurricane risk dominates at 95.79, making Atlantic one of New Jersey's most vulnerable counties for major storms and coastal surge. Flood risk (96.20) and wildfire risk (94.31) round out the top threats, each posing significant seasonal challenges across different parts of the county.

Insurance for Atlantic County homeowners

Homeowners and renters in Atlantic County should prioritize flood insurance, which is critical given the 96.20 flood risk score and is often excluded from standard policies. Consider also reviewing coverage for hurricane damage and wind, which affect coastal and inland properties alike.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Atlantic County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Coastal Temperate Zone

With an average annual temperature of 54.9°F, Atlantic County sits nearly two degrees warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate is influenced heavily by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Warmer Than the Jersey Average

The county's 54.9°F annual average exceeds the New Jersey state average of 53.6°F. It ranks among the warmer southern counties, benefiting from coastal air that buffers against the state's interior chills.

Atlantic vs Its Regional Neighbors

Atlantic County matches Gloucester's 54.9°F average exactly, making them climate twins in the region. However, it stays slightly warmer than Burlington County's 54.8°F mark.

Sun, Snow, and Shore Heat

Summer brings an average of 21 days where temperatures top 90°F, while winters remain relatively mild with 19.5 inches of annual snowfall. The July average reaches a balmy 76.4°F, perfect for the tourism-driven shore economy.

Coastal Humidity and Winter Prep

Residents should maintain HVAC systems to handle high summer humidity and 21 extreme heat days. While snowfall is moderate at 19.5 inches, coastal wind speeds often make winter storms feel more intense.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Atlantic County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Coastal Soils Define the Landscape

Atlantic County's soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.18, though it sits well above the state average of 4.24. While still more acidic than the national median of 6.5, these coastal soils reflect the unique chemistry of the South Jersey region.

Sand Dominates the County Profile

The ground here is dominated by sand, which makes up 66.5% of the soil profile. This high sand content ensures excellent workability but means the soil struggles to hold onto water and essential nutrients compared to siltier regions.

High Organic Matter with Quick Drainage

Organic matter is a high point at 14.19%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0% but falling slightly behind the state average. However, a low available water capacity of 0.116 in/in means plants may need more frequent watering during dry spells.

Managing Saturated Soil Conditions

Much of the county features subaqueous drainage and belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates when saturated. These conditions present significant challenges for traditional building and require specialized management for agricultural use.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7b

Gardeners in hardiness zone 7b can take advantage of long growing seasons to cultivate blueberries and cranberries, which thrive in acidic, sandy environments. Start your coastal garden today by selecting native plants that love the unique Pinelands-style soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Atlantic County

via LawnByCounty

A Coastal Edge in Lawn Maintenance

Atlantic County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 60.3, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 48.0. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, homeowners benefit from a climate that supports a wide variety of cool-season and transition-zone grasses.

Consistent Rain and Moderate Heat

The county receives 46.9 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. With 21 extreme heat days per year and 3,629 growing degree days, lawns here require regular mowing from April through October.

Managing Sandy, Acidic Coastal Soils

The soil foundation is 66.5% sand with a very acidic pH of 5.18, falling well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the subaqueous drainage presents unique challenges, most residents will need significant lime applications to balance the acidity for nutrient uptake.

Navigating Twenty Weeks of Drought

Over the past year, the county endured 20 weeks in drought conditions, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. Gardeners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to build root resilience against these dry spells.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this zone, especially when seeded after the last spring frost on April 18. Aim to establish new growth before the first fall frost arrives around October 29 to ensure a lush, winter-ready lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atlantic County's county score?
Atlantic County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 31.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Atlantic County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Atlantic County ranks #19 among all counties in New Jersey on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Atlantic County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Atlantic County is $6,749, with an effective tax rate of 2.47%. This earns Atlantic County a tax score of 0.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Atlantic County?
The median household income in Atlantic County, New Jersey is $76,819 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Atlantic County earns an income score of 79.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Atlantic County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Atlantic County scores 31.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Atlantic County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Atlantic County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.