32.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.7Schools 67.7Weather & Climate 63.8

County Report Card

About Camden County, New Jersey

Struggling against national medians

Camden County scores 32.1 overall, falling notably below the national median of 50.0. While incomes remain relatively high, other livability factors create downward pressure on the score.

Trailing the New Jersey average

The county's 32.1 score sits below the New Jersey average of 41.4. It faces specific regional challenges that differentiate it from its higher-scoring neighbors like Burlington.

Strong income and education levels

The county maintains a robust income score of 89.7, with residents earning a median of $86,384 annually. School systems also provide a solid foundation with a score of 67.7.

Severe tax and safety pressures

Camden faces a tax score of 0.0, driven by a high 3.075% effective tax rate. Safety also remains a concern, with a score of 12.3 that trails much of the state.

A hub for high-earning commuters

Camden County suits professionals who work in nearby urban centers and value high earning potential. Residents must be prepared for some of the highest property tax rates in the country.

Score breakdown

Tax0Cost7.5Safety12.3Health63.6Schools67.7Income89.7Risk6.8Water57.5Weather63.8
🏛0
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠7.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼89.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡12.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
63.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓67.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
6.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧57.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤63.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨39.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱31.5
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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Deep Dives

Camden County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Camden County

via TaxByCounty

Camden taxes rank among nation's highest

Camden County's effective tax rate of 3.075% places it in the top 5% of counties nationally—far above the national median of 1.56%. Residents pay $8,063 annually on median-valued homes of $262,200, meaning the tax burden is nearly three times the national average.

Highest-taxed county in New Jersey

Camden County ranks as New Jersey's most heavily taxed county by effective rate at 3.075%—39% higher than the state average of 2.211%. This reflects both higher municipal costs and legacy funding structures that place substantial pressure on property owners.

Taxes significantly higher than region

Camden's 3.075% rate dramatically exceeds all neighbors: Burlington (2.419%), Gloucester (2.809%), Atlantic (2.475%), and even Cumberland (2.455%). Only among the highest-taxed counties statewide does Camden have peers, underscoring its unique fiscal position.

Your annual tax bill here

A Camden County homeowner with the median property value of $262,200 pays $8,063 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $8,164, meaning roughly $680 monthly flows to property taxes alone.

Assessment appeals are critical here

Given Camden's high tax burden, challenging inflated assessments becomes especially valuable—every percentage point of reduction saves real money. Many Camden homeowners have successfully reduced assessments through appeals, recovering thousands in annual tax savings that accumulate year after year.

Cost of Living in Camden County

via CostByCounty

Camden County beats national affordability standard

Camden County residents spend 18.7% of household income on rent, below the national average of 18.5%, despite earning modestly above the U.S. median. The county's median household income of $86,384 combined with $1,346 monthly rent creates one of New Jersey's most balanced housing markets.

Among New Jersey's most affordable counties overall

Camden County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks well within New Jersey's affordability sweet spot, beating the state average of 19.1%. At $1,346 monthly rent, Camden undercuts the statewide median of $1,577 while maintaining healthy median household income.

Undercuts Atlantic and Atlantic beats Burlington

Camden's $1,346 median rent falls $21 below Atlantic County's $1,325 while earning $9,555 more annually, creating superior affordability ratios. Burlington County's $1,669 rent and higher income (19.0% ratio) means Camden offers better entry-level rental accessibility for cost-conscious households.

Ownership reaches deeper into household budgets

Camden renters spend $1,346 monthly while homeowners pay $1,767, a $421 premium tied to $262,200 median home values. With median household income at $86,384, renters allocate 18.7% of earnings to housing versus homeowners at 24.5%—a meaningful jump in financial strain.

Camden offers South Jersey accessibility and affordability

Renters and modest-income buyers will find Camden County's low rent-to-income ratio and home values under $300,000 compelling compared to statewide options. The county's Philadelphia-adjacent location and below-average housing costs make it ideal for households prioritizing affordability without abandoning access to urban employment centers.

Income & Jobs in Camden County

via IncomeByCounty

Camden exceeds national income benchmarks

Camden County's median household income of $86,384 runs 15.5% ahead of the national median of $74,755, indicating above-average earning power. This position reflects Camden's urban and suburban mix with access to Philadelphia's regional job market.

Below state average, room for growth

Camden's $86,384 median income trails New Jersey's state average of $100,891 by $14,507, placing it in the lower-middle range statewide. The gap highlights income disparities across the state, with Camden experiencing slower wage growth than northern counties.

Competitive with Atlantic, behind Burlington

Camden's $86,384 income exceeds Atlantic ($76,819) and Essex ($76,712), but lags behind Burlington ($105,271) and Gloucester ($102,807). The variation reflects Camden's position as a transitional county between South Jersey's economic centers and struggling urban cores.

Rental affordability remains strong

Camden's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, preserving household cash flow for savings and essentials. The median home value of $262,200 requires roughly 3 years of gross income, positioning homeownership as achievable for families with modest down payments.

Strategic saving bridges the income gap

While Camden incomes lag the state average, households can build wealth through disciplined budgeting and consistent retirement contributions. Automating savings, leveraging employer matches, and investing in tax-advantaged accounts helps families close wealth gaps over time.

Safety in Camden County

via CrimeByCounty

Camden Exceeds National Crime Averages

Camden County reports 2,579.6 crimes per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This resulting safety score of 95.9 reflects a more active environment for law enforcement.

Safety Score Below New Jersey Average

The county's safety score of 95.9 trails the state average of 97.6. Data from 41 reporting agencies highlights that Camden's crime rate is significantly higher than the New Jersey average of 1,525.9 per 100,000.

Higher Crime Than Neighboring Counties

Camden's crime rate of 2,579.6 per 100K is substantially higher than neighbors Burlington (1,196.9) and Gloucester (1,648.9). This regional gap underscores the unique public safety challenges facing the county's urban centers.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime in Camden is 366.5 per 100K, nearly matching the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of local statistics, occurring at a rate of 2,213.1 per 100,000 residents.

Strengthen Your Home Defense Strategy

Homeowners should prioritize visible security measures like cameras and reinforced locks to deter property crime. Staying informed about local crime trends through agency reports can help residents stay proactive.

Health in Camden County

via HealthByCounty

Camden County faces health headwinds

At 76.2 years, Camden County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 by less than a year but falls 2.3 years short of New Jersey's 78.5-year state average. One in six residents (16.2%) report poor or fair health, placing the county below state wellness benchmarks.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Camden County ranks in the lower half of New Jersey counties for life expectancy at 76.2 years, 2.3 years below the state average. Its 16.2% poor/fair health rate reflects socioeconomic challenges and healthcare access gaps that affect overall population health.

Struggling next to healthier peers

Camden County's 76.2-year life expectancy lags nearby Gloucester County (77.1) and Burlington County (78.9), though it slightly edges Atlantic County (75.7). At 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Camden has solid primary care density but trails on mental health support at 402 providers per 100K.

Over 1 in 12 lack coverage

An estimated 8.4% of Camden County residents are uninsured, above New Jersey's 7.5% average, affecting roughly 43,000 people's access to care. While the county maintains 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, gaps in insurance coverage create barriers for preventive health services.

Get covered and stay healthy

If you're uninsured in Camden County, NJ's marketplace offers plans year-round with subsidies based on income. Visit NJ.gov/HealthCoverage or call 1-855-877-NJ-HELP to find affordable coverage that works for your budget.

Schools in Camden County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Urban-Suburban Network

Camden County hosts 156 public schools serving 81,925 students across 45 unique districts. The landscape is primarily elementary-focused with 90 schools, supported by a significant number of specialized and alternative programs.

Graduation Success and Fiscal Reality

At 88.1%, the county's graduation rate exceeds the national average of 87.0%, though it falls short of the high 91.4% New Jersey state average. Per-pupil expenditure is $12,416, which is lower than both state and national spending norms.

Major Districts and Charter Innovation

Cherry Hill School District is the county's largest traditional provider with 10,706 students across 19 schools. Innovation is a key theme here, as institutions like Camden's Promise Charter and Mastery Schools serve thousands of students outside the traditional district model.

Dynamic Mix of Suburban and City Schools

With 127 schools in suburbs and 24 in city centers, the county offers a varied educational feel. The average school size is 539 students, but large-scale campuses like Cherry Hill High School East enroll over 2,000 teenagers.

Invest Near High-Quality Schools

Camden County's school landscape offers diverse choices from high-performing suburban districts to innovative charter options. For those prioritizing school quality in their home search, the Cherry Hill area remains a perennial favorite for its established reputation.

Disaster Risk in Camden County

via RiskByCounty

Camden County: moderate risk above national

Camden County scores 93.23 on the composite risk scale, positioning it above the national average with a relatively moderate overall disaster risk rating. The county's score reflects balanced exposure across flood, tornado, and other significant hazards.

Camden above New Jersey's average

At 93.23, Camden County surpasses New Jersey's state average composite risk of 90.81, placing it in the upper-middle range of state risk exposure. This reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types across its diverse geography.

Camden in a high-risk cluster

Camden County (93.23) sits between Burlington County (93.61) to the north and Gloucester County (86.64) to the south, with substantially higher risk than its southern neighbor. All three counties face significant flood and wildfire risks.

Camden's dominant hazards

Flood risk (95.61) and tornado risk (84.83) are Camden's primary concerns, with earthquake risk (93.83) adding notable vulnerability across the county. Wildfire risk (86.26) and hurricane risk (88.53) round out a complex multi-hazard profile.

Protection strategies for Camden

Flood insurance should be a priority in Camden County, particularly given the 95.61 flood risk score and the prevalence of low-lying areas. Additionally, review your homeowners policy for tornado and earthquake coverage, as these are often excluded or limited in standard plans.

Weather & Climate in Camden County

via WeatherByCounty

A Humid and Wet Region

While annual temperature data is currently unavailable, Camden County records 48.1 inches of annual precipitation. This aligns with the wet, temperate patterns found across the American Northeast.

Matches the State Rainfall Average

Camden's 48.1 inches of annual precipitation matches the New Jersey state average exactly. This consistency ensures the county receives the standard rainfall typical of the Garden State.

Whiter Winters Than Its Neighbors

With 21.9 inches of annual snowfall, Camden gets nearly twice as much snow as neighboring Cumberland County. It shares a similar precipitation profile with the broader Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Snowy Winters with Wet Years

The county averages nearly 22 inches of snow each year, creating significant winter weather events. Though temperature data is limited, the high precipitation suggests a humid, active weather cycle year-round.

Focus on Rain and Snow

Residents should prioritize basement waterproofing and drainage given the 48.1 inches of annual rain. Winter preparations should include equipment to manage the nearly two feet of expected snowfall.

Soil Quality in Camden County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity Near the Delaware River

Camden County features an average pH of 5.00, placing it well above the state’s acidic average of 4.24. While still below the national median of 6.5, these soils provide a more neutral base than many of its neighbors.

Coarse Texture for Easy Workability

Sand dominates the profile at 69.5%, creating a very coarse texture that allows for rapid drainage. This mix makes the soil exceptionally easy to work, though it may require more frequent fertilization to offset the lack of silt.

Solid Foundation for Suburban Gardens

Organic matter levels of 7.05% easily beat the national average of 2.0%, though they sit below the New Jersey average. The available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is respectable, helping local plants survive the warmer summers of South Jersey.

Naturally Quick-Drying Suburban Soil

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are limited for the county, the high sand percentage indicates rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor their plots for quick drying, especially during the peak heat of July and August.

Perfect for Heat-Loving Summer Veggies

Located in hardiness zone 7b, Camden is ideal for heat-tolerant crops like peppers and tomatoes. Whether you have a backyard plot or a few containers, the long growing season offers plenty of time to harvest fresh produce.

Lawn Care in Camden County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Camden Turf

Camden County presents a difficult environment for lawns, with a score of 31.5 that is well below the state average of 48.0. Residents in this Zone 7b region must be more proactive with maintenance and soil health than those in almost any other part of the state.

Steady Rain Supports Growth

While specific temperature data is limited, the county receives a healthy 48.1 inches of precipitation annually. This consistent rainfall provides a necessary foundation for grass health, matching the state's average and falling within the ideal lawn range.

Navigating Sandy Soil Challenges

Camden's soil is 69.5% sand with a pH of 5.00, indicating a need for lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for grass. The high sand content means nutrients leach away quickly, requiring a steady, careful fertilization schedule to maintain color and density.

Combatting Persistent Dryness

The county has faced 31 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focusing on deep root development through high-mowing heights is a practical way to help your lawn survive these recurring dry periods.

Establishing a Resilient Lawn

In Zone 7b, choosing the right grass is critical; consider heat-tolerant fescues that can handleCamden's specific soil profile. While frost dates are unavailable, following general regional patterns for spring and fall seeding will help your lawn take hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Camden County's county score?
Camden County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 32.1 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 Camden County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Camden County ranks #18 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 Camden County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Camden County is $8,063, with an effective tax rate of 3.08%. This earns Camden County a tax score of 0/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Camden County?
The median household income in Camden County, New Jersey is $86,384 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Camden County earns an income score of 89.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Camden County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Camden County scores 32.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Camden 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 Camden County with other counties side by side.