CountyScore

Cape May County

New Jersey · NJ

#1 in New Jersey
58.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Cape May County, New Jersey

Cape May County beats national livability

Cape May County's composite score of 59.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by over 9 points, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional tax efficiency and affordable housing for the region.

New Jersey's top livability performer

Cape May County scores 59.3, far outpacing New Jersey's state average of 45.0 and ranking as the best-performing county among the state's 21 counties. Its 14-point edge over the state average is the largest advantage in this group.

Taxes and housing costs are exceptional

Cape May County's tax score of 65.0 and cost score of 59.6 are its standout assets: the effective tax rate of 1.325% is the lowest in this group, and median rent of $1,345/month is among the most affordable. This combination creates significant household budget relief.

Income levels lag behind other strengths

The county's income score of 40.9 and median household income of $88,046 are moderate, reflecting a workforce that earns less than state and national norms. Safety, health, and school data remain unavailable, but the strong tax and housing fundamentals provide a solid foundation.

Ideal for retirees and modest earners

Cape May County is perfect for retirees, remote workers, and those prioritizing tax savings and housing affordability over high local incomes. It's the best choice in this group for lifestyle-focused residents who can live on moderate earnings.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax65Cost59.6SafetyComing SoonHealth74.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.9Risk9WaterComing Soon
🏛65
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cape May County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fairbanks North Star Borough
Alaska
58.9
Median income: $84,722
Howard County
Maryland
58.9
Median income: $146,982
Washtenaw County
Michigan
58.9
Median income: $87,156
Navarro County
Texas
58.9
Median income: $59,310
Chittenden County
Vermont
58.9
Median income: $94,310

Deep Dives

Cape May County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cape May County

via TaxByCounty

Cape May's tax rates run remarkably low

Cape May County boasts an effective tax rate of just 1.325%—among the lowest in America and well below the national median of 1.56%. Despite homes averaging $395,000 (40% above national average), residents pay only $5,233 annually in property taxes, making it extraordinarily tax-efficient.

New Jersey's most tax-friendly county

Cape May's 1.325% effective rate is the lowest among all 21 New Jersey counties—40% below the state average of 2.211%. This exceptional advantage is a primary draw for retirees and wealthy homeowners seeking low-tax coastal living.

Dramatically lower than all peers

Cape May's 1.325% rate is half that of its nearest neighbor, Cumberland County (2.455%), and less than half Atlantic County (2.475%). This dramatic advantage makes Cape May the clear winner for tax-conscious property buyers in South Jersey.

Lowest taxes despite high home values

A Cape May homeowner with the median property value of $395,000 pays just $5,233 annually—an exceptionally low burden for such expensive real estate. This translates to roughly $436 monthly, making Cape May ideal for those prioritizing tax efficiency.

Even low rates benefit from appeals

While Cape May's low rate is attractive, homeowners should still verify assessments are accurate, as errors occur regardless of county tax levels. A property tax appeal could unlock additional savings, especially valuable in a county where every dollar counts.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cape May County

via CostByCounty

Cape May achieves rare affordability despite seasonal premium

Cape May County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% beats the national average of 18.5%, impressive considering the county's tourist-economy premium on housing. Median household income of $88,046 sits well above the national median of $74,755, allowing residents to absorb the $1,345 monthly rent typical of Jersey Shore communities.

Shore county ranks among New Jersey's most affordable

Cape May County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks better than New Jersey's 19.1% state average, despite being a seasonal coastal destination. The county's $1,345 median rent sits meaningfully below the state median of $1,577, offering unexpected affordability for a high-amenity shore county.

Comparable to Atlantic but with much pricier homes

Cape May's $1,345 rent nearly matches Atlantic County's $1,325, but Cape May's median home value of $395,000 runs $122,300 higher—reflecting the shore premium. Despite similar rental costs and comparable income levels, Cape May buyers face significantly steeper homeownership expenses than Atlantic County neighbors.

Renters find balance; buyers face shore country club fees

Cape May renters pay $1,345 monthly while homeowners average $1,588, a slim $243 difference uncommon in New Jersey—a reflection of the area's modest income level relative to home values. With $88,046 median household income, renters spend 18.3% on housing while homeowners reach 21.6%, a manageable gap.

Renters thrive at the Shore; buyers should negotiate carefully

If renting appeals, Cape May County delivers genuine affordability with ocean access and a tight-knit coastal community—a rare combination in New Jersey. Prospective homebuyers should note that the area's $395,000 median home prices reflect seasonal tourism demand, making it one of the state's pricier markets relative to local incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cape May County

via IncomeByCounty

Cape May surpasses national income levels

Cape May County's median household income of $88,046 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 17.8%, reflecting strong seasonal and year-round employment. The county's tourism and service sectors generate substantial income despite seasonal economic fluctuations.

Below state average, beach economy shows strength

Cape May's $88,046 income trails New Jersey's $100,891 state average by $12,845, though it outperforms several struggling South Jersey counties. The gap reflects seasonal employment challenges common to shore-dependent economies, yet the county maintains resilience through tourism and retirement migration.

Outearns Cumberland, matches Atlantic's strength

Cape May's $88,046 median substantially exceeds Cumberland County's $64,499 and closely tracks Atlantic County's $76,819. Among South Jersey counties, Cape May occupies a middle position, bolstered by affluent retirees and seasonal workers who boost median income figures.

Tourism economy supports affordable living

Cape May's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio is among the state's most favorable, allowing households to retain substantial discretionary income. The median home value of $395,000 reflects the county's desirability as a coastal destination—requiring roughly 4.5 years of gross income, but achievable for dual-income households.

Seasonal income requires year-round planning

Cape May households should build 9–12 months of emergency reserves given seasonal employment patterns common to shore communities. Consistent maxing of retirement accounts during peak earnings months and diversifying income sources creates stability and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cape May County

via HealthByCounty

Cape May County modestly outpaces nation

At 76.6 years, Cape May County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 by half a year but lags New Jersey's state average of 78.5 by 1.9 years. With 15.1% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits slightly below state averages, reflecting challenges common to older, coastal populations.

Below-average health rank in state

Cape May County ranks in the lower third of New Jersey counties for life expectancy at 76.6 years, 1.9 years below the state average. Its 15.1% poor/fair health rate reflects an aging population and economic transitions affecting the seasonal shore community.

Healthier than Atlantic, less than Gloucester

Cape May County's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Atlantic County (75.7) but trails Gloucester County (77.1) and much farther behind Burlington County (78.9). With only 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county faces geographic and provider access challenges compared to more densely-served regions.

1 in 13 residents uninsured

An estimated 7.7% of Cape May County residents lack health insurance, slightly above the state average of 7.5%, affecting access to care for roughly 8,000 people. The county's limited primary care network of 53 providers per 100,000 compounds coverage gaps, especially for preventive services.

Secure affordable health coverage

If you're uninsured in Cape May County, NJ's marketplace offers plans year-round with income-based financial assistance. Call 1-855-877-NJ-HELP or visit NJ.gov/HealthCoverage to explore options that fit your family's budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cape May County

via RiskByCounty

Cape May County: moderate coastal risk

Cape May County registers a composite risk score of 91.03, placing it near the national average with a relatively moderate overall disaster risk profile. The score reflects primarily coastal hazards concentrated in this peninsula county.

Cape May near New Jersey's average

At 91.03, Cape May County sits just slightly above New Jersey's state average of 90.81, making it one of the state's least-risk counties. This makes Cape May relatively lower-risk compared to most other New Jersey communities.

Cape May: lower risk than neighbors

Cape May County (91.03) has substantially lower risk than Atlantic County (92.97) to the north and Cumberland County (82.57) to the west. Despite being lower-risk statewide, Cape May's coastal location still exposes it to significant flood and hurricane threats.

Cape May's primary hazards

Flood risk dominates at 99.40, making Cape May one of the state's most flood-vulnerable counties due to its coastal and low-lying geography. Hurricane risk (93.12) and wildfire risk (86.42) pose secondary but meaningful threats, while tornado risk (38.30) is comparatively lower.

Essential coverage for Cape May

Flood insurance is absolutely critical in Cape May County, where the 99.40 flood risk score reflects extreme coastal vulnerability to storm surge and inundation. Homeowners should also ensure comprehensive hurricane coverage through their standard policy or supplemental protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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