25.4
County Score
Schools 61.7Weather & Climate 61.3Lawn Care 53.4

County Report Card

About Cumberland County, New Jersey

A significant national outlier

Cumberland County’s composite score of 25.3 is roughly half the national median of 50.0. It faces substantial challenges across health, safety, and economic dimensions compared to the rest of the country.

The lowest score in the region

At 25.3, Cumberland sits far below the New Jersey state average of 41.4. It ranks near the bottom of the state for several key livability metrics, including health and water quality.

Moderate schools and affordability

The county's strongest metric is its school score of 61.7. It also offers more relative affordability than its neighbors, with a cost score of 11.8 and median rents of $1,254.

Wide-ranging health and safety issues

Cumberland struggles with a low health score of 35.2 and a safety score of 11.3. Water quality is also a concern, with a score of 30.4, well below the state typical.

Best for budget-conscious locals

Cumberland County is best suited for those seeking the lowest housing costs in southern New Jersey who are comfortable with fewer community amenities. It requires a cautious approach to local health and environmental factors.

20406080100111.811.335.261.752.117.430.461.3Tax1Cost11.8Safety11.3Health35.2Schools61.7Income52.1Risk17.4Water30.4Weather61.325.4/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Cumberland County DNA

Foverall

How Cumberland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cumberland County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (1/100), though Schools (61.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1-51
Cost
11.8-36.2
Safety
11.3-43.7
Health
35.2-14.799999999999997
Schools
61.7
Income
52.1
Risk
17.4-29.6
Water
30.4-27.6
Weather
61.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$205,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,254/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,499/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Cumberland taxes above national average

Cumberland County's effective tax rate of 2.455% outpaces the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the top 25% of counties. With more modest home values ($205,600), residents pay $5,048 annually—nearly double the national median tax despite lower property values.

Above average among New Jersey counties

Cumberland's 2.455% effective rate sits above the state average of 2.211%, ranking Cumberland in the upper-middle tier of New Jersey's 21 counties. The median annual tax of $5,048 is well below the state median of $8,512, reflecting Cumberland's lower home values.

Moderate compared to South Jersey peers

Cumberland's 2.455% rate exceeds Cape May (1.325%) but falls below Atlantic (2.475%), Burlington (2.419%), and Camden (3.075%). Among rural South Jersey counties, Cumberland offers a middle-ground tax burden.

Affordable taxes on modest values

A Cumberland County homeowner with the median property value of $205,600 pays $5,048 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $5,183, representing roughly $432 monthly—affordable even for modest incomes.

Assessment errors still happen here

Even in lower-value properties, assessments can be inflated through comparable sales errors or outdated valuations. Filing an appeal costs little and can save Cumberland homeowners hundreds annually—significant on lower-priced homes where every dollar matters.

Cost of Living in Cumberland County

via CostByCounty

Cumberland County struggles with affordability pressure

Cumberland County residents spend 23.3% of household income on rent, significantly above the national average of 18.5% and among New Jersey's worst affordability ratios. The county's median household income of $64,499 falls 13.8% below the national median of $74,755, creating a squeeze where modest earnings meet substantial housing costs.

New Jersey's most unaffordable rental county

Cumberland County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst in New Jersey, towering above the state average of 19.1% by over 4 percentage points. With median household income the state's lowest, Cumberland residents face the steepest relative housing burden in the Garden State.

Cheapest rents mask deeper income crisis

Though Cumberland's $1,254 median rent is the lowest among South Jersey counties, the household income of $64,499 creates the worst affordability ratio in the region. Atlantic County's $76,819 income and Cape May's $88,046 income give those counties cushion; Cumberland lacks this safety net despite matching low rents.

Both renters and owners shoulder disproportionate burdens

Cumberland renters spend $1,254 monthly (23.3% of income) while homeowners pay $1,437 (26.7%)—two of New Jersey's highest burden rates. The county's median household income of $64,499 simply cannot comfortably absorb $15,000+ in annual housing costs.

Cumberland requires income stability and household support

Cumberland County's lowest home values ($205,600) and rents offer entry points for cost-conscious buyers, but median incomes here demand employment stability and household support systems. Families considering relocation should evaluate whether local job opportunities and salary potential justify the county's below-average income profile.

Income & Jobs in Cumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cumberland trails national income averages

Cumberland County's median household income of $64,499 falls 13.8% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's lower-income counties. This gap reflects limited job growth, agricultural dependence, and outmigration of higher-wage workers to surrounding regions.

New Jersey's income challenge

Cumberland's $64,499 median income is the lowest among New Jersey's major counties, trailing the state average of $100,891 by 36.1%. This substantial gap underscores Cumberland's economic distress and reflects systemic job market weaknesses that persist despite regional growth elsewhere in the state.

Significantly behind all surrounding counties

Cumberland's $64,499 median lags Atlantic ($76,819), Cape May ($88,046), and all other regional peers by wide margins. The consistent underperformance signals structural economic challenges requiring targeted workforce development and business recruitment.

Housing pressures strain household budgets

Cumberland's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio is the state's highest, indicating rent consumes nearly a quarter of household earnings, limiting savings capacity. The median home value of $205,600 is affordable in isolation, but low incomes make both renting and homeownership financially stressful for many families.

Prioritize emergency savings and skills training

Cumberland households should aggressively build 6–12 months of emergency reserves to weather income volatility and job disruptions. Investing in career development, technical certifications, and remote work capabilities creates pathways to higher incomes and reduced economic vulnerability.

Safety in Cumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

Cumberland Reports High Crime Rates

Cumberland County sees 2,671.5 crimes per 100,000 residents, a figure that exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. The county's safety score is 95.8, indicating a need for continued focus on public safety.

Lower Safety Rank in New Jersey

The county’s safety score of 95.8 is below the state average of 97.6. With 6 agencies reporting, the data shows crime levels are nearly double the New Jersey state average of 1,525.9 per 100,000.

Mixed Safety Landscape in South Jersey

Cumberland's crime rate is higher than neighboring Gloucester County (1,648.9) but remains lower than Atlantic County (2,837.4). These southern counties show significant variation in crime density.

Violent Crime Exceeds National Levels

The violent crime rate in Cumberland is 395.9 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high, recorded at 2,275.6 per 100,000 residents.

Enhance Security for Better Protection

Investing in comprehensive home security systems can help mitigate risks associated with higher local crime rates. Community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity are essential for improving local safety.

Schools in Cumberland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across a Diverse Rural Landscape

Cumberland County operates 52 public schools for 27,930 students within 20 districts. The infrastructure consists of 34 elementary schools and a significant presence of vocational and alternative education centers.

Opportunities for Growth in Academic Outcomes

The county's graduation rate is 86.4%, which sits just below the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.4%. Current investment stands at $11,584 per pupil, reflecting a more conservative spending profile compared to neighboring counties.

Centralized Districts in Vineland and Millville

Vineland Public School District is the dominant provider, managing 14 schools and 9,511 students. The county also features four charter schools, which represent 7.7% of all schools, offering families additional choice in the region.

A Blend of Rural and City Classrooms

The school locale mix is highly varied, with 17 rural and 15 city schools creating very different daily experiences for students. Enrollment per school averages 559, but Vineland Senior High is a notable outlier with 2,780 students.

Explore Housing Near Educational Hubs

As the county works to improve its 61.5 school score, many families focus their home searches near established centers like the Cumberland County Technical Education Center. School quality remains a vital factor in local real estate decisions across this transitioning region.

Disaster Risk in Cumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Cumberland County: below-average risk

Cumberland County scores 82.57 on the composite risk scale, placing it below the national average and earning a relatively moderate overall disaster risk rating. The county's lower score reflects less acute exposure to multiple hazard types compared to many other U.S. counties.

Cumberland: lowest-risk New Jersey county

At 82.57, Cumberland County has the lowest composite risk score among all New Jersey counties, sitting well below the state average of 90.81. This makes Cumberland one of New Jersey's safer communities in terms of natural disaster exposure.

Cumberland significantly safer than peers

Cumberland County (82.57) has substantially lower risk than Gloucester County (86.64) to the north and Cape May County (91.03) to the east, positioning it as New Jersey's least vulnerable county. All three counties share hurricane exposure, but Cumberland faces lower flood and wildfire risks.

Cumberland's main hazard concerns

Hurricane risk (91.95) is Cumberland's highest hazard at 91.95, reflecting coastal and near-coastal exposure despite the county's overall moderate risk profile. Flood risk (88.40) and earthquake risk (87.21) pose secondary concerns, while tornado risk (54.04) is relatively lower.

Smart insurance for Cumberland

While Cumberland has the state's lowest overall risk, flood and hurricane coverage should still be prioritized given the 91.95 hurricane risk score. Review your homeowners policy to ensure comprehensive wind and water damage coverage appropriate to your property's location.

Water Quality in Cumberland County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates in Cumberland Systems

Cumberland County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance with 63 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 65.2 per 100K residents is more than triple the state average of 20.0. This indicates significant and systemic challenges for local water utilities.

Bacteria Dominates Watershed Impairments

In the 2022 cycle, 85.7% of assessed water bodies in Cumberland County were found to be impaired. Top causes include fecal coliform, enterococcus, and PCBs in fish tissue. This matches state-wide trends where biological contaminants frequently impact water health.

Rigorous Testing for PFAS and Microbiologicals

Cumberland County manages 304 monitoring sites that produced 33,689 measurements in the last five years. Monitoring emphasizes physical characteristics, microbiological health, and PFAS chemicals. This data helps local officials track the impact of both agriculture and emerging contaminants.

Cohansey River Discharge Below Mean

The Cohansey River at Seeley currently reports 21 cfs, which is 54% of its long-term mean of 39 cfs. While higher than some neighbors, this flow is still significantly below typical levels for this 28-square-mile drainage. Consistent monitoring of this river is vital for the county's agricultural heartland.

Essential Precautions for Cumberland Residents

Given the high rate of drinking water violations, residents should consider using certified home water filters and reviewing utility reports monthly. With fecal coliform and enterococcus impairing most local waters, avoid swimming in rivers immediately after rainfall. Monitoring for PFAS is also critical, so check if your local supplier has detected these persistent chemicals.

Weather & Climate in Cumberland County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Mid-Atlantic Temperature Profile

Cumberland County averages 54.6°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. It receives a moderate 45.5 inches of rain, making it slightly drier than the New Jersey average.

A Sunny Southern Contender

At 54.6°F, Cumberland is exactly one degree warmer than the New Jersey state average of 53.6°F. It offers a consistently warmer climate than the northern half of the state.

Drier Than the State Average

Cumberland's 45.5 inches of precipitation is lower than Atlantic County's 46.9 inches. It also experiences a cooler annual average than nearby Cape May by roughly 1.4 degrees.

Light Snow and Hot July

The county enjoys relatively light winters with only 11.8 inches of annual snowfall. However, summers are intense with 23 extreme heat days and a July average of 76.5°F.

Efficient Cooling Over Snow Gear

With only 11.8 inches of snow, heavy winter equipment is rarely needed. Instead, residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling to manage the 23 days of temperatures over 90°F.

Soil Quality in Cumberland County

via SoilByCounty

High-Performing Agricultural Soil

Cumberland County soil has an average pH of 4.87, which is more moderate than the New Jersey state average. With a soil score of 47.9, it slightly exceeds the state benchmark of 46.5 for overall agricultural potential.

Balanced Texture for Commercial Crops

The soil consists of 56.9% sand and 24.2% silt, creating a texture that balances workability with water retention. This ratio is more balanced than the sand-heavy soils found in some neighboring South Jersey counties.

Rich Organic Matter for Farming

Organic matter is strong at 15.17%, aligning closely with the state average and far exceeding the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.165 in/in provides reliable moisture for high-yield crops.

Superior Drainage for Efficient Farming

The county's soil is predominantly well-drained, which is a major asset for its massive vegetable farming industry. This class ensures that fields can be worked soon after rainfall, maintaining a steady agricultural rhythm.

The Garden Spot of the Garden State

Known as a primary agricultural hub, Cumberland’s zone 7b climate is perfect for tomatoes and asparagus. This high-scoring soil is ready for your next planting project, whether it’s a small raised bed or a larger farm plot.

Lawn Care in Cumberland County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Conditions in Cumberland

Cumberland County offers a lawn difficulty score of 53.4, making it slightly easier to manage than the national median. As a Zone 7b region, it provides a stable environment for most common New Jersey grass varieties.

Standard Heat and Healthy Precipitation

The county averages 23 extreme heat days, matching the state average exactly, while receiving 45.5 inches of rain. Lawns here benefit from 3,624 growing degree days, supporting a robust growing season that spans from late April to early November.

Managing Well-Drained, Sandy Loam

The soil is well-drained with 56.9% sand, but an acidic pH of 4.87 remains a hurdle for optimal growth. To reach the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, homeowners should incorporate lime into their regular maintenance routine.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Seasons

Over the past year, the county spent 29 weeks in drought, and all areas currently show as abnormally dry. Practices like leaving grass clippings on the lawn can help conserve moisture and return nutrients to the soil during these periods.

Seeding with the Frost in Mind

Begin seeding after the final spring frost on April 24 to give your turf its best start in this 7b climate. With the first fall frost expected around November 1, there is plenty of time for late-summer seeding to mature before winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cumberland County's county score?
Cumberland County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 25.4 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 Cumberland County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Cumberland County ranks #21 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 Cumberland County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Cumberland County is $5,048, with an effective tax rate of 2.46%. This earns Cumberland County a tax score of 1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cumberland County?
The median household income in Cumberland County, New Jersey is $64,499 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cumberland County earns an income score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cumberland County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Cumberland County scores 25.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Cumberland 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 Cumberland County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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