countyscore
41.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.1Health 84.1Schools 83.7

County Report Card

About Gloucester County, New Jersey

Approaching national livability standards

Gloucester County earns a composite score of 41.7, which is closer to the national median of 50.0 than many of its neighbors. It performs well in social and economic indicators.

Matching the New Jersey average

With a score of 41.7, Gloucester is aligned perfectly with the New Jersey state average of 41.4. It represents a typical high-service, high-cost Garden State experience.

Exceptional income and health

The county shines with an income score of 96.1 and a health score of 84.1. Residents earn a high median household income of $102,807, supporting a strong local economy.

Heavy tax and environmental burdens

Taxation is a significant pain point with a score of 0.2 and an effective rate of 2.809%. The risk score of 13.4 also indicates higher-than-average environmental vulnerabilities.

A solid pick for families

Gloucester County is an excellent fit for families who want high-performing schools and great health outcomes. It is a stable suburban choice for those with the income to handle a significant tax bill.

204060801000.25.330.584.183.796.113.467.865.1Tax0.2Cost5.3Safety30.5Health84.1Schools83.7Income96.1Risk13.4Water67.8Weather65.141.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Gloucester County DNA

Foverall

How Gloucester County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gloucester County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (96.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (0.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.2-51.8
Cost
5.3-42.7
Safety
30.5-24.5
Health
84.1+34.099999999999994
Schools
83.7+29.700000000000003
Income
96.1+45.099999999999994
Risk
13.4-33.6
Water
67.8+9.799999999999997
Weather
65.1+9.099999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$283,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,480/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$283,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$59,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $102,807/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.4

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

White County
Arkansas
Median income: $53,435
41.7
Tuolumne County
California
Median income: $72,259
41.7
Lanier County
Georgia
Median income: $44,361
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Ogemaw County
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Median income: $51,983
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Blue Earth County
Minnesota
Median income: $72,623
41.7
Lorain County
Ohio
Median income: $70,693
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Pickaway County
Ohio
Median income: $72,927
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McCurtain County
Oklahoma
Median income: $50,175
41.7

Nearby counties

Camden County
New Jersey
32.1
Delaware County
Pennsylvania
44.5
Philadelphia County
Pennsylvania
28.8
Salem County
New Jersey
42.1
Burlington County
New Jersey
46.6
New Castle County
Delaware
44.3
Montgomery County
Pennsylvania
44
Cumberland County
New Jersey
25.4

Deep Dives

Gloucester County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gloucester County

via TaxByCounty

Gloucester taxes run notably high

Gloucester County's effective tax rate of 2.809% sits well above the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the top 15% of counties nationwide. Residents pay $7,964 annually on median homes of $283,500—nearly three times the national average tax despite home values only slightly above national norm.

Among New Jersey's highest-taxed counties

Gloucester County's 2.809% effective rate ranks among the top five in New Jersey—27% higher than the state average of 2.211%. The median annual tax of $7,964 is just below the state median of $8,512, reflecting Gloucester's significant tax burden.

Higher than most peers in region

Gloucester's 2.809% rate exceeds Atlantic (2.475%), Burlington (2.419%), Cumberland (2.455%), and Cape May (1.325%), but trails only Camden (3.075%) among South Jersey counties. It represents one of the region's more demanding tax environments.

Your annual tax bill here

A Gloucester County homeowner with the median property value of $283,500 pays $7,964 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that climbs to $8,147, translating to approximately $679 monthly—a substantial burden for typical households.

Assessment challenges pay dividends

Gloucester County's high tax burden makes assessment appeals especially valuable—a successful challenge reducing your rate by just 5% saves nearly $400 annually. Many Gloucester homeowners have discovered overassessments through professional reviews and recovered significant tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gloucester County

via CostByCounty

Gloucester County delivers best rental affordability statewide

Gloucester County residents spend just 17.3% of household income on rent, beating the national average of 18.5% while earning $102,807 annually. This combination—strong middle-class income paired with relatively low rent burden—makes Gloucester one of New Jersey's most balanced housing markets.

New Jersey's best overall rental affordability

Gloucester County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks best in New Jersey, outperforming even Bergen County's 18.1% and the state average of 19.1%. The county's $1,480 median rent sits below state average while median household income reaches $102,807—a rare convergence of affordability and earnings.

More affordable than Burlington despite higher rents

Gloucester's $1,480 median rent runs $189 above Burlington's $1,669 yet achieves superior affordability (17.3% vs 19.0% ratio) thanks to $102,807 income versus Burlington's $105,271. The modest income difference translates into meaningful affordability advantage for Gloucester renters.

Balanced burden for renters and moderate for homeowners

Gloucester renters spend $1,480 monthly (17.3% of income) while homeowners average $1,875 (21.9%), among the state's most sustainable ratios. The county's median home value of $283,500 combined with strong incomes creates manageable ownership pathways for most households.

Gloucester County: South Jersey's sweet spot for families

Families earning $100,000+ seeking balanced rents, accessible homeownership, and reasonable tax burdens should prioritize Gloucester County—New Jersey's top rental affordability ranking proves it. The county's Delaware River proximity, Philadelphia job market access, and below-state-average home values combine to offer genuine suburban value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gloucester County

via IncomeByCounty

Gloucester significantly exceeds national average

Gloucester County's median household income of $102,807 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 37.6%, placing it among America's higher-income counties. This strong performance reflects Gloucester's position as a suburban hub with stable employment and professional services concentrated in the region.

Among New Jersey's most prosperous counties

Gloucester's $102,807 income nearly matches New Jersey's state average of $100,891, ranking it among the state's most consistently affluent counties. The county's economic stability and low unemployment make it one of the state's most desirable residential areas.

Outearns most regional peers substantially

Gloucester's $102,807 median exceeds Atlantic ($76,819), Essex ($76,712), Camden ($86,384), and Cape May ($88,046), trailing only the hyper-affluent Bergen ($123,715). The county's performance positions it as a reliable middle-to-upper-income destination in the South Jersey region.

Best housing affordability in the region

Gloucester boasts the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 17.3%, meaning households retain maximum flexibility for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $283,500 requires roughly 2.8 years of gross household income—the most achievable homeownership threshold among peer counties.

Stable income enables consistent wealth building

Gloucester households earning above $100,000 should maximize retirement contributions, build diversified investment portfolios, and establish real estate equity aggressively. The county's affordability and stable employment create ideal conditions for families to achieve financial independence and multi-generational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gloucester County

via CrimeByCounty

Gloucester County Safer Than National Average

Gloucester County reports 1,648.9 crimes per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 97.4.

Gloucester Near State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 97.4 is nearly on par with the New Jersey state average of 97.6. Across 28 reporting agencies, the crime rate remains slightly above the statewide average of 1,525.9.

Comparing Safety in South Jersey

Gloucester is safer than adjacent Camden County (2,579.6) and Cumberland County (2,671.5). Its crime rate of 1,648.9 per 100K makes it a relatively secure option in the southern part of the state.

Violent Crime Rate Remains Low

Violent crime in Gloucester is just 129.5 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the most common issue, recorded at 1,519.4 per 100,000 residents.

Focus on Home Property Protection

Residents should secure their homes with modern alarm systems and motion lighting to deter property theft. Staying active in local community safety groups helps keep violent crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gloucester County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Southwest Jersey

Gloucester County supports 46,484 students through a network of 84 public schools and 28 districts. The system is heavily focused on early education, with 49 elementary schools anchoring the local communities.

High Graduation Rates and Disciplined Spending

The county achieves an impressive 92.7% graduation rate, comfortably beating both the state average of 91.4% and the national average of 87.0%. This success is reached with a per-pupil expenditure of $11,860, suggesting high efficiency in local school management.

Prominent Suburban School Districts

Washington Township is the county's largest district, serving 7,121 students across 11 schools. Other major providers include Monroe Township and Deptford Township, which provide stable educational foundations for thousands of local families.

Mainly Suburban with Growing Regional Centers

With 74 of the 84 schools located in suburban areas, the county offers a classic residential school feel. The average school size is 553, though regional high schools like Washington Township High exceed 2,000 students.

A Reliable Destination for Families

Gloucester County's strong 92.7% graduation rate makes it a magnet for homebuyers focused on academic success. Explore properties near the county's vocational-technical schools for access to some of the most specialized training in the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gloucester County

via RiskByCounty

Gloucester County: moderate risk below average

Gloucester County scores 86.64 on the composite risk scale, placing it below the national average with a relatively moderate overall disaster risk rating. The county's lower score reflects reduced but still meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards.

Gloucester below New Jersey average

At 86.64, Gloucester County sits below New Jersey's state average composite risk of 90.81, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This positions Gloucester among New Jersey's safer communities in terms of disaster exposure.

Gloucester safer than surrounding counties

Gloucester County (86.64) has substantially lower risk than Camden County (93.23) to the north and Cape May County (91.03) to the east, making it a safer zone in southern New Jersey. All three counties share some flood exposure, but Gloucester's overall vulnerability is noticeably lower.

Gloucester's primary hazard threats

Hurricane risk (83.73) and earthquake risk (89.31) are Gloucester's highest hazards, though both remain below the state average in intensity. Flood risk (87.91) and wildfire risk (79.68) present secondary concerns, while tornado risk (69.56) is comparatively lower than in many other New Jersey counties.

Insurance strategy for Gloucester

While Gloucester faces lower overall risk than many New Jersey counties, flood insurance should still be considered—particularly if your property is in a low-lying or waterfront area. Review your homeowners policy to ensure it covers hurricane wind and water damage appropriate to your location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gloucester County

via WaterByCounty

Gloucester Leads in Drinking Water Safety

Gloucester County recorded only five health violations in five years, earning a Grade B. Its violation rate of 2.0 per 100K is ten times lower than the state average of 20.0. This performance suggests very high reliability in the county's public drinking water infrastructure.

Universal Impairment in Assessed Waters

In the 2022 assessment, 100% of the county's assessed water bodies failed to meet Clean Water Act standards. Impairment causes include legacy chemicals like DDT, PCBs, and chlordane in fish tissue. This indicates that while drinking water is safe, the broader environment still carries significant chemical burdens.

Leading the State in PFAS Monitoring

Gloucester County has 159 monitoring sites with 33,350 measurements recorded over the last five years. PFAS, physical properties, and nutrients are the most-measured groups in the portal. This proactive monitoring is essential for identifying modern chemical threats to the water supply.

Raccoon Creek Flows Below Historical Means

The USGS gauge on Raccoon Creek near Swedesboro currently reports 17 cfs, just 41% of the 41 cfs long-term mean. This lower discharge can impact the health of the 27-square-mile drainage area. Residents should be aware that lower flows can lead to less effective dilution of pollutants.

Understanding the Gloucester Water Profile

While your tap water compliance is excellent, the 100% impairment of local water bodies means you should strictly follow fish consumption advisories for DDT and PCBs. High PFAS monitoring site counts indicate these chemicals are a concern, so keep an eye on local testing results. Lower streamflow in Raccoon Creek emphasizes the need to protect local watersheds from additional chemical runoff.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gloucester County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Warmly Situated

Gloucester County's 54.9°F average temperature sits about two degrees above the national median. This indicates a climate with mild winters and warm, humid summers.

A Warm Southern NJ Pocket

The county is significantly warmer than the New Jersey state average of 53.6°F. It ranks alongside Atlantic County as one of the state's warmer regions.

Matching the Atlantic Profile

Gloucester matches Atlantic County's 54.9°F average but experiences slightly fewer extreme heat days. It remains warmer than Burlington and Cumberland on an annual basis.

Warm Summers and Moderate Januaries

July averages a hot 77.0°F with 20 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F. January stays relatively moderate with an average temperature of 33.2°F.

Focus on Summer Air Quality

While precipitation and snow data are limited, the 77.0°F July average demands reliable air conditioning. Residents should plan for 20 days of extreme heat annually by checking cooling systems early.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gloucester County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in the Heart of Jersey

Gloucester County features a pH of 5.25, making it the least acidic soil among these eight counties. This level is nearly a full point higher than the state average of 4.24, providing a better start for many vegetables.

A Classic Loamy Agricultural Blend

The soil is composed of 63.9% sand and 23.4% silt, offering a texture that is highly valued for farming. This blend provides a great mix of aeration for root growth and enough silt to prevent water from draining too quickly.

Healthy Soil for Productive Orchards

Organic matter sits at a healthy 10.23%, five times the national average and providing a strong foundation for plant life. The available water capacity of 0.163 in/in is very close to the state average, offering consistent performance.

Reliable Performance for Diverse Planting

Although localized drainage data is limited, the soil score of 50.9 suggests that these soils are more productive than the state average. The texture profile indicates that water generally moves through the soil at a manageable rate for most uses.

Peach Orchards and Productive Gardens

In hardiness zone 7b, Gloucester is legendary for its peach orchards and vegetable farms. Take advantage of this relatively balanced pH and high organic matter to start your own fruit trees or backyard vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gloucester County

via LawnByCounty

A Middle Ground for NJ Lawns

Gloucester County earns a lawn difficulty score of 51.2, sitting just above the national median and the state average. This Zone 7b county offers a relatively balanced environment for homeowners looking to maintain a green yard.

Moderate Heat and Strong Growth

The county sees 20 extreme heat days per year, which is slightly lower than the state average, helping cool-season grasses survive the summer. With 3,696 growing degree days, the climate supports a very active and healthy growing season.

Sandy Soils Need pH Adjustment

Gloucester's soil is 63.9% sand with an acidic pH of 5.25, necessitating amendments to hit the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. While data on drainage class is limited, the high sand content generally suggests that moisture will move through the soil quickly.

Managing Lawns Through Dry Weeks

With 31 weeks of drought in the last year and 100% of the county currently abnormally dry, water management is a top priority. Using smart irrigation controllers can help maintain lawn health without wasting water in these sandy conditions.

Maximizing the Growing Season

An early final spring frost on April 8 allows for an early start to the seeding season in this 7b zone. Ensure your lawn is established and well-fed before the first fall frost hits on November 1 to guarantee a strong return next year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gloucester County's county score?
Gloucester County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 41.7 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 Gloucester County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Gloucester County ranks #12 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 Gloucester County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Gloucester County is $7,964, with an effective tax rate of 2.81%. This earns Gloucester County a tax score of 0.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gloucester County?
The median household income in Gloucester County, New Jersey is $102,807 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gloucester County earns an income score of 96.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gloucester County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Gloucester County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Gloucester 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 Gloucester County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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