countyscore
55.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.6Health 98Schools 95.3

County Report Card

About Hunterdon County, New Jersey

Hunterdon Outpaces the National Median

Hunterdon County earns a composite score of 55.3, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it among the top tier of counties for overall quality of life in the United States.

A Leader in New Jersey Rankings

Hunterdon’s score far surpasses the state average of 41.4, identifying it as one of the most livable counties in New Jersey. It manages to balance elite community services with exceptional socioeconomic outcomes.

Elite Schools and Wealth Metrics

The county boasts an incredible income score of 99.6, with a median household income of $139,453. Health and school scores are equally impressive at 98.0 and 95.3, respectively, reflecting deep community investment.

High Barriers to Entry

Affordability remains a challenge, with a cost score of 2.2 and a tax score of 3.1. Residents face a 2.005% effective tax rate, which is the price of maintaining such high-quality public services.

Premier Living for Affluent Families

This county is a perfect match for families who prioritize top-tier education and public health. It is an ideal sanctuary for those with the high incomes required to sustain the local tax and housing costs.

204060801003.12.284.89895.399.621.330.555.3Tax3.1Cost2.2Safety84.8Health98Schools95.3Income99.6Risk21.3Water30.5Weather55.355.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Hunterdon County DNA

Foverall

How Hunterdon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hunterdon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.1-48.9
Cost
2.2-45.8
Safety
84.8+29.799999999999997
Health
98+48
Schools
95.3+41.3
Income
99.6+48.599999999999994
Risk
21.3-25.7
Water
30.5-27.5
Weather
55.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Hunterdon County

Whether buying or refinancing in Hunterdon County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$498,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,707/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$498,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$68,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $139,453/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.0

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
Compare Hunterdon County with Lumpkin County →Share on X

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Grant County
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Emmet County
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Claiborne County
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Nearby counties

Bucks County
Pennsylvania
53.1
Somerset County
New Jersey
51.4
Mercer County
New Jersey
35
Warren County
New Jersey
48.8
Northampton County
Pennsylvania
48.1
Middlesex County
New Jersey
41.9
Morris County
New Jersey
52
Montgomery County
Pennsylvania
44

Deep Dives

Hunterdon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hunterdon County

via TaxByCounty

Hunterdon sits near U.S. tax median

Hunterdon County's 2.005% effective tax rate matches the national median almost exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax bill of $10,001 reflects both a strong effective rate and home values of $498,800—nearly twice the national average.

Hunterdon ranks mid-pack in Jersey

Hunterdon County's 2.005% rate sits just below New Jersey's state average of 2.211%, ranking it 11th lowest among the 21 counties. This middle-ground positioning suggests a balanced tax environment relative to state peers.

Higher than Hudson, lower than Mercer

Hunterdon's 2.005% rate exceeds Hudson County (1.851%) and Morris County (1.796%), but falls short of Mercer County's steep 2.508%. Among its regional peers, Hunterdon offers a moderate tax burden.

A $498K home costs $10,001 yearly

The median Hunterdon County home is valued at $498,800, resulting in approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes. This bill remains consistent whether or not a mortgage is present.

Assessment appeals could lower your bill

Hunterdon homeowners who believe their properties are overvalued on the county assessment rolls can file a formal appeal. Since roughly 15-20% of Jersey properties are assessed above fair market value, it's worth reviewing your assessment against recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hunterdon County

via CostByCounty

Hunterdon's high earners enjoy affordability

Hunterdon County achieves a 14.7% rent-to-income ratio—one of the nation's best—thanks to a median household income of $139,453 paired with a median rent of $1,707. This income level, 86% above the national median of $74,755, makes housing costs feel manageable despite New Jersey's elevated rents.

Most affordable county in New Jersey

Hunterdon's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the best in New Jersey, well below the state average of 19.1%. The county combines above-average incomes with below-average rent pressures, creating the state's most favorable housing cost equation.

Significantly cheaper than Morris

Hunterdon's median rent of $1,707 is $153 less than nearby Morris County's $1,860, and Hunterdon households earn more ($139,453 vs. $134,929). This combination gives Hunterdon renters the most breathing room among the state's affluent northern counties.

Wealth softens housing burden

Renters spend $1,707 monthly while homeowners face $2,384, with the median household income of $139,453 absorbing both costs comfortably. Even at these price points, housing represents a manageable slice of Hunterdon's well-above-average paychecks.

The best housing deal in New Jersey

If you're relocating with a strong income, Hunterdon offers the state's best rent-to-income ratio at 14.7% and strong public services to match. High earners seeking New Jersey living without the affordability squeeze should prioritize Hunterdon's suburban communities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hunterdon County

via IncomeByCounty

Hunterdon County earns 86% above U.S. median

Hunterdon County's median household income of $139,453 nearly doubles the national median of $74,755, placing it among the most affluent counties in America. This $64,698 advantage reflects a highly educated, professional workforce concentrated in white-collar sectors.

Second-wealthiest county in New Jersey

Hunterdon's median income of $139,453 ranks second among New Jersey's 21 counties, exceeding the state average of $100,891 by $38,562. Only Morris County rivals Hunterdon's household earnings, reflecting both counties' concentration of executive and professional talent.

Hunterdon dominates regional income rankings

At $139,453, Hunterdon County significantly outearns all neighboring counties, including Morris County ($134,929) and Mercer County ($96,333). This income leadership reflects Hunterdon's suburban character, proximity to executive job centers, and highly educated population.

Lowest rent burden in the state

Hunterdon residents spend just 14.7% of household income on rent, well below the 20% affordability threshold and the lowest ratio in New Jersey. This exceptional affordability, combined with a median home value of $498,800, allows households to save and invest aggressively.

Leverage superior income for wealth building

Hunterdon County's median household income of $139,453 provides exceptional capacity for long-term wealth accumulation through maxing retirement contributions and diversified investment strategies. With the lowest rent-to-income ratio in the state, households can allocate significant resources to property ownership, education funds, and generational wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hunterdon County

via CrimeByCounty

Leading the Nation in Safety

Hunterdon County is one of the safest regions in the country with an exceptional safety score of 99.4. Its total crime rate of 355.5 per 100,000 is a small fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Top Performance in Jersey

Hunterdon far exceeds the state’s average safety score of 97.6. Its crime rate is less than a quarter of the statewide average of 1,525.9.

Exceeding Neighboring Benchmarks

Compared to neighboring Morris County, which has 694.6 crimes per 100,000, Hunterdon maintains significantly lower incident volumes. It stands out as a clear regional leader in public safety.

Low Risk Across Categories

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent at just 26.3 per 100,000 residents. The remaining 329.2 crimes per 100,000 are property-related, highlighting the overall peace of the community.

Maintaining Peace of Mind

Even in top-tier safe zones, opportunistic property crime can occur. Implementing a home security system and joining local neighborhood watch groups further protects your investment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hunterdon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts in a Scenic Setting

Hunterdon County operates 52 public schools across 28 districts, serving a total of 17,477 students. The infrastructure includes 29 elementary schools and 9 high schools, often characterized by smaller, community-focused settings.

Exceptional Outcomes and High Investment

The county boasts a 95.8% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.4%. This performance is fueled by a generous $15,445 per-pupil expenditure, significantly higher than the $13,000 national benchmark.

Flemington-Raritan and Traditional Public Schools

The Flemington-Raritan Regional School District is the county's largest, enrolling 3,137 students. Hunterdon maintains a traditional educational model, as there are currently zero charter schools operating within the county.

A Rural and Suburban Blend

With 28 rural and 21 suburban schools, Hunterdon offers a quiet learning environment with an average school size of 364 students. While Hunterdon Central Regional High School is large with 2,486 students, most local schools provide a more intimate feel.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

Top-tier graduation rates and high per-pupil spending make Hunterdon County a premier choice for education-focused homebuyers. Explore homes in districts like Readington or Flemington to secure access to some of the state’s best-rated schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hunterdon County

via RiskByCounty

Hunterdon County has below-state-average risk

Hunterdon County scores 78.69 for composite disaster risk, earning a relatively low rating and sitting well below New Jersey's state average of 90.81. This positions it as one of the safer counties in the state despite still facing meaningful hazard exposure.

Among the safer counties in New Jersey

Hunterdon County ranks as the lowest-risk county in this dataset, with a composite score of 78.69 compared to the state average of 90.81. This 12-point gap reflects notably lower exposure to major disaster types across the county.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Hunterdon County (78.69) is considerably less risky than Morris County (92.88) to its east and Mercer County (95.36) to its south. Its lower composite score is driven by reduced wildfire and tornado exposure compared to more populated neighbors.

Flooding and earthquakes remain concerns

Despite lower overall risk, Hunterdon County still faces notable flood risk at 86.77, driven by river systems and regional precipitation patterns. Earthquake risk scores 75.51, though wildfire risk (26.34) and tornado risk (51.43) are substantially lower than state averages.

Don't skip insurance despite lower ratings

Even in lower-risk Hunterdon County, flood insurance is essential since flooding causes significant damage and standard homeowner policies exclude it. Review your earthquake and windstorm coverage annually, and maintain emergency supplies for the hazards that do affect the region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hunterdon County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations Impact Hunterdon Grade

Hunterdon receives an 'F' grade due to 23 health violations recorded in the last five years. The violation rate of 64.3 per 100K is more than triple the state average of 20.0.

Universal Impairment in Assessed Waters

All assessed water bodies in Hunterdon fail to meet Clean Water Act standards, showing a 100% impairment rate. The 2022 cycle identified DDT, PCBs, and Chlordane in fish tissue as the primary concerns.

Broad Monitoring Network Tracks Nutrients

A network of 215 monitoring sites has logged 38,251 measurements over the last five years. This activity primarily tracks physical, nutrient, and biological parameters to assess local water health.

Low Flow on South Branch Raritan

The South Branch Raritan River at Stanton currently flows at 77 cfs, just 31% of its long-term mean. This significantly low discharge indicates stressed conditions compared to typical seasonal levels.

Filtering Out Legacy Contaminants

Given the high violation rate and presence of legacy pollutants like DDT, residents should consider certified home filtration. Low streamflow also highlights the need for local water conservation measures.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hunterdon County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate conditions near the national norm

Hunterdon County averages 52.6°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for temperate climates. It experiences a balanced mix of seasonal shifts without the extreme year-round heat of the deep south.

Cooler than the Garden State average

The county stays cooler than the New Jersey average of 53.6°F. This reflects its inland, slightly higher elevation geography compared to coastal neighbors.

Consistency across the Delaware Valley

Hunterdon's 50.8 inches of rain is nearly identical to Hudson's 50.4 inches, though it is noticeably cooler overall. It shares a similar winter profile with Morris County to the north.

Chilly winters and brisk July days

January temperatures average a cold 29.8°F, supporting 21.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summer brings 23 days of extreme heat, though July averages a manageable 75.1°F.

Focus on winterization and insulation

Standard home insulation helps mitigate the sub-freezing January averages. Homeowners should maintain reliable snow removal equipment for the 21.5 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hunterdon County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Piedmont Acidity and Character

Hunterdon County soils maintain an average pH of 5.10, making them notably acidic compared to the national 6.5 median. Interestingly, these soils are less acidic than the typical New Jersey average of 4.24. This profile creates a versatile base for many agricultural applications common in the region.

The Silt-Dominant Loamy Mix

The soil composition is 47.2% silt, 33.7% sand, and 16.6% clay. This silty balance provides excellent workability and better nutrient retention than sandy coastal soils. It represents a productive middle ground for farmers who need both drainage and structure.

Reliable Water Storage for Crops

Organic matter stands at 3.57%, which is higher than the national 2.0% average but lower than the state’s 15.72% mark. The available water capacity is a robust 0.175 in/in, beating the state average of 0.168. This high water capacity makes the county particularly resilient against short-term droughts.

Predicting Field Hydrology

While official drainage classes are not currently specified in the dataset, the 16.6% clay content suggests moderate natural drainage. The silty texture typically allows for steady water infiltration without the rapid leaching seen in sandier counties. Proper field management ensures these soils remain productive through the seasons.

Prime Harvest Potential in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a allows Hunterdon residents to grow everything from apples and peaches to leafy greens. The silty soil is perfect for root vegetables that prefer a less-resistant medium than heavy clay. Now is the perfect time to plant a diverse vegetable patch or a fruit orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hunterdon County

via LawnByCounty

Hunterdon's Standard Jersey Conditions

Hunterdon County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.3, nearly matching the New Jersey state average of 48.0. Located in hardiness zone 7a, the county is slightly more challenging for lawns than the national median of 50.0. Success here requires a balanced approach to soil management and seasonal timing.

Balanced Growth and Precipitation

With 50.8 inches of annual rain, the county exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation. The climate provides 3269 growing degree days and exactly matches the state average of 23 extreme heat days. Your primary mowing season spans from mid-April to late October, following the local frost cycle.

Managing Acidic Silty Soils

The local soil pH sits at 5.10, which is acidic and requires amendments to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The soil composition features 16.6% clay and 33.7% sand, offering a decent balance for moisture retention. Adding garden lime will be your most important task to unlock soil nutrients for your grass.

Preparing for Severe Dry Spells

Drought has been a significant factor recently, with 32 weeks of dry conditions and 61.9% of the county currently in severe drought. Residents should monitor local water restrictions and avoid mowing during peak heat to reduce grass stress. Raising mower blades to three inches can help shade the soil and retain what little moisture is available.

Optimal Planting for Zone 7a

Cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass and fine fescues thrive in Hunterdon’s zone 7a climate. Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 16th to give roots time to establish before summer heat arrives. Early fall remains an excellent alternative, as the first frost typically doesn't hit until October 21st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hunterdon County's county score?
Hunterdon County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Hunterdon County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Hunterdon County ranks #1 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 Hunterdon County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Hunterdon County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 2.00%. This earns Hunterdon County a tax score of 3.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hunterdon County?
The median household income in Hunterdon County, New Jersey is $139,453 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hunterdon County earns an income score of 99.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hunterdon County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Hunterdon County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Hunterdon 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 Hunterdon County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.