CountyScore

Hunterdon County

New Jersey · NJ

#2 in New Jersey
54.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Hunterdon County, New Jersey

Hunterdon edges past national median

Hunterdon County's composite score of 46.9 sits slightly below the national median of 50.0, but represents solid performance nationally. The county's strong income profile partially offsets cost and tax constraints to approach mid-range national standing.

Slightly above New Jersey average

With a score of 46.9, Hunterdon ranks slightly above New Jersey's 45.0 state average, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's counties. Among the eight counties profiled, it stands out for consistent performance across measured dimensions.

High incomes drive overall livability

Hunterdon's income score of 74.4 is among the highest of the eight counties, reflecting a median household income of $139,453. This strong earning power enables residents to better absorb the county's moderate housing costs and taxes.

Housing remains pricey despite affordability

The cost score of 40.7 shows housing isn't cheap: median home values reach $498,800 despite monthly rents of $1,707. Higher-earning households can manage these costs, but middle-income families may find ownership challenging.

Ideal for affluent families seeking rural charm

Hunterdon suits high-earning families who prioritize space, rural character, and excellent schools (once available) over cutting-edge urban amenities. With strong incomes offsetting costs, it's less suitable for lower-to-middle-income households or those seeking affordable housing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax45.9Cost40.7SafetyComing SoonHealth85.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome74.4Risk21.3WaterComing Soon
🏛45.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤85.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡21.3
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 Hunterdon County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Los Angeles County
California
54.4
Median income: $87,760
Kankakee County
Illinois
54.4
Median income: $68,325
San Diego County
California
54.3
Median income: $102,285
Putnam County
New York
54.2
Median income: $127,405
South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
54.1
Median income: $86,266

Deep Dives

Hunterdon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Hunterdon County

via HealthByCounty

Hunterdon County leads nation in longevity

At 82.8 years, Hunterdon County residents live nearly 5.6 years longer than the US average of 77.2 years, ranking among the nation's healthiest communities. The county's 12.0% poor or fair health rate is also well below the national average of 13.1%.

New Jersey's healthiest county

Hunterdon County's 82.8-year life expectancy leads all New Jersey counties by 4.3 years above the state average of 78.5 years. This exceptional performance reflects strong healthcare systems and community health outcomes.

Best-insured county in region

Only 4.4% of Hunterdon residents lack health insurance—less than half the state average of 7.5% and well below neighboring Hudson County's 10.4%. The county supports 110 primary care providers and 301 mental health providers per 100K, among the state's best ratios.

Excellent provider access for all

Hunterdon's 110 primary care providers per 100K population and 301 mental health providers per 100K ensure residents can access care quickly. With just 4.4% uninsured, nearly all residents benefit from continuous preventive and specialty care.

Already covered? Keep it strong

Hunterdon's success shows the power of health insurance coverage and accessible providers. If you're uninsured, healthcare.gov and Get Covered NJ at getcoverednj.org can help you join your county's healthy majority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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