countyscore
41.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.3Health 84.3Schools 83.2

County Report Card

About Middlesex County, New Jersey

Approaching the National Median Standard

Middlesex County earns a composite score of 41.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive location within the context of high-cost coastal counties.

Aligning with the New Jersey Average

The county's 41.9 score is nearly identical to the state average of 41.4. It serves as a representative sample of New Jersey living, balancing high wealth with significant cost-of-living hurdles.

High Wealth and Top-Tier Education

Middlesex shines with an income score of 97.3 and a median household income of $109,028. Its school system is a major asset, reflected in a high school score of 83.2.

High Costs and Resilience Gaps

The county struggles with a cost score of 2.0 and a tax score of 1.8, reflecting an effective tax rate of 2.204%. A risk score of 2.2 also suggests the need for better long-term environmental planning.

A Versatile Hub for Working Families

Middlesex is ideal for families who value high-performing schools and diverse economic opportunities. It offers a solid quality of life for those whose household budgets can manage the state's high property taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax1.8Cost2Safety37.7Health84.3Schools83.2Income97.3Risk2.2Water61.7Weather58.1
🏛1.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓83.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Somerset County
New Jersey
51.4
Union County
New Jersey
35.3
Monmouth County
New Jersey
46
Richmond County
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Mercer County
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Essex County
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Kings County
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Hudson County
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Deep Dives

Middlesex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Middlesex County

via TaxByCounty

Middlesex matches national tax rates

Middlesex County's 2.204% effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 2.11%, placing it slightly below the U.S. middle. The median property tax of $9,684 reflects New Jersey's premium home values, with the typical Middlesex house valued at $439,300.

Middlesex slightly below state average

Middlesex County's 2.204% rate edges just below New Jersey's state average of 2.211%, ranking it 10th lowest among the 21 counties. This near-average positioning reflects typical Jersey tax dynamics.

Middlesex nestles in the regional middle

Middlesex's 2.204% rate sits between Hudson (1.851%) and Passaic (2.276%), higher than most affluent northern neighbors but lower than Mercer's outlier 2.508%. Among central Jersey peers, Middlesex offers a mainstream tax profile.

A $439K home costs $9,684 yearly

The median Middlesex County home is valued at $439,300, translating to approximately $9,684 in annual property taxes. With mortgage deductions, homeowners effectively pay $9,783.

Appeal your assessment for potential savings

Middlesex homeowners can file a property tax appeal if they suspect their assessment exceeds fair market value. With 15-20% of Jersey properties typically overassessed, Middlesex residents should review their valuations against recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Middlesex County

via CostByCounty

Middlesex walks the middle ground

Middlesex County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just above New Jersey's 19.1% state average, with a median income of $109,028 and median rent of $1,810. The county's strong earning power—46% above the national median of $74,755—helps offset its above-average rent pressure.

Middlesex near Jersey's average

At 19.9%, Middlesex's rent-to-income ratio hovers just above the state average of 19.1%, placing it slightly below the affordability line of most New Jersey counties. With a median income of $109,028, residents here earn enough to handle the higher rents that come with central-Jersey location and transit access.

Higher rents than Mercer, better income

Middlesex's $1,810 median rent exceeds Mercer's $1,515 by $295, but Middlesex households earn $109,028 versus Mercer's $96,333—a $12,700 advantage that narrows the gap. Compared to Hudson's nearly identical rent ($1,811), Middlesex earners make more, easing affordability pressure.

Income advantage cushions higher rents

Renters pay $1,810 monthly while homeowners face $2,196, with the median household income of $109,028 providing above-state-average earnings to absorb these costs. Housing claims roughly a fifth of Middlesex income—manageable but noticeable in monthly budgets.

Decent affordability for mid-to-high earners

Middlesex works well for households earning $100,000+, offering solid income levels to offset central-Jersey rents and excellent transit access. If you're relocating with above-average income, Middlesex's suburban and urban options provide reliable affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Middlesex County

via IncomeByCounty

Middlesex County earns 46% above national median

Middlesex County's median household income of $109,028 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $34,273, placing it solidly in the upper-income tier nationally. This performance reflects a large, diverse economy with major employment centers and strong educational institutions.

Upper-middle income county in New Jersey

At $109,028, Middlesex County ranks in the upper tier of New Jersey's 21 counties, surpassing the state median of $100,891 by $8,137. The county's size and economic diversity support consistent above-average household earnings across numerous industries.

Middlesex outearns most nearby counties

Middlesex County's $109,028 median income exceeds Hudson County ($90,032) and Passaic County ($87,137), but trails Monmouth County ($122,727) and the wealthy northern counties. The income distribution reflects Middlesex's position as a major suburban and industrial hub with substantial white-collar employment.

Housing costs remain manageable

Middlesex residents spend 19.9% of household income on rent, just below the 20% affordability threshold and among the better ratios statewide. With a median home value of $439,300, the county balances solid income with reasonable housing cost burdens.

Invest aggressively in your future

Middlesex County's median household income of $109,028, combined with manageable housing costs, creates strong capacity for wealth accumulation through retirement investing and property ownership. Households should prioritize maxing out 401(k) contributions and consider diversified stock market investments to build long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Middlesex County

via CrimeByCounty

Consistent Safety for Middlesex

Middlesex County achieves a safety score of 97.7, significantly outperforming the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 with its own rate of 1,432.7. It continues to be a safe choice for families compared to national trends.

Beating the State Average

The county's crime rate is lower than the New Jersey average of 1,525.9 per 100,000. It also edges out the state’s average safety score of 97.6.

Safer than Northern Neighbors

Middlesex is notably safer than its neighbors Mercer (1,967.0) and Hudson (1,880.1). Its 30 reporting agencies contribute to a robust regional safety network.

Breakdown of Local Incidents

Property crime sits at 1,251.5 per 100,000, dwarfing the violent crime rate of 181.2. This ratio suggests that most police activity focuses on larceny and motor vehicle theft.

Protect Your Middlesex Home

Community vigilance is key to keeping these numbers low. Secure your home’s perimeter and report suspicious activity to maintain Middlesex's strong safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Middlesex County

via HealthByCounty

Middlesex exceeds US health benchmarks

Middlesex County's 80.2-year life expectancy exceeds the US average of 77.2 years by 3 years, reflecting strong community health outcomes. The county's 14.1% poor or fair health rate marginally exceeds the national average of 13.1%, indicating room for improvement.

Above-average life expectancy in state

At 80.2 years, Middlesex County's life expectancy outpaces New Jersey's state average of 78.5 years by 1.7 years. This positions the county among New Jersey's healthier regions.

Strong coverage and provider access

Middlesex County's 7.3% uninsured rate matches the state average and outperforms neighboring Hudson (10.4%), reflecting better insurance penetration. The county provides 90 primary care and 234 mental health providers per 100K, supporting accessible care.

Insurance and providers enable care

With 7.3% uninsured, Middlesex County's coverage rate is higher than state average, meaning most residents can afford preventive visits. The 90 primary care providers per 100K ensure adequate supply, enabling timely appointments across the county.

Stay insured, stay healthy

If you're among Middlesex's uninsured 7.3%, healthcare.gov and Get Covered NJ at getcoverednj.org offer affordable options. Coverage connects you to the primary care providers supporting Middlesex's strong health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Middlesex County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Educational Infrastructure

Middlesex County supports an enormous student population of 129,922 across 208 public schools and 31 districts. This includes 123 elementary schools and 34 high schools, making it one of the largest school systems in New Jersey.

Strong Graduation Rates and Efficiency

The county achieves a high 92.3% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 91.4% and the national average of 87.0%. Educators maintain these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $12,224, showing strong efficiency compared to national spending.

Edison and Woodbridge Lead the Way

The Edison Township School District is the largest in the county, serving 16,596 students, followed by Woodbridge Township with 13,683 students. Charter schools are rare here, with only 4 schools (less than 2%) operating under a charter.

Sprawling Suburban Campus Life

The county is overwhelmingly suburban, with 190 schools located in suburban locales and an average school size of 637 students. High schools here are typically large, such as South Brunswick High School, which enrolls 2,786 students.

Secure Your Place in Middlesex

High graduation rates and efficient school spending make Middlesex County a stable choice for growing families. When shopping for a home, consider the advantages of the large, resource-rich high schools found in districts like Edison and Monroe.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Middlesex County

via RiskByCounty

Middlesex County ranks among riskiest nationally

Middlesex County scores 97.77 out of 100 for composite disaster risk, making it the highest-scoring county in this dataset and well above national and state averages. This exceptional risk reflects multiple significant hazards converging across a densely populated region.

New Jersey's single riskiest county

Middlesex County ranks as the most at-risk county statewide with a composite score of 97.77, outpacing the state average of 90.81 by nearly 7 points. No other New Jersey county exceeds this risk level.

Riskier than all adjacent counties

Middlesex County (97.77) substantially exceeds Hudson County (97.23), Mercer County (95.36), and Morris County (92.88). Its combination of coastal exposure, urbanization, and infrastructure density amplifies risk across virtually all hazard categories.

Floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes

Middlesex County faces the nation's highest flood risks at 98.86, driven by extensive waterfront exposure, coastal geography, and stormwater challenges. Tornado risk (94.50) is exceptionally high, earthquake risk scores 96.25, and wildfire risk (79.71) reflects significant forest and grassland coverage throughout the county.

Make disaster insurance non-negotiable

Middlesex County residents must secure flood insurance immediately—this is the single most important step, given the county's 98.86 flood risk score. Layer in earthquake, tornado, and wind coverage, and develop a multi-hazard emergency plan with your household.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Middlesex County

via WeatherByCounty

Slightly warmer than the national median

With an annual average of 53.7°F, Middlesex County is slightly warmer than the typical U.S. county. Its climate is classified as humid subtropical, featuring distinct and active seasons.

Aligning with state-wide averages

Middlesex nearly mirrors the New Jersey average of 53.6°F. This makes its weather patterns highly representative of the state’s central corridor.

Higher snowfall than western neighbors

Middlesex sees 29.0 inches of snow, outpacing Mercer County’s 25.1 inches. It also receives about 3 inches more rain annually than the Mercer region.

Summer peaks and winter freezes

The county endures 24 days of extreme heat each year, typically concentrated in the 76.1°F July period. Winters stay cold with a January average of 31.6°F.

Prepare for significant winter accumulation

Because snowfall approaches 30 inches, residents should prioritize heavy-duty winter tires and salt. Efficient air conditioning is also needed for the 24 days of 90-degree weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Middlesex County

via SoilByCounty

Classic New Jersey Acidic Soils

Middlesex County averages a pH of 4.39, which closely aligns with the state average of 4.24. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime for most traditional lawn and garden plants. These conditions are a hallmark of the region's geologic history.

Sandy Texture for Easy Working

The soil is nearly half sand at 47.3%, complemented by 32.3% silt and 12.7% clay. This high sand percentage makes the ground very easy to work and provides excellent aeration for root systems. However, it can lead to faster leaching of nutrients if not managed with compost.

Exceptional Organic Content and Water Storage

Middlesex boasts a high organic matter content of 12.99%, well above the national 2.0% average. Furthermore, the available water capacity of 0.177 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.168. This means the soil is excellent at catching and holding onto rainfall for plant use.

Well-Drained Landscapes

The county is categorized as 'Well drained,' which is ideal for most agricultural and residential uses. This classification means water is removed from the soil readily but not so rapidly that plants suffer. It prevents the root rot issues often found in heavier, clay-rich environments.

Abundant Growth in Zone 7a

Zone 7a provides a long growing season for Middlesex residents to enjoy. The well-drained, sandy-silt soil is a favorite for local favorites like blueberries or even specialized viticulture. Dig in today and take advantage of some of the best water-retaining soils in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Middlesex County

via LawnByCounty

Central Jersey's Lawn Landscape

Middlesex County has a lawn difficulty score of 47.6, placing it just slightly below the New Jersey state average of 48.0. Gardeners in this zone 7a region face conditions that are marginally more challenging than the national median. With the right adjustments to soil and watering, a healthy lawn is well within reach.

Managing the Mowing Schedule

Annual precipitation of 49.5 inches provides nearly all the water a standard lawn needs to thrive. The county records 3486 growing degree days and 24 days of extreme heat, requiring consistent maintenance through the summer months. The typical growing window is defined by a last frost on April 15th and a first frost on October 26th.

Sandy Soil and Acidic pH

The soil is well-drained but quite acidic, with a pH of 4.39 compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0. It contains 47.3% sand and 12.7% clay, which allows for good drainage but may cause nutrients to leach away quickly. Regular applications of organic matter and lime can help stabilize these conditions for your grass.

Resisting the Long Dry Season

With 32 weeks spent in drought conditions over the last year, Middlesex lawns have had a stressful run. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, making water conservation essential for responsible lawn care. Focus your irrigation on high-traffic areas and allow established grass to go dormant during the hottest weeks if necessary.

Best Grasses for Middlesex

Heat-tolerant varieties like turf-type tall fescue are excellent for the zone 7a climate and sandy soil of Middlesex. You should aim to seed or sod starting in mid-April once the ground thaws and frost risks diminish. This gives your new lawn a head start before the summer heat days begin in June.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Middlesex County's county score?
Middlesex County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Middlesex County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Middlesex County ranks #11 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 Middlesex County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Middlesex County is $9,684, with an effective tax rate of 2.20%. This earns Middlesex County a tax score of 1.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Middlesex County?
The median household income in Middlesex County, New Jersey is $109,028 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Middlesex County earns an income score of 97.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Middlesex County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Middlesex County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Middlesex 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 Middlesex County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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