CountyScore

Monmouth County

New Jersey · NJ

#5 in New Jersey
52.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Monmouth County, New Jersey

Monmouth at parity with national median

Monmouth County's composite score of 47.6 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the middle of the national distribution. The county's strong income and favorable tax rates help offset higher housing costs.

Clearly above New Jersey average

Monmouth's score of 47.6 exceeds the state average of 45.0, ranking it in the upper half of New Jersey's counties. It's the second-best performer among the eight counties profiled.

Best tax burden in the study

Monmouth's tax score of 52.6 is the highest in the group, with an effective tax rate of just 1.765%—the lowest among all eight counties. Combined with an income score of 63.5 and median household income of $122,727, residents enjoy strong tax efficiency.

Expensive homes and rents eat into gains

Despite low taxes, Monmouth's cost score of 39.8 reflects median home values of $566,500 and rents of $1,771 monthly. High housing costs remain the primary livability constraint, even for higher-earning households.

Best for affluent families near the shore

Monmouth County suits affluent households earning $120,000+ who value waterfront access, low taxes, and coastal living over maximum housing affordability. Middle-income families will find the housing costs prohibitive despite the tax advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax52.6Cost39.8SafetyComing SoonHealth80.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome63.5Risk3.7WaterComing Soon
🏛52.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.7
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 Monmouth County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Travis County
Texas
52.2
Median income: $97,169
Morris County
New Jersey
52.3
Median income: $134,929
Collin County
Texas
52.3
Median income: $117,588
Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
52.4
Median income: $124,553
Denton County
Texas
52.4
Median income: $108,185

Deep Dives

Monmouth County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Monmouth County

via TaxByCounty

Monmouth taxes rank in bottom third

Monmouth County's 1.765% effective tax rate places it well below the national median of 2.11%, ranking in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties. Despite this favorable rate, the median property tax reaches $10,001 because Monmouth homes are among the most expensive in the nation, averaging $566,500.

Monmouth ranks lowest in New Jersey

Monmouth County's 1.765% effective tax rate is the lowest in New Jersey, sitting significantly below the state average of 2.211%. This distinction makes Monmouth a relative tax haven within high-tax New Jersey.

Monmouth leads regional tax advantage

Monmouth's 1.765% rate beats every regional peer—Hudson (1.851%), Morris (1.796%), Ocean (1.773%), and Hunterdon (2.005%). Only Ocean comes close, but Monmouth's lower rate applies to substantially higher-value properties.

A $566K home costs $10,001 yearly

The median Monmouth County home is valued at $566,500, the highest in this county cluster, resulting in $10,001 in annual property taxes. This bill remains constant regardless of mortgage status.

Even Monmouth homeowners can appeal

Monmouth's low rate doesn't protect against overassessment—roughly 15-20% of Jersey properties across all counties are valued above fair market value. Filing an appeal with the county assessor can challenge inflated valuations and potentially reduce your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monmouth County

via CostByCounty

Monmouth's affluence eases housing costs

Monmouth County achieves a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio—well below New Jersey's 19.1% average—powered by a median household income of $122,727 and median rent of $1,771. This combination of strong earnings and relatively moderate rents makes Monmouth one of New Jersey's most affordable counties for renters.

Monmouth ranks among Jersey's best

At 17.3%, Monmouth's rent-to-income ratio ranks among New Jersey's lowest, significantly outperforming the state average of 19.1%. The county's high median income of $122,727 is the real affordability engine, allowing residents to handle coastal rents without strain.

Strongest income in Jersey's central coast

Monmouth's median income of $122,727 exceeds Middlesex ($109,028), Hudson ($90,032), and Ocean ($86,411), while its median rent of $1,771 stays competitive. This combination makes Monmouth the central-Jersey coastal option for affluent renters seeking affordability.

Coastal living without the squeeze

Renters pay $1,771 monthly while homeowners face $2,364, with the median household income of $122,727 easily supporting both. At 17.3% of income, Monmouth rents consume the smallest share of any county in this analysis, leaving room for savings and lifestyle choices.

Best coastal affordability in Jersey

Monmouth offers the rare combination of coastal New Jersey living with strong affordability—17.3% rent-to-income ratio and median income of $122,727. If you're seeking Jersey shore proximity without financial strain, Monmouth's towns provide the best balance statewide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monmouth County

via IncomeByCounty

Monmouth County earns 64% above national median

Monmouth County's median household income of $122,727 significantly exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it $47,972 ahead and ranking among the nation's most affluent counties. This performance reflects a prosperous coastal economy with strong professional employment and robust property values.

Third-wealthiest county in New Jersey

At $122,727, Monmouth County ranks third among New Jersey's 21 counties, exceeding the state median of $100,891 by $21,836. Only Morris and Hunterdon counties surpass Monmouth's household earnings, reflecting the county's concentration of affluent suburbs.

Monmouth leads most regional competitors

Monmouth County's $122,727 median income significantly outpaces Ocean County ($86,411), Hudson County ($90,032), and Mercer County ($96,333), trailing only the wealthy northern counties of Morris and Hunterdon. The income advantage reflects Monmouth's reputation as a premier residential destination for high-earning professionals.

Strong affordability despite high home values

Monmouth residents spend 17.3% of household income on rent, well below the 20% affordability threshold and among the best statewide. Despite a median home value of $566,500—the second-highest in this comparison—the county's strong incomes support homeownership without excessive cost burden.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

With a median household income of $122,727 and excellent housing affordability, Monmouth County residents have substantial capacity to invest in multiple wealth-building vehicles simultaneously. Prioritize maxing retirement accounts, investing in real estate or rental properties, and establishing diversified stock portfolios to compound wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Monmouth County

via HealthByCounty

Monmouth County extends life expectancy

At 79.7 years, Monmouth County residents live 2.5 years longer than the US average of 77.2 years. The county's 12.6% poor or fair health rate is below the national average of 13.1%, indicating above-average overall health status.

Above-average outcomes in New Jersey

Monmouth County's 79.7-year life expectancy exceeds New Jersey's state average of 78.5 years by 1.2 years, placing it among the state's top performers. The county's strong health metrics reflect effective community health strategies.

Best-in-class insurance coverage rates

Monmouth County's 6.1% uninsured rate is the lowest among its neighbors, beating Hudson (10.4%) and Mercer (8.7%) significantly. With 110 primary care and 371 mental health providers per 100K, Monmouth offers excellent access to care.

Coverage and access fuel health success

Monmouth's 6.1% uninsured rate ensures most residents can afford preventive and emergency care, supporting the county's strong life expectancy. The 110 primary care providers per 100K and 371 mental health providers per 100K create robust pathways to care.

Join Monmouth's insured majority

If you're among Monmouth's uninsured 6.1%, healthcare.gov and Get Covered NJ at getcoverednj.org help you find coverage. Joining the county's well-insured population connects you to abundant providers supporting excellent health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monmouth County

via RiskByCounty

Monmouth County carries above-average disaster risk

Monmouth County scores 96.31 out of 100 for composite risk, placing it in the relatively high category and substantially above national and state averages. This score reflects the county's coastal exposure and vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Fourth-highest risk in New Jersey

Monmouth County ranks fourth statewide in disaster risk with a composite score of 96.31, trailing only Middlesex, Hudson, and Mercer counties. Its score exceeds the state average of 90.81 by more than 5 points.

More exposed than inland counterparts

Monmouth County (96.31) carries higher risk than Ocean County (96.15) to the north and substantially more than Morris County (92.88) inland. Its coastal location drives elevated flood and hurricane exposure compared to neighboring counties.

Coastal flooding and wildfires lead

Monmouth County faces flood risk at 95.80, driven by its extensive Atlantic coastline and coastal plain geography. Wildfire risk scores an unusually high 88.77 for New Jersey, while hurricane risk (93.07) and earthquake risk (93.96) round out significant multi-hazard exposure.

Flood and wind insurance are essential

Monmouth County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 95.80 flood risk score and coastal storm exposure. Add comprehensive windstorm coverage, ensure your homeowner policy is current, and maintain emergency supplies for hurricane season.

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.