CountyScore

Somerset County

New Jersey · NJ

#7 in New Jersey
51.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Somerset County, New Jersey

Somerset slightly underperforms nationwide

Somerset County's composite score of 44.9 sits below the national median of 50.0, but its wealth and tax efficiency help narrow the gap. Among affluent U.S. counties, Somerset ranks respectably despite higher housing costs typical of prosperous areas.

Right at New Jersey's average

Somerset's score of 44.9 effectively matches the state average of 45.0, placing it squarely in the middle tier of New Jersey counties. It represents a balanced profile for the state: strong in some dimensions, challenged in others.

High incomes and moderate tax burden

Somerset excels on income, with a median household income of $135,960 and an income score of 72.1—among the highest in the state. Its tax score of 48.6 and effective rate of 1.909% are also competitive, reflecting a genuinely wealthy county with reasonable tax efficiency.

Housing affordability remains elusive

Somerset's cost score of 35.4 is its critical weakness; median home values of $523,900 and rents of $1,921/month price out middle-income earners. Limited data on safety, health, and schools prevents a fuller assessment of non-economic livability factors.

Ideal for affluent families seeking access

Somerset County is built for high-income professionals and established families who can afford premium housing in exchange for economic opportunity and efficient governance. It's less suitable for middle-income households or those prioritizing housing affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax48.6Cost35.4SafetyComing SoonHealth84.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome72.1Risk9.1WaterComing Soon
🏛48.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.1
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

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Compare Somerset County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Will County
Illinois
51.7
Median income: $107,799
Sussex County
New Jersey
51.7
Median income: $114,316
Nueces County
Texas
51.7
Median income: $66,021
McHenry County
Illinois
51.8
Median income: $102,836
Cook County
Illinois
51.6
Median income: $81,797

Deep Dives

Somerset County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Somerset County

via TaxByCounty

Somerset's rate is below national average

Somerset County's effective tax rate of 1.91% falls below the national median of 0.95%, ranking it in the middle tier nationally despite higher home values. The median property tax bill of $10,001 is 272% above the national median of $2,690, reflecting Somerset's significantly higher home values of $523,900.

Below state average, reasonable for NJ

Somerset's 1.91% effective rate sits below New Jersey's state average of 2.21%, making it one of the state's more moderate property tax environments. Yet the median tax bill of $10,001 exceeds the state average of $8,512 due to Somerset's substantially higher home valuations.

The lowest rate in this region

Somerset's 1.91% effective rate is the lowest among comparable counties—Warren (2.52%), Sussex (2.47%), Salem (3.03%), and Union (2.05%). This advantage matters for Somerset homeowners, even as their higher property values keep absolute tax bills relatively large.

A $523,900 home costs $10,001 yearly

The median Somerset County home valued at $523,900 generates an annual property tax bill of $10,001. Both mortgage holders and outright owners pay the same amount, indicating a consistent assessment approach across the county.

Somerset homeowners should verify assessments

Even in lower-tax counties, some homeowners are assessed above fair market value and can appeal for relief. A successful tax appeal in Somerset County could reduce annual bills and accumulate savings over decades of homeownership.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Somerset County

via CostByCounty

Somerset's wealth powers housing affordability

Somerset County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most livable, despite median rents of $1,921 per month. A median household income of $135,960—nearly twice the national average—makes those higher housing costs manageable.

Somerset leads New Jersey in affordability

Somerset's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in New Jersey, beating the state average of 19.1% by 2.2 percentage points. This advantage stems from both higher local incomes and moderate rental costs relative to earnings.

Somerset rents reflect prosperity

At $1,921 monthly, Somerset rents exceed Sussex ($1,503) and Warren ($1,368) counties but remain manageable due to Somerset's much higher incomes. Home values of $523,900 position Somerset as the most expensive county in this group, matching its affluent profile.

High income absorbs Somerset housing costs

Somerset renters spend $1,921 monthly while homeowners pay $2,461, but these costs represent only 16.9% and roughly 21.7% of the $135,960 median household income respectively. This leaves substantial income for savings, services, and quality of life.

Somerset rewards higher earners relocating

If your household income matches Somerset's $135,960+ benchmark, you'll find the county's premium housing costs balanced by exceptional affordability ratios and abundant amenities. Professionals in tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals should evaluate Somerset's thriving job market alongside these favorable housing metrics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Somerset County

via IncomeByCounty

Somerset ranks among America's wealthiest counties

Somerset County's median household income of $135,960 towers 81.8% above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties by earnings. This exceptional income level reflects Somerset's concentration of corporate headquarters, pharmaceutical executives, and highly educated professionals.

Tops New Jersey's income hierarchy

Somerset's $135,960 median income ranks among the highest in New Jersey, exceeding the state average of $100,891 by 34.7%. Only a handful of New Jersey counties match Somerset's wealth concentration and earning power.

Somerset vastly outearns comparable counties

Somerset households earn $21,644 more than Sussex County and $35,843 more than Warren County, the two other northern New Jersey neighbors in this comparison. This income premium reflects Somerset's status as a hub for pharmaceutical, biotech, and financial services firms.

High income supports premium housing costs

Somerset's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 30% stress threshold, despite New Jersey's high rental markets. The median home value of $523,900 aligns well with Somerset incomes, allowing qualified buyers to build substantial home equity.

Leverage exceptional income for long-term wealth

Somerset's above-average per capita income of $70,321 creates exceptional opportunity for wealth accumulation through diversified investments and tax-efficient planning. High earners here should prioritize 401(k) maximization, tax-advantaged accounts, and real estate diversification beyond primary residences.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Somerset County

via HealthByCounty

Somerset Leads on Life Expectancy

At 81.8 years, Somerset County residents enjoy the longest lifespans in the nation, beating the U.S. average of 78.8 years by three years. Only 11.9% report poor or fair health, well below the national 12% benchmark.

New Jersey's Healthiest County

Somerset's 81.8-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 78.5 years by 3.3 years, making it the standout performer in New Jersey. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 11.9% reflects strong community health outcomes.

Clear Health Advantage Over Region

Somerset residents live 3.4 years longer than Sussex County (78.4 years) and 2.5 years longer than Warren County (78.3 years). With 110 primary care providers per 100K—four times Salem's level—Somerset's healthcare infrastructure supports its strong outcomes.

Robust Access, Lowest Uninsured Rate

Somerset's 5.3% uninsured rate ranks among the lowest in the state, below the 7.5% state average, and 326 mental health providers per 100K offer the densest behavioral health workforce statewide. Together, excellent primary care density (110 per 100K) and insurance coverage create seamless daily access to care.

Keep Coverage Strong in Somerset

While Somerset leads on insurance uptake, ensuring every resident stays covered is vital. Review your current plan at nj.gov/humanservices or contact 1-877-NJ-COVER to confirm you're getting the best options available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Somerset County

via RiskByCounty

Somerset's risk tracks near the national average

Somerset County scores 90.94 on the composite risk scale, earning a relatively moderate risk rating that aligns closely with national averages for mixed-hazard counties. This rating reflects substantial but manageable exposure across multiple natural disaster types.

Somerset ranks in the middle tier statewide

Somerset's 90.94 score sits just slightly above New Jersey's state average of 90.81, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk distribution. This near-average standing means Somerset faces comparable disaster pressures to the state as a whole.

Somerset faces higher risk than surrounding counties

Somerset (90.94) outranks neighboring Salem (76.53), Sussex (77.45), and Warren (80.76) in composite risk, though Union County (95.48) surpasses it significantly. Somerset's elevated exposure stems partly from higher tornado and flood risks than its lower-risk neighbors.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate Somerset's hazards

Tornado risk scores 72.33 in Somerset, making it a notable concern compared to lower-risk neighbors, while flood risk registers at 95.04, posing severe threats to residents near waterways. Earthquake exposure also climbs to 88.52, reflecting Somerset's position in a moderately seismically active region.

Bundle flood and severe weather protections

Somerset residents should prioritize flood insurance given the county's 95.04 flood risk score, and supplement it with comprehensive homeowners' coverage that includes tornado and wind damage. A basement backup sump pump and reinforced safe room can provide additional protection during severe storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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