countyscore
53.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.1Health 89.5Schools 88.7

County Report Card

About Sussex County, New Jersey

Surpassing national quality of life standards

Sussex County earns a composite score of 53.4, notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a combination of high safety, health, and economic prosperity.

Leading the New Jersey pack

At 53.4, Sussex County far exceeds the New Jersey state average of 41.4. It serves as a benchmark for livability within the Garden State, offering a more balanced profile than many urban counties.

Safe communities and high household wealth

The county boasts an impressive safety score of 86.7 and an income score of 98.1. With a median household income of $114,316, residents enjoy a secure environment backed by substantial financial resources.

Tax pressures and water quality gaps

Despite its wealth, the county struggles with a tax score of 0.8 due to an effective tax rate of 2.469%. A water score of 28.3 also suggests that utility infrastructure lags behind other local quality-of-life indicators.

Best for safety-conscious families

Sussex County is ideal for families seeking a safe, high-income enclave with excellent public schools. It rewards those who prioritize security and community health over low property taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax0.8Cost4.5Safety86.7Health89.5Schools88.7Income98.1Risk22.6Water28.3Weather56.9
🏛0.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓88.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.9
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

Pike County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Morris County
New Jersey
52
Warren County
New Jersey
48.8
Passaic County
New Jersey
28.9
Orange County
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Monroe County
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Sullivan County
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Rockland County
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Deep Dives

Sussex County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sussex County

via TaxByCounty

Sussex's rate exceeds most U.S. counties

Sussex County's effective tax rate of 2.47% more than doubles the national median of 0.95%, placing it in the top 20% of counties nationwide. The median tax bill of $8,462 is more than three times the national median of $2,690, though Sussex homes are valued below the national average.

Moderate for New Jersey standards

Sussex's effective rate of 2.47% sits above New Jersey's state average of 2.21%, reflecting typical property tax pressures across the state. The median tax bill of $8,462 aligns closely with the state median of $8,512, making Sussex fairly representative of the Garden State's tax burden.

Higher than Somerset, lower than Salem

Sussex's 2.47% rate falls between Somerset County's lowest regional rate of 1.91% and Salem County's highest of 3.03%. Warren County charges 2.52%, making Sussex competitive within the regional tax landscape.

A $342,800 home costs $8,462 yearly

The median Sussex County home valued at $342,800 generates an annual property tax bill of $8,462. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($8,546), while those without pay slightly less ($8,285).

Sussex homeowners can appeal assessments

Property tax assessments in Sussex County aren't always accurate to current market conditions, and homeowners paying on overvalued properties have the right to appeal. Exploring an assessment appeal costs nothing and could unlock significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sussex County

via CostByCounty

Sussex balances strong income with modest rents

Sussex County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is among America's most affordable, powered by a median household income of $114,316 and moderate rents of $1,503. This combination leaves residents significantly more disposable income than typical American households.

Sussex ranks highly affordable statewide

Sussex's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio bests New Jersey's 19.1% state average, putting it in the upper tier of affordable counties. Only Somerset matches or exceeds Sussex's affordability advantage in the state.

Sussex offers middle ground on costs

Sussex rents of $1,503 split the difference between Salem's $1,185 and Somerset's $1,921, while home values of $342,800 position it firmly in the middle of this county cohort. Its $114,316 median income exceeds Salem but trails Somerset, making it a balanced choice.

Sussex keeps housing below 16% of income

Renters pay $1,503 monthly and homeowners $2,006, together consuming just 15.8% of the $114,316 median household income. This efficiency means Sussex residents retain roughly $9,500+ monthly for other priorities after typical housing expenses.

Sussex offers suburban comfort affordably

Relocating professionals seeking a blend of reasonable housing costs, strong schools, and outdoor recreation should evaluate Sussex's favorable rent-to-income ratio and growing bedroom-community appeal. Compare Sussex's metrics to your current area and local job opportunities before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sussex County

via IncomeByCounty

Sussex surpasses U.S. income benchmarks significantly

Sussex County's median household income of $114,316 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 52.8%, positioning it well above typical American earning levels. This substantial income advantage reflects Sussex's blend of professional workers, small business owners, and skilled trade practitioners.

Solidly above New Jersey's county average

Sussex's $114,316 income ranks in the upper half of New Jersey's 21 counties, surpassing the state average of $100,891 by 13.2%. Though not among the state's wealthiest counties, Sussex demonstrates strong earning power relative to state norms.

Sussex leads its regional peer group

Sussex residents earn $14,720 more than Warren County and significantly outpace national averages, though Somerset's exceptional concentration of corporate wealth surpasses Sussex by $21,644. Sussex occupies a prosperous middle ground in northern New Jersey's income landscape.

Housing costs align well with strong incomes

At 15.8%, Sussex's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these five counties, signaling excellent affordability for renters. The median home value of $342,800 is accessible to Sussex households, supporting homeownership as a wealth-building strategy.

Capitalize on strong income and low housing ratios

Sussex's combination of above-average income and the most favorable rent-to-income ratio (15.8%) creates powerful wealth-building potential. Residents should prioritize investing the income freed up by affordable housing costs, pursuing aggressive retirement savings and investment diversification.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sussex County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the nation's safest counties

Sussex County features a near-perfect safety score of 99.5 and a total crime rate of just 300.4 per 100K. This rate is 87% lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Setting the safety standard for New Jersey

Sussex leads the state in safety, with a score of 99.5 compared to the New Jersey average of 97.6. Its total crime rate of 300.4 is a fraction of the state average of 1525.9.

Outperforming all neighboring areas

While neighboring Warren County is safe, Sussex remains even more secure with a crime rate that is nearly three times lower. Its 14 reporting agencies oversee one of the most peaceful jurisdictions in the tri-state area.

Violent crime is extremely rare

Sussex reports a violent crime rate of only 28.3 per 100K, making serious physical crime very unlikely. Property crime is also minimal at 272.1 per 100K residents.

Maintaining peace in Sussex County

Residents enjoy exceptional security, but maintaining this standard depends on basic home awareness. Locking doors and utilizing motion sensors can help Sussex remain the safest county in the region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sussex County

via HealthByCounty

Sussex Matches National Life Expectancy

At 78.4 years, Sussex County residents live right in line with the U.S. average of 78.8 years, showing solid health outcomes. The county's 13.1% poor/fair health rate is just slightly above the national average of 12%.

Slightly Shorter Lives Than State Average

Sussex's 78.4-year life expectancy edges 0.1 years below New Jersey's 78.5-year state average, placing the county near the middle of the state's health rankings. The county's health disparities remain modest compared to lower-performing peers.

Middle Ground Among County Peers

Sussex falls between Somerset (81.8 years) and Warren (78.3 years), reflecting moderate health outcomes relative to nearby counties. With 45 primary care providers per 100K, Sussex offers respectable access—better than Salem but less robust than Somerset's 110.

Strong Coverage, Solid Care Access

Sussex's 5.3% uninsured rate beats the state average of 7.5%, ensuring most residents have insurance pathways. With 45 primary care providers and 250 mental health providers per 100K, Sussex residents enjoy reliable daily access to both preventive and behavioral health services.

Secure Your Healthcare Coverage

Sussex's strong coverage rate reflects community engagement in insurance enrollment. Ensure you're covered by checking nj.gov/humanservices or calling 1-877-NJ-COVER to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and nearby health centers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sussex County

via SchoolsByCounty

Localized Learning in Sussex County

Sussex County maintains 46 public schools serving 19,402 students across 27 different school districts. This structure results in highly localized governance, with a mix of 26 elementary schools and 9 high schools. The county provides specialized support through its own special education facilities and one charter school location.

Top-Tier Scores and Premium Funding

Sussex County achieves an impressive composite school score of 71.9, outperforming the New Jersey state average of 67.4. The county's 93.5% graduation rate is supported by a generous per-pupil expenditure of $14,659. This spending level sits well above the $13,088 state average and the $13,000 national benchmark.

Small Districts with Big Impact

Sparta Township is the county's largest district, educating 3,267 students across five schools. Vernon Township follows closely with 2,935 students, while many other districts remain much smaller, reflecting the county's decentralized approach. Only 2.2% of schools here are charters, highlighting the community's reliance on traditional district-led education.

Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Classrooms

The Sussex school experience is defined by its 25 rural and 11 town-based campuses, offering a quieter academic setting. With an average school size of 422 students, the environment is personal yet well-resourced. Sparta High School is the county's largest institution with 1,071 students, while Alpine Elementary serves 759 young learners.

Discover Rural Excellence in Sussex

For families seeking a blend of high academic scores and rural charm, Sussex County is an ideal destination for your next home. The high per-pupil investment ensures that even smaller schools offer robust opportunities for every student. Explore available properties and find a home where your children can thrive in a top-rated district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sussex County

via RiskByCounty

Sussex sits comfortably below national risk norms

Sussex County scores 77.45 on the composite risk scale, earning a relatively low risk rating that outperforms national averages for comparable counties. This favorable standing reflects Sussex's moderate exposure to natural hazards, making it one of the less threatened areas in its region.

Sussex ranks among New Jersey's safest counties

At 77.45, Sussex scores well below New Jersey's average of 90.81, placing it in the lower third of the state's risk rankings. This positions Sussex as one of New Jersey's safer counties for natural disaster exposure.

Sussex rivals Salem and Warren in risk profile

Sussex (77.45) shares comparable risk levels with nearby Salem (76.53) and Warren (80.76), creating a safer corridor in northwestern New Jersey. All three significantly outrank Somerset (90.94) and Union (95.48) in relative safety.

Flooding and hurricanes require attention

Sussex residents face flood risk at 77.32 and hurricane exposure at 71.46, both substantial enough to warrant precautions despite the county's overall low-risk rating. Tornado risk scores 44.08, making severe convective storms a secondary but real concern.

Prioritize flood coverage and storm readiness

Sussex homeowners should maintain flood insurance, especially those near rivers and floodplains, given the county's 77.32 flood risk score. Reinforcing roof straps and clearing gutters before hurricane season will strengthen defenses against the county's 71.46 hurricane risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sussex County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Alpine Influences

At an annual average of 50.0°F, Sussex County is significantly cooler than the national median. Its climate leans more toward a humid continental profile with crisp air and distinct seasonal shifts.

New Jersey's Coldest County

Sussex is the state's refrigerator, with its 50.0°F average falling well below the New Jersey average of 53.6°F. It consistently ranks as one of the coldest regions in the Garden State.

The Snow King of the Region

Sussex receives a massive 38.7 inches of snow annually, nearly tripling the snowfall found in Salem County. Winters are harsh here, with a December-February average of only 29.2°F.

Brief Summers and Long Winters

The county only sees 11 days of extreme heat per year, the lowest in the region. However, January is brutal with an average temperature of 26.7°F and heavy persistent snow cover.

Winterize for Heavy Snowfall

A high-performance snowblower and winter-rated tires are non-negotiable for the nearly 39 inches of annual snow. Residents enjoy lower cooling costs in the summer but must budget for significant heating expenses during the long winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sussex County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic, high-scoring earth

Sussex County boasts a high soil score of 66.5, even though its 1.36 pH indicates extreme acidity compared to the 6.5 national median. This unique chemistry places it far below the New Jersey average pH of 4.24.

Balanced minerals for easy tilling

The earth is balanced between 30.8% sand and 34.2% silt, resulting in a versatile physical structure. With clay making up only 10.4% of the mix, the soil provides excellent workability for local farmers and home gardeners.

Exceptional organic richness

This soil is incredibly rich, containing 55.62% organic matter, which dwarfs the state average of 15.72%. The available water capacity of 0.274 in/in is among the highest in the state, promising exceptional nutrient storage.

Superior absorption and sponge-like capacity

While specific drainage class records are unavailable, the extremely high organic content suggests an absorbent profile. This composition helps mitigate erosion and supports consistent plant hydration through the seasons.

Hardy crops for northern heights

Hardiness Zone 6b brings colder winters to Sussex, making it perfect for cold-hardy crops and fruit trees. Utilize this high-fertility soil to build a thriving, productive garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sussex County

via LawnByCounty

Taming the Tough Sussex Terrain

Sussex County presents a difficult environment for lawns, with a score of 44.9 compared to the 48.0 state average. As a hardiness zone 6b region, it faces unique hurdles that require more active management than much of the country.

Cooler Summers and Consistent Rain

The county enjoys only 11 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the state average of 23 and helps prevent summer dormancy. While precipitation is steady at 47.0 inches, the lower 2,809 growing degree days mean a slightly shorter window for active growth.

Navigating High Soil Acidity

Soil here is extremely acidic with a pH of 1.36, a level that makes standard grass growth nearly impossible without heavy lime intervention. With 30.8% sand and 10.4% clay, you must focus heavily on soil testing and rebuilding the nutrient base before planting.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Sussex faced 40 weeks in drought last year, and currently 100.0% of the county is in severe drought. Prioritize water conservation by using mulch mowers and skipping irrigation during the hottest parts of the day.

Hardy Varieties for 6b

Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescues are your best bets for this colder climate and shorter season. Aim to plant after the last spring frost on April 25, ensuring your lawn is strong enough to survive the first frost on October 16.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sussex County's county score?
Sussex County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 53.5 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 Sussex County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Sussex County ranks #2 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 Sussex County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Sussex County is $8,462, with an effective tax rate of 2.47%. This earns Sussex County a tax score of 0.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sussex County?
The median household income in Sussex County, New Jersey is $114,316 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sussex County earns an income score of 98.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sussex County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Sussex County scores 53.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Sussex 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 Sussex 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.