Sussex County's composite score of 44.7 trails the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle range of American counties. The gap reflects a mixed livability profile that lacks standout strengths in most dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly behind New Jersey's standard
Sussex's score of 44.7 falls just short of New Jersey's state average of 45.0, marking it as an average-to-below-average county within the state. The county sits near the midpoint of New Jersey rankings, neither a top destination nor a lagging area.
3 / 5
Balanced income and reasonable housing costs
Sussex offers a middle-ground profile: a median household income of $114,316 (income score: 58.0) and median home values of $342,800 make it accessible to upper-middle-income families. The cost score of 50.3 and median rent of $1,503/month also represent moderate affordability.
4 / 5
Tax burden and limited community data
Sussex's tax score of 32.8 and effective tax rate of 2.469% suggest a moderate tax load that could deter some residents. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions limits visibility into quality-of-life dimensions beyond economics.
5 / 5
Suited for upper-middle-income families seeking balance
Sussex County appeals to families earning $100K–$130K annually who want reasonable housing costs without sacrificing income potential or economic diversity. It's a sensible choice for those seeking suburban comfort and stability without premium pricing.
Sussex County's composite score of 44.7 trails the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle range of American counties. The gap reflects a mixed livability profile that lacks standout strengths in most dimensions.
Slightly behind New Jersey's standard
Sussex's score of 44.7 falls just short of New Jersey's state average of 45.0, marking it as an average-to-below-average county within the state. The county sits near the midpoint of New Jersey rankings, neither a top destination nor a lagging area.
Balanced income and reasonable housing costs
Sussex offers a middle-ground profile: a median household income of $114,316 (income score: 58.0) and median home values of $342,800 make it accessible to upper-middle-income families. The cost score of 50.3 and median rent of $1,503/month also represent moderate affordability.
Tax burden and limited community data
Sussex's tax score of 32.8 and effective tax rate of 2.469% suggest a moderate tax load that could deter some residents. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions limits visibility into quality-of-life dimensions beyond economics.
Suited for upper-middle-income families seeking balance
Sussex County appeals to families earning $100K–$130K annually who want reasonable housing costs without sacrificing income potential or economic diversity. It's a sensible choice for those seeking suburban comfort and stability without premium pricing.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛32.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.