countyscore
48.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.2Health 87.1Schools 84.4

County Report Card

About Warren County, New Jersey

Close to the national median

Warren County achieves a composite score of 48.8, placing it just shy of the national median of 50.0. It offers a profile that is more representative of the broader United States than many of its neighbors.

Outperforming the New Jersey average

Warren's 48.8 score is significantly higher than the New Jersey state average of 41.4. It offers a more accessible version of the New Jersey lifestyle while maintaining high performance in key categories.

Strong health outcomes and high incomes

With a health score of 87.1 and an income score of 95.2, the county supports a prosperous population. Families earn a median income of $99,596, providing a high standard of living and good medical access.

Hefty tax rates and climate risk

The tax score of 0.5 reflects a high effective tax rate of 2.524%, a common struggle in the region. Additionally, a risk score of 19.2 indicates that the area is more vulnerable to natural hazards than many national peers.

Perfect for a balanced New Jersey life

Warren County is an excellent choice for families seeking a mix of strong schools, healthy living, and high earnings. It offers a more balanced value proposition than the state's more expensive coastal or urban counties.

Score breakdown

Tax0.5Cost7Safety62.6Health87.1Schools84.4Income95.2Risk19.2Water64.1Weather54.8
🏛0.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼95.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.9
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

Northampton County
Pennsylvania
48.1
Monroe County
Pennsylvania
42.5
Hunterdon County
New Jersey
55.3
Sussex County
New Jersey
53.5
Morris County
New Jersey
52
Somerset County
New Jersey
51.4
Pike County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Lehigh County
Pennsylvania
40.7

Deep Dives

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren's taxes rank among highest nationally

Warren County's effective tax rate of 2.52% nearly triples the national median of 0.95%, placing it in the top 20% of counties for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $8,156 is 203% above the national median of $2,690, despite home values near the national average.

Above state average tax rate

Warren's effective rate of 2.52% exceeds New Jersey's state average of 2.21%, ranking it in the upper third of the state's 21 counties. The median tax bill of $8,156 falls slightly below the state median of $8,512, showing that Warren's burden comes from rate rather than valuation.

Higher than most surrounding areas

Warren's 2.52% rate is second-highest in the region, surpassed only by Salem County's 3.03%. Somerset (1.91%), Union (2.05%), and Sussex (2.47%) all offer lower rates, giving Warren homeowners a cost disadvantage.

A $323,100 home costs $8,156 yearly

The median Warren County home valued at $323,100 generates an annual property tax bill of $8,156. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($8,331), while those without pay slightly less ($7,842).

Warren homeowners can challenge assessments

Property assessments in Warren County sometimes overestimate home values, and homeowners can appeal their assessments at no cost. Successful appeals have helped many neighbors reduce their annual tax bills and recover years of overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren offers rural affordability advantage

Warren County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national housing stress threshold, supported by a median household income of $99,596 and the lowest rents in this county group at $1,368. Rural New Jersey delivers surprising economic efficiency.

Warren ranks among state's most affordable

Warren's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio beats New Jersey's 19.1% state average by 2.6 percentage points, positioning it as one of the most affordable counties statewide. Only Sussex and Somerset offer better housing affordability ratios.

Warren leads on rent, lags on income

Warren's $1,368 median rent is the lowest of any county in this comparison, but its median household income of $99,596 trails Somerset and Sussex. The tradeoff offers excellent rent affordability for those willing to accept slightly lower local wage scales.

Warren keeps housing costs remarkably low

Renters spend just $1,368 monthly while homeowners pay $1,779, consuming only 16.5% and roughly 21.4% of the $99,596 median household income respectively. This efficiency leaves Warren residents among the most housing-secure in the state.

Warren rewards remote workers and retirees

If you work remotely or are relocating in retirement, Warren County's lowest rents and strong affordability ratio make it an excellent relocation target with small-town character. Compare local job opportunities carefully, as wage scales trail more urban New Jersey counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren exceeds national income by one-third

Warren County's median household income of $99,596 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 33.2%, placing it solidly above typical American earning levels. This income advantage reflects Warren's mix of rural professionals, small business owners, and commuters to regional job centers.

Slightly below New Jersey's affluent norm

Warren's $99,596 median income falls just shy of New Jersey's state average of $100,891, ranking it near the middle of the state's 21 counties. Though Warren underperforms the state average by 1.3%, it remains well-positioned nationally.

Warren anchors the region's modest-income end

Warren residents earn less than Sussex ($114,316), Somerset ($135,960), and Union ($100,117), though modestly ahead of Salem ($78,412). Warren's income reflects its more rural character and smaller job market compared to New Jersey's corporate-dominated wealth centers.

Housing remains appropriately priced relative to income

At 16.5%, Warren's rent-to-income ratio is healthy and well below the 30% stress threshold, indicating strong rental affordability. The median home value of $323,100 aligns reasonably with Warren incomes, supporting homeownership feasibility for qualified buyers.

Leverage moderate income and affordable housing

Warren households benefit from near-state-average income combined with below-state-average housing costs, creating opportunity for wealth accumulation. Focus on building emergency savings, maximizing retirement contributions, and exploring home equity as a long-term investment vehicle.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Warren County

via CrimeByCounty

Warren County is much safer than national average

Warren County enjoys a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 862.1 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2385.5.

Beating state averages for public safety

Warren's safety score of 98.6 is higher than the New Jersey state average of 97.6. The county's total crime rate of 862.1 is also significantly lower than the state average of 1525.9.

A secure choice in northwest New Jersey

Warren County is safer than most counties in the state, though it has slightly more crime than its neighbor, Sussex County. Its 16 reporting agencies maintain a very safe environment for residents.

Exceptionally low violent crime rates

Violent crime in Warren is very low at 63.8 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 798.3, which represents the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Keep Warren County safe and secure

Homeowners can help keep crime rates low by securing entry points and using outdoor lighting. Proactive measures are the best defense against property crime in this peaceful county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Warren County

via HealthByCounty

Warren's Life Expectancy Nearly Average

At 78.3 years, Warren County residents live just slightly below the U.S. average of 78.8 years, marking modest health outcomes. The county's 13.3% poor/fair health rate sits just above the national average of 12%.

Slightly Below New Jersey Standard

Warren's 78.3-year life expectancy falls 0.2 years short of New Jersey's 78.5-year average, placing the county among the state's lower-tier performers. The county's poor/fair health rate signals room for improvement in chronic disease management.

Lower Health Outcomes Than Somerset

Warren residents live 3.5 years shorter than Somerset County (81.8 years) and 0.1 years shorter than Sussex (78.4 years). With 54 primary care providers per 100K, Warren trails Somerset's 110 but edges ahead of Salem's 25.

Better Coverage, Accessible Primary Care

Warren's 6.0% uninsured rate beats the state average of 7.5%, indicating strong insurance enrollment across the county. With 54 primary care providers and 263 mental health providers per 100K, Warren residents have reliable access to preventive and behavioral health services in their daily lives.

Keep Warren Well Covered

While Warren's uninsured rate is below state average, ensuring every resident stays protected is critical to maintaining health gains. Check your coverage at nj.gov/humanservices or dial 1-877-NJ-COVER to explore all available plans and local resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Warren County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Decentralized Network of Local Schools

Warren County distributes its 15,438 students across 41 public schools and 24 different school districts. This creates an environment of small districts, many of which manage only one or two schools. The landscape is primarily elementary-focused, with 26 schools dedicated to younger learners.

Solid Performance and Above-Average Funding

Warren County outpaces the state average with a 92.3% graduation rate and a composite school score of 68.9. Education is a priority here, evidenced by the $13,552 per-pupil expenditure, which sits above both the New Jersey and national averages. These numbers indicate a high-performing system that effectively translates funding into student achievement.

Phillipsburg Leads a Diverse District Mix

Phillipsburg School District is the largest provider in the county, serving 3,896 students across five schools. Hackettstown follows with 2,048 students, while most other districts are significantly smaller. A single charter school and two alternative schools provide additional specialized options within the county's public framework.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

Nearly half of Warren County's schools are located in rural areas, with the remainder split between suburban and town locales. Schools remain intimate with an average size of 396 students, though Phillipsburg High School is a notable outlier with 1,794 students. This mix offers families a choice between small-town familiarity and larger regional high school resources.

Make Your Home in Warren County

If you are looking for a community that values individual student attention and high graduation rates, Warren County is a top contender. The county's blend of rural charm and strong academic funding makes it a unique destination for education-minded homebuyers. Explore the local real estate market to find a home near one of Warren's many well-regarded school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren's risk sits modestly below national average

Warren County scores 80.76 on the composite risk scale, earning a relatively low risk rating that falls below national averages for comparable counties. This favorable standing reflects Warren's generally moderate exposure to natural disasters, making it a relatively safer choice within its region.

Warren ranks well below New Jersey's average

At 80.76, Warren scores considerably below New Jersey's state average of 90.81, placing it in the lower half of the state's risk distribution. This below-average standing positions Warren as one of the safer counties for natural disaster exposure statewide.

Warren matches Sussex and Salem in safety

Warren (80.76) aligns closely with Sussex (77.45) and Salem (76.53) in relative safety, forming a lower-risk zone in northwestern and southern New Jersey. All three counties significantly outperform Somerset (90.94) and especially Union (95.48).

Flooding and hurricanes lead Warren's hazards

Flood risk registers at 86.55 in Warren County, reflecting vulnerability near river systems and seasonal precipitation events. Hurricane exposure reaches 79.93, while tornado and wildfire risks remain comparatively low at 49.68 and 23.44 respectively.

Secure flood and wind protection early

Warren residents should obtain flood insurance given the county's 86.55 flood risk score, particularly those near waterways and flood-prone zones. Homeowners should also review wind and hurricane coverage in standard policies to ensure adequate protection during severe storm seasons.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Warren County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Temps and High Precipitation

Warren County averages 51.1°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median for temperature. It stands out for its high moisture levels, receiving nearly 50 inches of precipitation every year.

The State's Wettest Corner

With 49.6 inches of annual precipitation, Warren is wetter than the New Jersey average of 48.1 inches. Its 51.1°F average temperature makes it one of the cooler counties in the state.

Damp and Cool Compared to Union

Warren is much cooler than neighboring Union County, averaging 51.1°F compared to Union's 55.0°F. It also manages more snowfall, recording 23.3 inches compared to the lower levels found in southern NJ.

Chilly Winters and Mild Summers

Extreme heat is limited to just 17 days a year, keeping summer averages at a comfortable 71.3°F. Winter brings a sharp chill, with January temperatures averaging 28.5°F.

Prepare for Rain and Ice

The primary challenge here is the 49.6 inches of annual precipitation, requiring excellent drainage and waterproof gear. Homeowners should also prepare for 23 inches of snow and the potential for icy winter mornings.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Warren County

via SoilByCounty

High performing agricultural base

Warren County earns a high soil score of 65.9, reflecting its strong agricultural foundation. Its pH of 2.13 is very acidic, measuring well below the state average of 4.24 and the national median of 6.5.

Medium texture for optimal growth

The soil contains 31.9% sand and 34.4% silt, creating a medium-textured earth that is highly productive. With only 11.1% clay, the soil provides a perfect balance for air and water movement through the root zone.

Powerhouse levels of organic matter

Boasting 44.99% organic matter, Warren’s soil is nearly triple the state average of 15.72%. Its water capacity of 0.246 in/in ensures that crops remain hydrated even during dry spells.

Reliably well-drained terrain

This land is classified as well-drained, making it ideal for a variety of agricultural uses and residential building. This natural efficiency helps prevent waterlogging and promotes deep, healthy root systems.

Resilient crops for a cool climate

The Zone 6b climate supports a diverse range of hardy vegetables and perennials. Grab your shovel and take advantage of this top-tier soil to grow your own food this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Warren County

via LawnByCounty

Warren's High-Difficulty Lawn Care

Warren County is the most difficult in this group with a lawn score of 42.9, well below the state average of 48.0. Residents in hardiness zone 6b must contend with tough soil and climate conditions to maintain a healthy yard.

The wettest County in the Group

Warren receives 49.6 inches of rain annually, the highest in the region and right at the top of the ideal lawn range. This moisture is vital because it offsets the 17 heat days and supports the 3,002 growing degree days available for turf development.

Working with Well-Drained Soil

The soil is classified as well-drained, but a very low pH of 2.13 indicates a harsh environment for most plants. With 11.1% clay and 31.9% sand, you will need consistent soil testing and lime treatments to bring your lawn's foundation toward a neutral state.

Facing Severe Water Stress

Drought is a major factor here, with 37 weeks in drought last year and 91.2% of the county currently in severe drought. Practice xeriscaping or use drought-resistant seed blends to help your lawn survive these frequent dry periods.

Cold-Hardy Grass for Warren

Stick with cold-hardy species like fine fescue or Kentucky bluegrass to handle the zone 6b winters. Be sure to get your seeds in the ground after the April 30 frost, as the growing window closes quickly before the October 25 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warren County's county score?
Warren County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 48.8 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 Warren County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Warren County ranks #5 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 Warren County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Warren County is $8,156, with an effective tax rate of 2.52%. This earns Warren County a tax score of 0.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Warren County?
The median household income in Warren County, New Jersey is $99,596 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Warren County earns an income score of 95.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Warren County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Warren County scores 48.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Warren 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 Warren 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.