New Jersey School Taxes: Which Towns Pay the Most? (Data Breakdown)

Is Your Town on the List? The Highest School Taxes in New Jersey

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ — If you’ve ever opened your annual property tax bill in New Jersey and wondered how it compares to the rest of the state, you aren’t alone. As one of the highest-taxed states in the nation, the “school tax” portion—which often makes up the largest chunk of your bill—is a frequent topic of debate.

But how do you measure the “highest” tax bill? Is it by the absolute dollar amount or by the percentage of your bill that goes to the classroom?

The answer matters, especially if you are considering a move or analyzing your local government’s budget. Here is a breakdown of how New Jersey property taxes work and which towns consistently rank at the top.

1. Highest Total School Taxes (Absolute Dollars)

These towns are often home to higher property values. Because New Jersey’s school districts rely heavily on local property taxes rather than state-level funding, these areas see the largest absolute dollar amounts dedicated to education.

Top-tier towns (in dollars) often include:

• Bergen County: Demarest, Tenafly, Upper Saddle River, Glen Rock, Ridgewood.

• Morris County: Mountain Lakes, Mendham Township.

• Essex County: Glen Ridge, Millburn.

• Monmouth County: Rumson.

Note: While lists fluctuate annually due to local assessments and budget votes, these municipalities consistently rank at the top.

2. Highest Percentage Share (The Education Focus)

Some towns aren’t necessarily the “most expensive” in absolute dollars, but they dedicate a massive portion of their municipal budget to schools—sometimes exceeding 80% of the total tax levy. These are often suburban or rural areas where the school district is the primary focus of the tax bill.

Towns leading in percentage share include:

• Burlington County: Shamong, Woodland, Washington, Chesterfield.

• Hunterdon County: Holland Township.

• Monmouth County: Upper Freehold, Farmingdale, Millstone.

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Why Is New Jersey’s Tax Structure So High?

The complexity lies in New Jersey’s fragmentation. With over 600 independent school districts, the state places the burden of funding on local property owners.

• Commercial Base: Districts with a smaller commercial tax base must rely almost exclusively on residential property taxes to fund per-pupil spending requirements.

• The “Tavistock” Factor: You may occasionally see Tavistock Borough (Camden County) at the top of national lists due to its extremely high average bill. However, with a tiny population, it is widely considered a statistical outlier.

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Data Source & Transparency

This data is derived from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which publishes annual property tax distributions. If you want to know exactly where your tax dollars are going, the DCA’s annual reports are the definitive source for your specific municipality.

Quick Tips for Homeowners:

1. Review Your Tax Assessment: Ensure your home’s value is assessed correctly to avoid overpaying.

2. Attend Budget Meetings: School board budget hearings are public—this is where the “tax levy” is decided.

3. Check the DCA Portal: You can look up your specific town’s property tax distribution on the state’s official website.

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