These Towns Saw The Biggest Property Tax Increase In 2025

Garden State residents are facing another year of nation-leading property taxes (see the list below) as well as a $3B deficit as it heads into Governor Mikie Sherrill’s inaugural budget address. But there is hope.

“We’re not going to raise taxes on New Jerseyans," Sherrill said. "We are going to look for savings. Because together, we need to fix Trenton’s historic spending problem.”

Sherrill says federal COVID relief money over the past six years has “papered over” underlying fiscal problems, and prior administrations failed to implement long-term spending solutions.

Property taxes are used to fund schools, police, fire departments, and municipal services largely through property and income taxes, so cutting them without a plan would put public safety and quality of life at risk. But the current funding formula leaves individual communities vulnerable to large increases year over year.

Top 10 Municipalities by Average 2025 Property Tax Increase

1. Asbury Park, Monmouth County – $1,867 (20% increase)
2. Loch Arbour, Monmouth County – $1,706 (14% increase)
3. Millstone Borough, Somerset County – $1,572 (22% increase)
4. Neptune Township, Monmouth County – $1,470 (16% increase)
5. Chesilhurst, Camden County – $1,313 (20% increase)
6. Irvington, Essex County – $1,320 (14% increase)
7. Union Beach, Monmouth County – $1,261 (14% increase)
8. Plumsted, Ocean County – $1,154 (15% increase)
9. Lumberton, Burlington County – $1,111 (14% increase)
10. Port Republic, Atlantic County – $1,006 (13% increase)

But that doesn’t mean they brought in the most revenue. Jersey City leads New Jersey municipalities in total property tax revenue, collecting approximately $1.1 billion in combined county, school, and municipal levies, according to a Patch analysis of Department of Community Affairs data.

Newark follows with $511 million, while high-population suburbs such as Edison, Toms River, and Woodbridge also generate hundreds of millions in revenue. These figures reflect the towns with the largest tax bases and indicate where the bulk of New Jersey’s property tax dollars are concentrated.

Top 10 Municipalities By Total Property Tax Levy

1. Jersey City, Hudson County – $1.1 billion
2. Newark, Essex County – $511 million
3. Edison Township, Middlesex County – $429 million
4. Toms River Township, Ocean County – $391 million
5. Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County – $380 million
6. Cherry Hill Township, Camden County – $345 million
7. Hamilton Township, Mercer County – $333 million
8. Clifton, Passaic County – $330 million
9. Elizabeth, Union County – $322 million

While larger cities dominate total levies, some smaller communities carry the heaviest burden for individual homeowners. Tavistock residents pay the highest average property taxes in the state, at more than $38,000 annually. Other high-cost areas include Millburn, Demarest, and Mantoloking.

Top 10 Municipalities By Average Residential Property Taxes

1. Tavistock, Camden County – $38,387
2. Millburn, Essex County – $26,292
3. Demarest, Bergen County – $26,108
4. Mantoloking, Ocean County – $25,985
5. Deal, Monmouth County – $25,563
6. Tenafly, Bergen County – $25,123
7. Mountain Lakes, Morris County – $24,089
8. Rumson, Monmouth County – $23,692
9. Glen Ridge, Essex County – $23,673
10. Princeton, Mercer County – $23,412

Population losses are concentrated in urban hubs like Jersey City, Newark, and Union City, while small towns such as Maurice River Township and Highlands Borough have seen the steepest percentage declines.

Meanwhile, some suburban areas, like Ocean County, are growing, highlighting a broader reshuffling within the state.

For many New Jersey residents, these levies influence where families live, how businesses plan and when retirees can afford to stay in their communities.

What The Data Shows

A Patch analysis of municipal-level data reveals:

• Median average tax bill: $9,909.50
• Mean average tax bill: $10,572.51
• Highest average tax bill: $26,298
• Lowest average tax bill: $2,101

Despite the high sticker price for living in New Jersey, there are some programs that provide a modicum of relief.

Property Tax Relief Programs

The New Jersey Division of Taxation administers several relief programs.

The Senior Freeze reimburses eligible seniors and disabled residents for property tax increases.

The ANCHOR program provides direct relief payments to qualifying homeowners and renters.

The STAY NJ initiative aims to reduce property tax burdens for certain older residents.