The Department of Community Affairs published it’s annual Property Tax Report. Excel files were merged from 2019-2024 and Google Colab was used to assist in cleaning the data, applying uniformity to the tables and creating the graphs.

What the Data Tells us about the State as a Whole

Based on verified statewide municipal tax data, this report provides a comprehensive overview of how property values, tax levies, and relief programs have evolved in New Jersey from 2019 through 2024.

Net taxable property valuation increased steadily from approximately $2.17 trillion in 2019 to $2.49 trillion in 2023, reaching $2.62 trillion in 2024. This consistent growth reflects both rising real estate values and ongoing development across municipalities.

Alongside these valuation increases, the total property tax levy—which includes county, school, and municipal components—rose from $60.2 billion in 2019 to $69.1 billion in 2024. School taxes remained the largest portion of the levy, increasing from $31.7 billion to $36.1 billion over the same period. Municipal taxes also grew significantly, from $17.7 billion in 2019 to $20.7 billion in 2024, while county levies rose from $10.8 billion to $12.4 billion. These increases support essential services, infrastructure, and day-to-day local government operations.

As a result, the average property tax bill for New Jersey households has also climbed year after year. In 2019, the average bill was $8,981. By 2023, it had reached $9,808, and in 2024 it crossed the $10,000 mark for the first time, averaging $10,158. Even when tax rates remain relatively stable, rising property values continue to push tax bills upward for residents across the state.

Relief Programs Have Expanded

Statewide relief programs have expanded dramatically over time. Verified data from municipal tax summaries shows that ANCHOR credits rose from $511 million in 2020 to over $3.8 billion in 2024. Senior Freeze reimbursements totaled $401 million in 2024. Most significantly, Property Tax Deductions amounted to more than $30 billion in 2024, highlighting the growing reliance on relief mechanisms to offset rising property tax burdens.

Impact on Working-Class/Middle Class Families & Seniors Rising valuations and tax levies continue to place financial pressure on working-class homeowners. While state relief programs help reduce some of the burden, many households still struggle to keep up with increasing tax bills driven by property value growth.

Union County

Stable Share of Statewide Burden

Each year, Union County contributes between 6.3% and 6.6% of the total property tax levy collected statewide. This share has remained stable over time.

Property Values Below Statewide Average

Average residential property values in Union County are below the statewide average. In 2024:

• Union County’s average home: $251,864

• Statewide average: $400,017

This places Union in the middle range of New Jersey counties, with values rising steadily but not at the highest levels statewide.

Higher Property Tax Bills for Union Residents
Despite lower property values, Union County residents pay higher-than-average property tax bills. In 2024:

• Union average tax bill: $11,802

• Statewide average: $10,113

Relief Program Participation

Union County receives less total relief than the statewide average county — which may be due to smaller population, fewer eligible properties, or filing patterns.

Insights into Municipalities within Union County

Total Property Tax Levy by Municipality (2024)

Union Township and Elizabeth lead with the highest total levies while smaller municipalities like Winfield and Garwood report the lowest overall levies due to size and valuation.

Total Property Tax Relief by Municipality (2024)

Union Township, Elizabeth, and Westfield received the most total relief.

Average Property Tax Bill by Municipality (2024)

Summit and Westfield top the list with the highest average bills while Elizabeth and Hillside are among the municipalities with lower average bills.

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