Burlington County has once again secured its position as New Jersey’s most affordable county for residents when it comes to county-level property taxes, according to newly released 2025 property tax data from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The latest figures confirm that Burlington County continues a remarkable seven-year streak of maintaining the lowest average county tax among all 21 counties in the state, reinforcing its reputation for fiscal discipline, long-term planning, and strategic government management.
The data, released this month, highlights not only Burlington County’s sustained affordability but also the broader economic strategies that have allowed the county to balance tax stability, infrastructure investment, and public service delivery while maintaining strong financial health.
The continued ranking positions Burlington County as a model for local government efficiency at a time when property tax affordability remains one of the most pressing issues facing New Jersey residents.
DCA Data Confirms Burlington County’s Leading Position in Tax Affordability
According to the 2025 DCA property tax report, the county portion of the average residential property tax bill in Burlington County was $1,270 for a home assessed at $242,075. This figure represents the lowest average county tax among New Jersey’s 21 counties.
The numbers reveal a significant gap between Burlington County and other counties across the state. Burlington’s average county tax was:
- $233 lower than Morris County’s average of $1,503, the second lowest in New Jersey
- $625 below the statewide average county tax of $1,895
The data further confirms a consistent trend. Burlington County has now recorded the lowest average county tax in New Jersey every year from 2019 through 2025, marking seven consecutive years of leadership in county tax affordability.
County officials say the results reflect a deliberate fiscal strategy focused on cost control, shared services, and long-term financial planning.
“Our Board doesn’t just talk about affordability, we deliver it through strong fiscal management and sharing services,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “Seven consecutive years of having the lowest average county tax in New Jersey is something we are very proud about, and we remain laser-focused on keeping county taxes manageable while still delivering the best services possible.”
Understanding the Property Tax Breakdown in New Jersey
The DCA report provides insight into how property taxes are structured statewide, offering important context for residents evaluating tax bills.
In 2025, county taxes accounted for just 15.5% of total residential property taxes in Burlington County. The largest portion of property taxes went toward school funding, which represented 63.6% of the total tax bill. Municipal taxes accounted for 20.8%.
The average total property tax bill in Burlington County — including county, school, and municipal taxes — was $8,179.
This breakdown underscores the relatively small share of overall property taxes controlled at the county level while highlighting how strategic county budgeting can still play a major role in controlling overall tax burdens.
Fiscal Discipline and Strong Financial Management Drive Results
Financial analysts and public finance observers point to Burlington County’s budgeting practices, cost controls, and disciplined financial planning as key factors behind its sustained tax stability.
Moody’s Investors Service has repeatedly cited Burlington County’s strong financial management in reports maintaining the county’s Aa1 credit rating. The high rating reflects confidence in the county’s financial health, stable reserves, and long-term economic outlook.
The county’s most recent credit assessment in March 2025 also highlighted continued economic growth and consistent fiscal reserves.
The Aa1 rating sits near the top of Moody’s credit scale and enables the county to secure lower interest rates when issuing debt. This advantage reduces borrowing costs for infrastructure and public projects, ultimately saving taxpayers substantial amounts over time.
Strong credit performance is widely viewed as a critical component of Burlington County’s long-term affordability strategy.
Strategic Grant Funding Supports Infrastructure Without Raising Taxes
Another key factor behind Burlington County’s fiscal success is its aggressive pursuit of state and federal grant funding. By securing external funding sources, the county has been able to invest in infrastructure improvements and public services without increasing the tax burden on residents.
Recent projects funded through grant assistance include major improvements to the Burlington County Health Department Building in Westampton. The renovation expanded clinical space, improved accessibility, and modernized the facility. The project marked the first significant upgrades to the building since its opening in 1975.
The county also completed a $1 million modernization of its Emergency Operations Center located in the County Public Safety Building. The facility serves as the central coordination hub for emergency response operations during major disasters and public safety events, including last month’s severe winter storm.
Much of the Emergency Operations Center project was funded through a $637,195 federal grant awarded as part of a fiscal year 2024 government funding package.
Officials say these investments strengthen public safety and healthcare infrastructure while preserving fiscal stability.
Infrastructure Investment and Quality of Life Improvements
County leaders emphasize that affordability does not come at the expense of public services. Instead, they argue that efficient budgeting enables the county to expand programs, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life.
Beyond tax stability, Burlington County has prioritized:
- Public health improvements and expanded clinical services
- Emergency preparedness and disaster response infrastructure
- Preservation of open space and environmental resources
- Community health and safety programs
- Regional collaboration with government and nonprofit partners
Commissioner Randy Brolo highlighted the broader impact of the county’s approach, noting that fiscal discipline supports long-term community growth and opportunity.
“From keeping county taxes the lowest in New Jersey to protecting open space and delivering compassionate services, Burlington County succeeds because of the hard work, talents and dedication of county employees and our ability to collaborate with all levels of government, businesses and nonprofits,” Brolo said. “Working together, we are able to make sure Burlington County remains affordable and is a place of opportunity and high quality of life for everyone.”
Economic Growth and Stability Strengthen County Outlook
Burlington County’s economic growth and stable financial reserves continue to reinforce its long-term outlook. Strong fiscal management, combined with expanding infrastructure investment and strategic planning, has helped the county maintain both affordability and financial resilience.
Public finance experts note that maintaining low taxes while preserving strong reserves represents a significant achievement, particularly in a state widely known for high property tax burdens.
The county’s approach reflects a balance between financial responsibility and investment in essential services.
Why Burlington County’s Tax Leadership Matters for New Jersey Residents
Property taxes remain one of the most important economic issues facing New Jersey homeowners. Burlington County’s sustained record of affordability provides a case study in how local government policy decisions can directly impact household finances.
The county’s seven-year streak of maintaining the lowest average county tax demonstrates that long-term fiscal planning, strategic budgeting, and intergovernmental cooperation can produce measurable benefits for residents.
For policymakers across the state, Burlington County’s model offers insights into cost management, service delivery, and sustainable governance.
Burlington County’s Role in the Statewide Policy Conversation
As New Jersey continues to address affordability challenges, Burlington County’s performance is likely to influence broader legislative and policy discussions.
State leaders and local governments are increasingly focused on strategies that balance tax stability with economic development, infrastructure investment, and public service delivery.
Burlington County’s results highlight the potential impact of disciplined fiscal management and strategic planning in achieving those goals.
The latest DCA data confirms that the county remains at the forefront of this conversation, setting a benchmark for affordability and financial stewardship across New Jersey.
