Property Taxes in Burlington County: What You Need to Know

Property taxes in Burlington County, New Jersey, range from approximately 2.4% to 2.8% of assessed home value, making them among the highest in the nation. The average annual tax bill varies significantly by town, from roughly $6,000 in more affordable communities to over $16,000 in premium towns like Moorestown.

If you are buying a home in Burlington County, your property tax bill is likely to be one of your largest monthly expenses, often exceeding your mortgage principal and interest payment. Understanding how these taxes work, what drives them, and what you can do about them is essential for every homeowner and home buyer in the region.

With over 20 years of experience helping hundreds of families buy and sell homes in Burlington County, I have seen how property taxes shape every real estate decision. This guide covers everything you need to know about property taxes in Burlington County, from rates and assessments to what you get for your money.

How Do Property Taxes Work in Burlington County?

Property taxes in New Jersey are local taxes, meaning they are set by each municipality based on its own budget needs. The tax rate is expressed as a percentage of your property's assessed value. Here is how the system works:

Assessment. Every property in Burlington County is assigned an assessed value by the municipal assessor. This assessment is supposed to represent a percentage of the property's true market value. In New Jersey, assessments are typically conducted at "Chapter 123" ratios, which vary by municipality and are updated periodically by the county tax board.

Tax rate calculation. The municipal government, school district, and county each set their own budgets. These budgets, combined with the total assessed value of all properties in the municipality, determine the tax rate. The formula is simple: total budget divided by total assessed value equals the tax rate.

Your tax bill. Your individual tax bill is your property's assessed value multiplied by the tax rate. For example, if your home is assessed at $300,000 and the tax rate is 2.5%, your annual tax bill is $7,500.

Collection. Property taxes are collected by the municipality, typically in quarterly installments. The municipality then distributes the funds to the school district, county government, and other taxing entities.

What Are the Property Tax Rates Across Burlington County?

Property tax rates vary significantly from one Burlington County town to another. Here is a breakdown of typical effective tax rates for major towns in the county:

• Moorestown: Effective rate approximately 2.6%-2.8%. Average annual tax bill $12,000-$16,000 on a median-priced home.
• Medford: Effective rate approximately 2.4%-2.6%. Average annual tax bill $8,000-$12,000.
• Mount Laurel: Effective rate approximately 2.3%-2.5%. Average annual tax bill $7,000-$10,000.
• Marlton (Evesham): Effective rate approximately 2.4%-2.6%. Average annual tax bill $7,500-$11,000.
• Cinnaminson: Effective rate approximately 2.5%-2.7%. Average annual tax bill $7,000-$9,000.
• Delran: Effective rate approximately 2.5%-2.7%. Average annual tax bill $6,500-$8,500.
• Lumberton: Effective rate approximately 2.3%-2.5%. Average annual tax bill $6,000-$9,000.
• Hainesport: Effective rate approximately 2.4%-2.6%. Average annual tax bill $7,000-$10,000.
• Burlington Township: Effective rate approximately 2.6%-2.8%. Average annual tax bill $6,500-$9,000.
• Riverton: Effective rate approximately 2.5%-2.7%. Average annual tax bill $7,000-$10,000.
• Palmyra: Effective rate approximately 2.7%-2.9%. Average annual tax bill $6,000-$8,000.
• Florence: Effective rate approximately 2.6%-2.8%. Average annual tax bill $5,500-$7,500.
• Willingboro: Effective rate approximately 2.8%-3.0%. Average annual tax bill $5,000-$7,000.
• Bordentown City: Effective rate approximately 2.5%-2.7%. Average annual tax bill $6,000-$9,000.

For a more detailed comparison, see our guide on Property Taxes by Town: South Jersey Tax Rate Comparison.

What Do Property Taxes Pay For?

One of the most common questions I hear from buyers relocating from other states is, "What do we actually get for these high taxes?" The answer is significant. Here is where your property tax dollars go:

• Public schools (50-60% of your tax bill). Burlington County has some of the best public schools in New Jersey. Your property taxes directly fund teacher salaries, school facilities, curriculum, and extracurricular programs. The quality of local schools is a major driver of both property values and tax rates.
• Municipal services (15-25% of your tax bill). This includes police and fire departments, road maintenance, snow removal, trash collection, parks and recreation, and municipal administration. Burlington County towns generally provide excellent services with well-maintained infrastructure.
• County government (10-15% of your tax bill). The Burlington County government funds county-wide services including the county sheriff, county roads, the county parks system, social services, and the county college system.
• Library and other special districts (5-10% of your tax bill). Many towns have dedicated library districts, fire districts, or other special taxing entities that provide additional services.

When you compare what you get for your tax dollars in New Jersey versus other states, the difference is clear. New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for public education, public safety, and quality of life.

How Often Are Properties Assessed in Burlington County?

New Jersey requires municipalities to conduct general revaluations (complete reassessments of all properties) periodically, typically every 10 to 15 years. Between revaluations, the municipal assessor may adjust assessments based on new construction, improvements, or market changes.

If your municipality has not conducted a revaluation in many years, your assessment may be significantly below market value. This is not necessarily good news, because the tax rate is adjusted to compensate. A lower assessment with a higher tax rate can result in the same tax bill as a higher assessment with a lower rate.

When a revaluation occurs, it can lead to significant changes in individual tax bills. Properties that have appreciated more than the average may see their taxes increase, while properties that have appreciated less may see a decrease. This is one of the most common reasons homeowners consider filing a tax appeal.

How Do Burlington County Property Taxes Compare to the Rest of New Jersey?

Burlington County's property taxes are generally in the middle of the pack for New Jersey. Here is how they compare:

• vs Northern New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, and Morris counties typically have higher average tax bills but also significantly higher home values. The effective tax rates are often similar to Burlington County.
• vs Central New Jersey: Monmouth and Mercer counties have comparable tax rates. Some towns in Monmouth County have higher rates due to coastal valuations.
• vs South Jersey neighbors: Camden County has slightly higher effective rates (2.5%-3.0%) on average. Gloucester County has comparable rates (2.3%-2.7%).
• vs the national average: The national average effective property tax rate is approximately 1.0%. Burlington County's 2.4%-2.8% rate is roughly 2.5 times the national average.

Can You Reduce Your Property Taxes in Burlington County?

There are several ways to potentially reduce your property tax burden in Burlington County:

• File a tax appeal. If you believe your property is assessed at more than its market value, you can appeal your assessment. The deadline is typically April 1 of each year, or 45 days from the date your assessment notice is mailed. See our guide on How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in New Jersey for details.
• Apply for exemptions. Senior citizens, veterans, and disabled persons may qualify for property tax exemptions or deductions. The NJ Anchor program also provides direct relief to eligible homeowners. See our guide on Property Tax Deductions Every New Jersey Homeowner Should Know.
• Monitor your assessment. Keep track of your property's assessed value and compare it to recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. If comparable homes are selling for less than your assessment, you may have grounds for an appeal.

How Should You Budget for Property Taxes When Buying a Home?

When you are shopping for a home in Burlington County, your monthly property tax bill should be a central part of your budget. Here is how to calculate it:

• Step 1: Look up the current annual tax bill for the property. This information is listed on every MLS listing and should be disclosed by the seller.
• Step 2: Divide the annual amount by 12 to get your monthly tax payment. For a home with $9,000 in annual taxes, that is $750 per month.
• Step 3: Add this to your estimated mortgage payment, homeowners insurance, and any HOA fees to get your total monthly housing cost.
• Step 4: Factor in potential tax increases. If the property has not been reassessed recently, your taxes could increase after a revaluation.

As a rule of thumb, buyers in Burlington County should budget for property taxes equal to approximately 25-35% of their total monthly housing payment. For a $450,000 home with a 20% down payment, expect to pay roughly $800 to $1,200 per month in property taxes alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Expert Guidance on Burlington County Property Taxes

Property taxes are a critical factor in every home buying decision in Burlington County. I have helped hundreds of families understand exactly what they will pay and how it fits into their budget. Whether you are buying your first home, moving up, or downsizing, I can help you find the right town and the right property for your needs.

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