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Most affordable counties in New Jersey

Ranking of counties in New Jersey by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

New Jersey AMI (4-person)
$131,700
HUD Income Limits
Counties with cost data
21
of 21 total
30%+ cost burdened
54.3%
HUD CHAS
Severely burdened (50%+)
25.9%

New Jersey vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

  1. 1.Cumberland County
    $1,808/mo
  2. 2.Salem County
    $1,983/mo
  3. 3.Cape May County
    $2,104/mo
  4. 4.Atlantic County
    $2,124/mo
  5. 5.Camden County
    $2,125/mo
  6. 6.Ocean County
    $2,252/mo
  7. 7.Gloucester County
    $2,262/mo
  8. 8.Warren County
    $2,271/mo
  9. 9.Burlington County
    $2,326/mo
  10. 10.Sussex County
    $2,380/mo

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr
around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875
0 affordable

No counties in New Jersey fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Moderate income · $60,000/yr
around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500
0 affordable

No counties in New Jersey fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Middle income · $90,000/yr
around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250
5 affordable
Upper middle · $140,000/yr
well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500
21 affordable
High income · $200,000/yr
top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000
21 affordable
Median owner cost statewide
$2,611
Census ACS, with-mortgage households.
Median household income
$96,885
Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in New Jersey are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 0 out of 21 New Jersey counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of New Jersey households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 54.3% of New Jersey households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 25.9% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in New Jersey?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in New Jersey is $131,700 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $104,200; 50% AMI: $65,850.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.