N.J. average property taxes grow 3.3 percent to an average of $7,300

By Claire Heininger/Statehouse Bureau

February 26, 2010, 10:58AM

Ed Murray/The Star-LedgerHomes at a development in Hamilton.TRENTON -- New Jersey's highest-in-the-nation residential property taxes continued to climb last year, to an average of $7,281, according to new data released by the state.

The 3.3 percent average increase was the smallest in a decade, and marked the second straight year with a rate below a 4 percent cap instituted through a special legislative session in 2006-07.

Still, New Jersey property taxes have grown more than 70 percent since 1999, when the average bill was $4,239.

Previous coverage: • Gov. Chris Christie issues executive order reining in boards, commissions, authorities • Chris Christie declares fiscal 'state of emergency,' paving way for N.J. spending cuts • Full coverage of the New Jersey budget

Last year, the average property tax bill increased by $236 to $7,281, according to data released by the state Department of Community Affairs.

The municipality with the highest average bills was Millburn in Essex County, at $19,097.

With towns and school districts expecting cuts in state aid from Gov. Chris Christie's upcoming budget, the governor has promised them "tools" to hold down property tax increases next year -- including changes to public worker pensions, benefits and contract negotiations.

The property tax data, including information on individual towns and counties, is available online.

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