Excellent education comes at a cost, and across NJ it accounts for more than half the total property tax bill.

As our state's children return to school, the idealistic notions of happy children, school buses on the streets and vibrant classrooms come to mind.

But the pleasant memories represent a cost: On average, just over one half of the total amount paid in property taxes in New Jersey went to public education.

Property taxes for public schools in New Jersey totaled $18 billion in 2024, or 52% of the property tax bill. That does not include state aid, which in the coming school year will total nearly $12 billion for K-12 education.

The typical New Jersey homeowner pays about $200 a week to support local schools, according to state data.

That payout for education in local property taxes can go over $300 a week on average in some North Jersey school districts.

You can use our table link below to find your district's average annual bill.

Look up the share of school taxes for your municipality.