This New Jersey Town Pays the Highest School Taxes in the State

New Jersey residents are no strangers to high property taxes, but when it comes specifically to school taxes, a handful of towns in North Jersey consistently sit at the very top of the list.

According to 2026 data, communities in Bergen and Morris counties are home to the highest average school tax bills in the state. In several of these towns, homeowners pay well into the five-figure range each year just for the school portion of their property taxes.

Mountain Lakes Leads the State

The town with the highest average school tax bill in New Jersey is Mountain Lakes. Homeowners there pay roughly $19,000 per year toward local schools.

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Education spending makes up a significant portion of the town’s property taxes, accounting for around 70% of the total tax bill, thanks to an article from nj.com.

What About the Jersey Shore?

Interestingly, none of the towns along the Jersey Shore appear among the communities with the highest school tax bills.

The Small Silver Lining For Jersey Shore Homeowners

While property taxes in shore towns can still be substantial, their school tax portions tend to be lower compared to some of the high-income suburban communities in North Jersey. For many residents in coastal areas, that’s at least one small silver lining when it comes to living in a state known for its steep property taxes.

While North Jersey suburbs continue to lead the state in school tax bills, it’s a reminder that where you live in the Garden State can make a huge difference in what you pay each year.