Mountain Lakes Tops 2026 List for Highest School Taxes in New Jersey

North Jersey suburbs lead the state in steep school tax bills, while coastal areas see lower education costs.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a single suburban home in vibrant shades of neon pink, orange, and blue, conceptually representing the high cost of school taxes in affluent New Jersey communities.Suburban homes in North Jersey's high-tax towns become pop art, highlighting the outsized burden of school taxes on local residents.Mountain Lakes Today

According to 2026 data, communities in Bergen and Morris counties are home to the highest average school tax bills in New Jersey. The town with the highest average school tax bill is Mountain Lakes, where homeowners pay roughly $19,000 per year toward local schools, accounting for around 70% of their total property tax bill. In contrast, towns along the Jersey Shore tend to have lower school tax portions compared to high-income suburban communities in North Jersey.

Why it matters

New Jersey is known for its high property taxes, and school taxes make up a significant portion of those bills, especially in affluent North Jersey suburbs. This data highlights the stark differences in education costs across the state, with some homeowners paying significantly more than others just for their local school systems.

The details

Mountain Lakes leads the state with an average school tax bill of around $19,000 per year for homeowners. Education spending accounts for approximately 70% of the town's total property tax burden. In comparison, shore towns along the Jersey coast tend to have lower school tax portions, providing at least a small silver lining for residents in those areas despite the state's overall high property taxes.

  • The 2026 data shows the latest rankings for highest school taxes in New Jersey.

The players

Mountain Lakes

A town in North Jersey that has the highest average school tax bill in the state, with homeowners paying around $19,000 per year toward local schools.

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The takeaway

This data highlights the significant disparities in school tax burdens across New Jersey, with affluent North Jersey suburbs like Mountain Lakes paying vastly more than coastal communities. It's a reminder that location plays a major role in determining how much homeowners pay each year just for their local education system.