Two South Jersey Towns See Property Tax Decrease

While NJ property taxes hit record highs, a few towns bucked the trend.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:10pm

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An abstract geometric illustration in primary colors of overlapping triangles and rectangles, conceptually representing the decrease in property taxes in two New Jersey towns.A rare drop in property taxes offers a small reprieve for some New Jersey homeowners.West Cape May Today

Despite rising home values and property taxes statewide, two South Jersey towns - Stow Creek in Cumberland County and West Cape May - saw their average property tax bills actually decrease in the past year. This is an unusual occurrence in a state where property taxes are notorious for consistently increasing.

Why it matters

New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the nation, with the average homeowner paying over $10,500 per year. The fact that a few towns managed to lower their property taxes, even slightly, is noteworthy and could provide hope to other NJ residents frustrated by the perpetual tax hikes.

The details

In Stow Creek, the average property tax bill decreased by 1.64% or $90, while in West Cape May the decrease was 2.62% or $191. Experts say property tax averages can shift due to factors like new lower-priced housing entering the market, property value reassessments, and changes in the number of taxable homes. About 52% of a typical NJ property tax bill goes to funding schools, with the remainder covering roads, services, and local government.

  • In the 2026 tax year, Stow Creek saw a 1.64% decrease in average property taxes.
  • In the 2026 tax year, West Cape May saw a 2.62% decrease in average property taxes.

The players

Stow Creek

A town in Cumberland County, New Jersey that saw a 1.64% decrease in average property taxes in 2026.

West Cape May

A town in Cape May County, New Jersey that saw a 2.62% decrease in average property taxes in 2026.

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The takeaway

While most New Jersey homeowners continue to face rising property tax bills, the decreases seen in Stow Creek and West Cape May provide a rare glimmer of hope that property tax relief is possible, even in a state known for its high taxes.