South Jersey is often overlooked in statewide tax guides that focus heavily on the New York commuter corridor. But residents of Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties have their own distinct tax situations — lower property values (and lower property taxes relative to the north), proximity to Philadelphia, Atlantic City’s gaming economy, large shore communities with vacation properties, and significant agricultural and rural areas. Here’s what South Jersey taxpayers need to know for 2025.
South Jersey Property Taxes: Lower Than the North, Still Significant
| County | Avg. Annual Property Tax | Compared to NJ Average (~$9,400) |
|---|---|---|
| Camden County | ~$7,800 | Below state average |
| Burlington County | ~$7,200 | Below state average |
| Gloucester County | ~$7,100 | Below state average |
| Atlantic County | ~$6,400 | Significantly below average |
| Cape May County | ~$5,800 | Low rate; high-value shore properties |
| Cumberland County | ~$5,200 | One of NJ’s lowest average bills |
| Salem County | ~$5,600 | Rural; lowest effective rates in NJ |
While South Jersey property taxes are lower than Bergen, Essex, or Morris County, they still represent a substantial annual cost — especially in Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Medford, and other Burlington/Camden county suburbs where home values have risen sharply.
ANCHOR Program: South Jersey Has Some of NJ’s Highest Participation
South Jersey counties consistently have high ANCHOR program participation because a larger share of homeowners fall within the income eligibility thresholds:
- In Atlantic City, Vineland, Bridgeton, and Salem — most homeowners qualify for the full $1,500 benefit; renters earn the $450 renter benefit
- In Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, and Moorestown — more households near the $150,001–$250,000 tier, receiving $1,000
- Cape May County — seasonal property owners don’t qualify for ANCHOR (vacation properties only); year-round residents of Cape May Court House, Wildwood, and Ocean City do
Renters throughout South Jersey — particularly in Camden City, Atlantic City, Vineland, Millville, and Bridgeton — represent a significantly underserved ANCHOR renter applicant population. The $450 payment requires a separate application from homeowners; file by the NJ Division of Taxation’s annual deadline.
Atlantic City: Gambling, Casinos, and Tax Implications
Atlantic City’s casino economy means that a disproportionate number of residents and workers have gambling-related tax questions. Key rules:
- Gambling winnings are taxable — all gambling winnings (slots, table games, sports betting, lottery) are federally taxable as ordinary income. Casinos report winnings over certain thresholds on W-2G forms.
- Gambling losses can offset winnings (if you itemize) — you can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your gambling winnings on Schedule A. You cannot deduct more losses than winnings. See our gambling losses deduction guide.
- Casino workers’ W-2 income — tip income is taxable and must be reported; some casino workers underreport this; IRS and NJ enforcement in this area is active
- NJ taxation of gambling — NJ taxes gambling winnings as ordinary income but has specific rules about how losses offset winnings at the state level
Shore and Vacation Property Tax Issues
Cape May County and southern Ocean County shore towns (Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Cape May, Avalon, Sea Isle City) have high concentrations of vacation and second properties. Key issues for these owners: