Politics & Government
Sun, February 15, 2026
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Union County Property Taxes Rise in 2026
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Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 12:38 GMT by 
PatchLocales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES
Union County Residents Face Rising Property Taxes: A Detailed Look at 2026 Rates
Union County, NJ - February 15th, 2026 - Homeowners across Union County are bracing for increased property tax bills this year, as newly released data reveals a consistent, albeit modest, rise in both tax rates and property assessments. The increase, while not drastic across the board, is impacting every municipality within the county, prompting concerns from residents and calls for greater transparency in local budgeting.
According to data released today, February 15th, 2026, every municipality in Union County experienced an uptick in property taxes compared to 2025. The changes reflect a combination of factors, including rising property values driven by a competitive housing market, increased school funding needs, and general inflationary pressures on municipal operating costs.
Here's a municipality-by-municipality breakdown of the changes:
| Municipality | 2026 Tax Rate | 2025 Tax Rate | % Increase | 2026 Average Assessment | 2025 Average Assessment | % Increase | Estimated Tax on Avg. Assessment (2026) | Estimated Tax on Avg. Assessment (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranford | 1.35% | 1.32% | 2.27% | $635,213 | $627,796 | 1.19% | $8,575.38 | $8,286.74 |
| Garwood | 1.55% | 1.52% | 2.0% | $532,712 | $526,435 | 1.16% | $8,257.04 | $7,999.81 |
| Kenilworth | 1.48% | 1.45% | 2.07% | $556,148 | $550,252 | 1.07% | $8,231.00 | $7,978.66 |
| Maplewood | 1.55% | 1.52% | 2.0% | $578,842 | $572,742 | 1.06% | $8,971.85 | $8,710.68 |
| Millburn | 1.67% | 1.64% | 1.83% | $745,917 | $739,566 | 0.87% | $12,456.81 | $12,101.58 |
| Newark | 1.51% | 1.49% | 1.34% | $242,654 | $239,181 | 1.46% | $3,664.08 | $3,563.00 |
| North Plainfield | 1.47% | 1.44% | 2.08% | $476,198 | $470,875 | 1.17% | $7,002.11 | $6,844.63 |
| Scotch Plains | 1.51% | 1.48% | 2.03% | $603,986 | $598,594 | 1.06% | $9,120.28 | $8,860.00 |
| Summit | 1.65% | 1.62% | 1.85% | $712,375 | $706,376 | 0.85% | $11,754.19 | $11,443.30 |
| Union | 1.43% | 1.40% | 2.14% | $310,846 | $307,372 | 1.13% | $4,445.10 | $4,303.21 |
| Westfield | 1.49% | 1.46% | 2.05% | $677,174 | $670,832 | 1.06% | $10,080.09 | $9,794.15 |
(Note: Estimated taxes are calculated by multiplying the 2026 tax rate by the 2026 average assessment.)
While the percentage increases in tax rates appear relatively small, the combination of a higher rate and a higher average assessment means that homeowners will see a noticeable increase in their overall property tax bills. Millburn and Summit, with the highest average assessments, are likely to see the largest dollar amount increases.
"We understand that any tax increase is a concern for residents," stated a spokesperson for the Union County Clerk's office. "These rates are determined by a complex interplay of local budgets, school funding, and property values. We encourage residents to utilize the resources available on our website [ https://www.unioncounty.org/government/divisions/county-clerk/tax-records/ ] to understand how their individual taxes are calculated."
Several residents have voiced concerns about the ongoing rise in property taxes, particularly in light of affordability challenges. Local advocacy groups are calling for increased state aid to municipalities and a comprehensive review of property tax laws to ensure fairness and transparency. Discussions around potential property tax relief programs are expected to intensify in the coming months. The searchable tax record database allows residents to review their individual assessments and compare them to neighboring properties, offering a crucial tool for ensuring accuracy and addressing potential discrepancies.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-jersey/westfield/property-taxes-went-union-county-see-latest-breakdown ]
