Sussex County Public RecordsNew Jersey

Sussex County, NJ, is considered one of the safer counties in New Jersey. According to the latest 2022 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, the county’s violent crime rate is 1.2 per 1,000 residents—substantially lower than the national average of 4.0. Property crime is also low at 7.9 per 1,000. Local law enforcement agencies actively report and track incidents, contributing to enhanced safety and effective response. Overall, residents enjoy a relatively low crime risk compared to both state and national figures.

Sussex County, NJ, has approximately 108,000 residents, with about 85,000 registered voters as of 2023—Republicans comprise roughly 48%, Democrats 22%, and unaffiliated 29%. Elections include primaries, generals, school board, and municipal. In the 2020 presidential election, 59% voted Republican and 40% Democrat. Polling locations—over 60 throughout the county—are managed by the Board of Elections. Key issues include taxes, education, and property development. Administration is overseen by the County Clerk. The dominant parties are Republican and Democratic, with several third-party and independent candidates usually on the ballot.

Sussex County, NJ hosts 10 public high schools and 2 private high schools, serving approximately 6,000 students. The high school graduation rate is about 91%, while 34% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Sussex County schools have an average GreatSchools rating of 6/10. Adult education is supported by Sussex County Community College and various vocational programs. The county reports lower-than-average school crime incidents per 1,000 students, contributing to strong school safety. Educational offerings include STEM programs, Advanced Placement courses, and special education services.

As of 2023, Sussex County, NJ, has an unemployment rate of 4.1%. The largest employment sectors are healthcare and social assistance (17%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (10%). About 60% of workers are in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Approximately 80% of residents commute to work by car, with a mean travel time of 38 minutes. Major employment locations include neighboring counties like Morris and Passaic, as over 35% of the workforce commutes outside Sussex County for employment.

Sussex County, NJ, features a homeownership rate of about 81%, surpassing state averages. Median home values hover around $320,000, with rental prices averaging $1,650 monthly. The market saw a 6% property value increase from 2022 to 2023. Housing types vary from historic farmhouses to modern single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, mostly concentrated in Newton, Sparta, and Vernon. Property taxes average $7,500 annually. Neighborhoods like Sparta and Lafayette are popular for families, while Vernon attracts outdoor enthusiasts, reflecting the county’s blend of rural charm and suburban living.

As of the 2020 Census, Sussex County, NJ had a population of approximately 144,221. The median age was 44.9 years, indicating an older population. Gender distribution was nearly even, with about 49.8% male and 50.2% female residents. Racially, the county was 89.8% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 8.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Other races and those identifying as two or more races made up about 5.7% combined.