Fort Lee vs Garfield: Property Tax Comparison

Bergen County, New Jersey — 2025 data

Fort Lee and Garfield are both municipalities in Bergen County, New Jersey. Based on the most recent available data (2025), Fort Lee carries a lower effective property tax rate of 1.839% compared to Garfield at 1.956%, a difference of 0.117 percentage points. The average residential property tax bill is $2,931 lower in Garfield ($9,575) than in Fort Lee ($12,506). The table below shows the full side-by-side breakdown of effective rates, average bills, and median home values.

Side-by-side comparison

Fort Lee
Garfield
Effective tax rate
1.839%lower
2025
1.956%
2025
Avg residential tax bill
$12,506
2024
$9,575lower
2024
Median home value
$448,000
2024
$475,500lower
2024

Is your Garfield assessment accurate?

If your home's assessed value is higher than its current market value, you may be overpaying property taxes. A successful appeal — filed with your county board of taxation — can reduce your assessed value and lower your annual bill.

Contact your local assessor's office or county board of taxation to learn about appeal deadlines and eligibility in your area.

Full town profiles

Fort Lee vs Garfield — frequently asked questions

Which has lower property taxes, Fort Lee or Garfield?

Fort Lee has a lower effective property tax rate (1.839%) compared to Garfield (1.956%), a difference of 0.117 percentage points as of 2025.

What is the property tax rate in Fort Lee?

The effective property tax rate in Fort Lee is 1.839% (2025). The effective rate is the ratio of the average tax bill to the median home value — it accounts for assessments, exemptions, and all overlapping taxing jurisdictions.

What is the property tax rate in Garfield?

The effective property tax rate in Garfield is 1.956% (2025). The effective rate is the ratio of the average tax bill to the median home value — it accounts for assessments, exemptions, and all overlapping taxing jurisdictions.

What is the average property tax bill in Fort Lee?

The average residential property tax bill in Fort Lee is $12,506 (2024). Individual bills vary based on your home's assessed value, any exemptions you qualify for, and the rates set by your specific taxing units.

What is the average property tax bill in Garfield?

The average residential property tax bill in Garfield is $9,575 (2024). Individual bills vary based on your home's assessed value, any exemptions you qualify for, and the rates set by your specific taxing units.

How much higher is the average property tax bill in Fort Lee than Garfield?

The average residential tax bill in Fort Lee ($12,506) is approximately $2,931 higher than in Garfield ($9,575). This difference reflects a combination of higher assessed values and a higher effective rate.

How do home values compare between Fort Lee and Garfield?

Median home values are higher in Garfield ($475,500, 2024) than in Fort Lee ($448,000, 2024). A higher home value raises the absolute tax bill even when effective rates are similar.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Bergen County?

Yes. Property owners in Bergen County, New Jersey can appeal their assessment through the county board of taxation if they believe their assessed value is higher than the property's current market value. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your annual tax bill. Deadlines and procedures vary — contact the Bergen County tax assessor's office for current filing dates.

Where does the property tax data for Fort Lee and Garfield come from?

Data on this page is sourced from publicly available government records including state tax authority publications and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Effective rates and average bills may reflect county-level data where municipality-level figures are not published. All figures are for planning and comparison only — verify current rates with your local assessor.

Data sourced from state tax authority publications and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Figures are for planning and comparison only — actual bills depend on official assessments, exemptions, and local levy decisions. Methodology.