Elizabeth vs Plainfield: Property Tax Comparison
Union County, New Jersey — 2025 data
Elizabeth and Plainfield are both municipalities in Union County, New Jersey. Based on the most recent available data (2025), Elizabeth carries a lower effective property tax rate of 2.113% compared to Plainfield at 2.460%, a difference of 0.347 percentage points. The average residential property tax bill is $309 lower in Elizabeth ($9,215) than in Plainfield ($9,524). The table below shows the full side-by-side breakdown of effective rates, average bills, and median home values.
Side-by-side comparison
Is your Plainfield 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
Elizabeth vs Plainfield — frequently asked questions
Which has lower property taxes, Elizabeth or Plainfield?
Elizabeth has a lower effective property tax rate (2.113%) compared to Plainfield (2.460%), a difference of 0.347 percentage points as of 2025.
What is the property tax rate in Elizabeth?
The effective property tax rate in Elizabeth is 2.113% (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 Plainfield?
The effective property tax rate in Plainfield is 2.460% (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 Elizabeth?
The average residential property tax bill in Elizabeth is $9,215 (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 Plainfield?
The average residential property tax bill in Plainfield is $9,524 (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 Plainfield than Elizabeth?
The average residential tax bill in Plainfield ($9,524) is approximately $309 higher than in Elizabeth ($9,215). This difference reflects a combination of higher assessed values and a higher effective rate.
How do home values compare between Elizabeth and Plainfield?
Median home values are higher in Elizabeth ($449,300, 2024) than in Plainfield ($410,800, 2024). A higher home value raises the absolute tax bill even when effective rates are similar.
Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Union County?
Yes. Property owners in Union 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 Union County tax assessor's office for current filing dates.
Where does the property tax data for Elizabeth and Plainfield 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.
Compare other Union County towns
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.