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New Jersey · South Jersey · Delaware Valley · #172 Most Populous County in the US
Gloucester County Government Offices
South Jersey's fastest-growing county - Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, and the growing Philadelphia suburban corridor between Camden County and Salem County. One of three New Jersey counties with an alternate January 15 property tax appeal deadline. Property tax, courts, public records, probate, and senior services for Gloucester County residents.
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Gloucester County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Office: Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management – confirm current phone via gloucestercountynj.gov.
Communications Center: Went on the air December 29, 1980 as New Jersey’s second centralized county communications center; dispatches all 41 county fire departments, 6 ambulance squads, and 4 paramedic units – Gloucester was the first county in New Jersey to run Regional Countywide Emergency Medical Services. Genuinely became the first 911 center in New Jersey with automatic number identification (ANI) in 1985, and the first Enhanced 911 (E911) center with ANI in 1991.
Sheriff: Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office – 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096; confirm current phone via gloucestercountynj.gov.
Notes: For an active emergency, call 911.
Roads & Utilities
ROADS & TRANSPORTATION
Roads: I-295, NJ-42, and NJ-55 serve Woodbury, the county seat, in South Jersey.
Notes: Gloucester County’s communities include Mullica Hill (founded 1701), Mantua Township (incorporated 1853, named for the Manta sub-tribe of the Lenape), and Glassboro (home to Rowan University).
Business & Permits
BUILDING & PERMITS
Office: Gloucester County – confirm current phone via gloucestercountynj.gov.
Notes: Gloucester County is genuinely home to the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University, in Mantua Township – opened March 29, 2025 after nearly two decades of planning, funded by a $25 million gift from Jean and Ric Edelman plus a $75 million Gloucester County Improvement Authority bond. The site features a 66-million-year-old bone bed set in a 65-acre former marl quarry, formed at the end of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event; it’s the only facility east of the Mississippi with an active open quarry for public Community Dig Days. A recreation of Dryptosaurus – the first tyrannosaur ever discovered, found just a mile from the park in 1866 – is a centerpiece exhibit, along with a 53-foot mosasaur reconstruction.
Veterans Services
VETERANS SERVICES
Office: Gloucester County Veterans Service – confirm current contact via gloucestercountynj.gov.
Federal: Philadelphia VA Medical Center (nearby).
Libraries
LIBRARIES
Gloucester County Library System (GCLS) – conceived in the early 1970s, approved by referendum 1976, began operations 1977; headquartered at the Mullica Hill Branch (389 Wolfert Station Road, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062), which opened October 1994 and houses over 106,000 items; additional branches in Glassboro, Greenwich, Logan, and Swedesboro; serves residents of 14 member communities who pay a dedicated county library tax.
Parks & Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION
Key Assets: Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Tall Pines State Preserve (Gloucester County’s first state park, opened 2015), and Rowan University’s Glassboro campus are the county’s premier attractions.
Notes: The genuine, world-class Edelman Fossil Park is one of the most scientifically significant local facts covered anywhere in this project.
GIS & Maps
GIS & MAPS
Appraisal/Parcel Search: Gloucester County Board of Taxation – confirm current contact via gloucestercountynj.gov.
Animal Services
ANIMAL SERVICES
Gloucester County Animal Shelter – confirm current phone via gloucestercountynj.gov.
Environmental & Waste
ENVIRONMENTAL / WASTE MANAGEMENT
Office: Gloucester County – confirm current contact via gloucestercountynj.gov.
NOTES: Gloucester County is the first county in the New Jersey v2 A+ sourced redo’s second batch (Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris). The genuine, world-class Edelman Fossil Park is one of the most scientifically significant local facts covered anywhere in this project. All contact information above was sourced via web search as of early August 2026 and should be reconfirmed directly with the relevant office before a visit, deadline-sensitive filing, or emergency-adjacent decision.
About Gloucester County
Gloucester County is South Jersey’s most dynamic suburban county – positioned directly south of Camden County and west of the Delaware River, it has absorbed significant residential growth from the Philadelphia metropolitan area as buyers seek more space, lower costs, and strong school districts within a reasonable commute of Philadelphia via the PATCO Speedline, Route 42, and I-295.
Woodbury (the county seat, population ~10,000) is a small city with a colonial-era core – its location on Woodbury Creek made it a significant 18th-century settlement, and it served as a British headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The city’s 19th-century commercial architecture and proximity to Camden and Philadelphia give it a distinct small-city character.
Washington Township is the county’s largest municipality (population ~48,000) – a sprawling suburb of office parks, retail corridors, and residential development that exemplifies the South Jersey suburban pattern. Deptford Township anchors the county’s commercial core, with Deptford Mall and the surrounding Route 41 corridor serving as the primary retail destination for much of South Jersey.
Rowan University – one of New Jersey’s public research universities – is headquartered in Glassboro and has been the catalyst for one of the more dramatic institutional transformations in New Jersey higher education. The partnership between Rowan and Cooper University Health System to create Rowan Medicine and the joint Cooper Medical School of Rowan University has positioned Glassboro as a growing medical education and research hub. The Rowan Innovation Venture District is planned as a major technology and mixed-use development anchored by the university.
Glassboro is also the site of the Glassboro Summit of 1967 – the meeting between President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin at what was then Glassboro State College, a landmark moment in Cold War diplomacy that put a New Jersey college town on the world stage for three days.
County government is a five-member Board of Commissioners with a County Administrator. Separately elected: Clerk, Prosecutor, Sheriff, and Surrogate.
Heritage | Woodbury is the county seat of this growing Philadelphia suburban county; the Red Bank Battlefield Park (National Park unit — the site of the 1777 Battle of Red Bank where Colonial forces repulsed a Hessian assault; significant Revolutionary War heritage; the Whitall House is a quality heritage site); Mullica Hill (one of South Jersey’s most charming Victorian-era towns; quality antiques shops and heritage walking; Mullica Hill’s beautifully preserved 19th-century streetscape is outstanding); Rowan University (Glassboro — a quality public university with about 20,000 students; strong programs in engineering, business, and the arts; site of the 1967 Glassboro Summit between President Johnson and Premier Kosygin) Outdoors | Delaware River (quality fishing and recreation along the county’s western border); Parvin State Park (quality hiking, swimming, and camping in one of South Jersey’s finest state parks; quality lake swimming); Tall Timbers County Park (quality nature trails); hunting (quality deer and waterfowl hunting in the county’s agricultural and forested areas) Notable | Rowan University (a quality and growing public university in Glassboro — the strong academic programs and the campus’s growing presence make it a significant economic and cultural anchor; the 1967 Glassboro Summit between LBJ and Soviet Premier Kosygin at what is now Rowan University is historically significant); Red Bank Battlefield (significant Revolutionary War heritage — the 1777 Battle of Red Bank repulsed a Hessian assault and helped defend Philadelphia from the British); Mullica Hill (one of South Jersey’s most charming Victorian heritage communities); Inspira Health Network provides quality regional care; the county has a strong suburban Philadelphia, university, healthcare, and retail economy Library | Gloucester County Library System — (856) 223-6000 | gcls.org
All Services
Browse every category and topic available for this county.
New Jersey’s property tax system is administered at the municipal level – each of Gloucester County’s 24 municipalities has its own tax assessor. The Gloucester County Board of Taxation (2 S. Broad Street, Woodbury, 856-853-3300) oversees equalization across municipalities and hears assessment appeals.
Gloucester County’s alternate appeal calendar – January 15 deadline:
Gloucester County is one of only three New Jersey counties (along with Burlington and Monmouth) operating under an alternate appeal calendar. The standard New Jersey appeal deadline is April 1. In Gloucester County, the filing deadline with the Board of Taxation is January 15 of the tax year. This earlier deadline catches many property owners off guard – particularly those who receive assessment notices in November or December and don’t realize the standard April 1 statewide deadline does not apply here.
Chapter 123 equalization ratio: New Jersey applies a Chapter 123 equalization ratio to each municipality. If your municipality’s equalization ratio indicates properties are generally assessed below market value (under-assessed), the Board will not reduce your assessment even if your specific property appears over-assessed – because the municipality is equalized at that lower ratio.
The appeal process:
Step 1 – Gloucester County Board of Taxation: File your appeal by January 15. The Board holds hearings and issues a judgment. Required first step for properties assessed under $1 million.
Step 2 – New Jersey Tax Court: For properties assessed at $1 million or more, file directly with Tax Court by January 15. If unsatisfied with the Board’s judgment (for under-$1M properties), appeal to Tax Court within 45 days.
The Freeze Act: A successful appeal triggers the Freeze Act – your reduced assessment is locked in for the following two tax years (three years total) before the assessor can raise it again.
Senior programs: New Jersey’s Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) reimburses eligible seniors (age 65+) for increases above a base year amount – income limit $150,000. The ANCHOR program provides relief for homeowners (income up to $500,000) and renters (income up to $150,000). The Stay NJ program provides senior property tax credits of up to 50% (phasing in beginning 2026).
No New Jersey estate tax (eliminated 2018). New Jersey inheritance tax still applies – Class A beneficiaries (spouse, children, grandchildren, parents) pay no tax; Class C (siblings, spouses of children) pay 11-16%; Class D (all others) pay 15-16%.
OWNWELL CTA: Gloucester County’s January 15 deadline is earlier than almost every other NJ county – act as soon as assessment notices arrive in fall. Chapter 123 equalization ratio determines whether your appeal is viable. Freeze Act locks in savings for three years. ANCHOR available regardless of age. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Recommended
Gloucester County's January 15 deadline is earlier than almost every other NJ county - act as soon as assessment notices arrive in fall. Chapter 123 equalization ratio determines whether your appeal is viable. Freeze Act locks in savings for three years. ANCHOR available regardless of age. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Courts & Legal
The Gloucester County Superior Court at 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury (856-853-3200) handles all civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. The Gloucester County Surrogate’s Court at 70 Hunter Street (856-853-3283) handles estate administration, guardianships, and trusts. The Gloucester County Clerk at 1 N. Broad Street, Woodbury (856-853-3237) maintains all land records – deeds, mortgages, and recorded documents – searchable online at gloucestercountynj.gov.
New Jersey inheritance tax is administered through the NJ Division of Taxation. The inheritance tax return (Form IT-R) is due within eight months of death. A lien on New Jersey real property cannot be released without inheritance tax payment or waiver.
Rowan University and medical community planning: Gloucester County’s growing academic medical community – Rowan faculty and Cooper University Health System physicians – participates in both state pension systems (PERS, PFRS) and private retirement vehicles through TIAA and other providers. Cooper Medical School’s growth is attracting physicians from across the region whose estate plans may need New Jersey updates.
Philadelphia commuter community: Gloucester County’s large Philadelphia commuter population – particularly those using the PATCO Speedline – includes many Pennsylvania-employed workers living in New Jersey. Pennsylvania does not tax income earned by nonresidents (New Jersey does, with reciprocity agreements softening the impact), but Pennsylvania estate tax exposure for workers who own Pennsylvania property or business interests remains a planning consideration.
Senior Services: The Gloucester County Department of Health and Senior Services (856-218-4151) at 204 E. Holly Avenue, Sewell coordinates senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation, SHIP Medicare counseling (New Jersey’s SHIP), caregiver support, Adult Protective Services, and connections to New Jersey Medicaid long-term care programs.
SUPERIOR COURT
Phone: (856) 853-3300
Address: 70 Hunter St., Woodbury, NJ 08096
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Website: njcourts.gov | Gloucester County Superior Court
Marriage & Vital Records
Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth & death certificates are handled by the following office(s):
COUNTY CLERK
1 N. Broad St., Woodbury, NJ 08096
(856) 853-3237
COUNTY CLERK — ELECTIONS
1 N. Broad St., Woodbury, NJ 08096
(856) 853-3237
Genealogy
County-level record sources
Gloucester County Surrogate’s Court, Woodbury (probate case files – see Probate section above).
Local societies
No dedicated Gloucester County genealogical society was confirmed in available directories.
Probate & Estate
Losing someone and having to deal with courts and paperwork at the same time is hard. This section won’t make that easier, but it should tell you what to expect, what it costs, and where to go – so at least you’re not walking in blind.
Where to go
Gloucester County Surrogate’s Court 17 North Broad Street (mail: P.O. Box 177), Woodbury, NJ 08096 (856) 853-3282
Gloucester County is in southwestern New Jersey, part of the Philadelphia metro area, seated in Woodbury.
Step 1: figure out which path applies
New Jersey probate is governed by Title 3B of the New Jersey Statutes. The elected Surrogate’s Court in each county handles uncontested probate matters; contested matters are referred to the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part.
Affidavit of Surviving Spouse (N.J.S.A. 3B:10-3) – available only when the decedent died WITHOUT a will (intestate) and the total value of real and personal assets does not exceed $50,000. The surviving spouse, civil union partner, or domestic partner may file this affidavit with the Surrogate’s Court and receive the assets without formal administration. The first $10,000 of the estate is free from the decedent’s debts. There is no affidavit shortcut if a will exists – a will must always be probated regardless of estate size.
Affidavit of Next of Kin (N.J.S.A. 3B:10-4) – available only when the decedent died intestate, there is no surviving spouse/partner, and the estate does not exceed $20,000. One of the next of kin may file this affidavit with the written consent of all other heirs of equal or greater priority.
Regular (Formal) Probate – required whenever there’s a will, or when an intestate estate exceeds the small-estate thresholds above.
Step 2: filing for regular probate
File an Application for Probate with the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the decedent was domiciled (as soon as 10 days after death).
The Surrogate admits the will and issues Letters Testamentary, or – for intestate estates – appoints an administrator and issues Letters of Administration. A surety bond may be required for an administrator.
The Surrogate issues “short certificates,” which the executor/administrator uses as proof of authority – a certificate is typically needed for each asset that must be transferred or sold.
The personal representative notifies creditors and beneficiaries; New Jersey’s creditor claim period is 9 months from death.
The personal representative inventories assets, pays debts and taxes (including any New Jersey Inheritance Tax return, if applicable), and distributes the remaining assets according to the will or New Jersey’s intestacy statute.
The estate is closed with a final accounting filed with the court.
What it costs
Surrogate’s Court filing fees generally range from about $100 to $250 depending on the county and the complexity/value of the estate.
New Jersey does NOT require an attorney for probate, but one is commonly recommended for anything beyond the simplest estates.
UNIQUE TO NEW JERSEY: New Jersey has an INHERITANCE TAX that applies to transfers to “Class C” and “Class D” beneficiaries – nieces, nephews, friends, and other non-immediate relatives – even for relatively small inheritances; there is no minimum exemption threshold. Transfers to a spouse, civil union/domestic partner, parents, children, grandchildren, and stepchildren (“Class A” beneficiaries) are exempt.
New Jersey repealed its separate state ESTATE tax for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2018 – only the inheritance tax remains at the state level.
Probate filings, estate administration, and guardianship matters are handled by the following office(s):
Public Safety & Arrests
Arrest records, inmate search, and law enforcement services are handled by the following office(s):
SHERIFF
301 Rte. 45 S., Woodbury, NJ 08096
(856) 853-3300
Elections & Voting
Voter registration, polling locations, and elections information are handled by the following office(s):
COUNTY CLERK — ELECTIONS
1 N. Broad St., Woodbury, NJ 08096
(856) 853-3237
ELECTIONS
1 N. Broad St., Woodbury, NJ 08096
(856) 853-3237
Health & Human Services
Offices & Contacts
Health services, social services, and assistance programs are handled by the following office(s):
NJ DHHS — Gloucester
(856) 218-4101
Inspira Health Network — Mullica Hill
inspirahealthnetwork.org (Mullica Hill — quality regional hospital; South Jersey anchor)
Public Health Information
PUBLIC HEALTH
Office: Gloucester County Health Department – confirm current contact via gloucestercountynj.gov.
Editorial independence: CountyOffices maintains strict editorial independence from our affiliate partners. Our content is researched from official government sources. Affiliate relationships do not influence our recommendations or the information we publish.
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