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New Jersey · Hudson River · New York Metro · #96 Most Populous County in the US
Hudson County, New Jersey
New Jersey's most densely packed county - Jersey City's Gold Coast skyline, Hoboken's brownstones, and twelve municipalities facing Manhattan across the Hudson River. Property tax, courts, public records, probate, and senior services for Hudson County residents.
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Tell us your goal and we'll guide you step-by-step to the right office, forms, and official resources.
Hudson 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: Hudson County Office of Emergency Management – Coordinator Edoardo Ferrante Jr. (appointed January 2026 by the Hudson County Board of Commissioners); confirm current phone via hudsoncountysheriff.com/oem.
Sheriff: Hudson County Sheriff’s Office – three locations: Hudson Plaza, 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302; Administration Building, 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306; Meadowview Campus, 595 County Avenue, Secaucus, NJ 07094 | Main lines (201) 795-6300 and (201) 915-1300; Sheriff James M. Davis. Serves over 750,000 residents with 300+ personnel, provides countywide 911 intake/dispatch for nine municipalities.
City police: Jersey City Police Department – Emergency 911, non-emergency (201) 547-5477; tip line (855) 527-8477.
Notes: For an active emergency, call 911.
Roads & Utilities
ROADS & TRANSPORTATION
Roads: NJ Turnpike/I-95, the Holland Tunnel, and the Lincoln Tunnel connect Jersey City – Hudson County’s largest city – directly to Manhattan. The PATH Train and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail provide extensive direct rail service into New York City.
Notes: Hudson County is New Jersey’s most densely populated county, directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
Business & Permits
BUILDING & PERMITS
Office: Hudson County – confirm current phone via hudsoncountynj.org.
Notes: Hoboken is genuinely the birthplace of organized baseball – the first officially recorded game under the Knickerbocker Rules was played at the Elysian Fields on June 19, 1846; today’s Elysian Park preserves the site’s memory along the Hudson River waterfront. Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken in 1915. Liberty State Park in Jersey City spans over 1,200 acres and draws roughly 5 million visitors annually, with unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline; the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal there was once the departure point for immigrants arriving via Ellis Island. Hudson County also preserves the historic Weehawken Dueling Grounds, site of the 1804 Hamilton-Burr duel.
Veterans Services
VETERANS SERVICES
Office: Hudson County Veterans Service – confirm current contact via hudsoncountynj.org.
Federal: East Orange VA Medical Center (nearby).
Libraries
LIBRARIES
Hoboken Public Library – 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ; genuinely established 1889, expanded through philanthropist Martha Bayard Stevens, current Italian Renaissance Revival building constructed 1895-97, NRHP-listed; member of the Bridging Communities, Connecting Library Services (BCCLS) consortium serving Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, and Essex counties. Jersey City Free Public Library also serves the county’s largest city with multiple branches.
Parks & Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION
Key Assets: Liberty State Park, Elysian Park (birthplace of organized baseball), Sinatra Park, and the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal are the county’s premier attractions.
Notes: The genuine 1846 birthplace of organized baseball at Elysian Fields is one of the most historically significant sports heritage facts covered anywhere in this project.
GIS & Maps
GIS & MAPS
Appraisal/Parcel Search: Hudson County Board of Taxation – confirm current contact via hudsoncountynj.org.
Animal Services
ANIMAL SERVICES
Jersey City Animal Shelter – 235 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ | Shelter (201) 547-5100 | Animal Control (201) 547-4888; the City of Jersey City took over animal care, control, and shelter management from the former Liberty Humane Society on January 1, 2024, expanding animal control services to 7 days a week and launching a new volunteer/foster program.
Environmental & Waste
ENVIRONMENTAL / WASTE MANAGEMENT
Office: Hudson County – confirm current contact via hudsoncountynj.org.
NOTES: Hudson County is the second county in the New Jersey v2 A+ sourced redo’s second batch (Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris). The genuine 1846 birthplace of organized baseball at Elysian Fields and Liberty State Park’s Statue of Liberty views are distinctive local facts. 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 Hudson County
Hudson County is 62 square miles along the west bank of the Hudson River – New Jersey’s most densely populated county and one of the most densely populated large counties in the United States. It contains 12 municipalities: Jersey City (the county seat and New Jersey’s second-largest city), Hoboken, Bayonne, Secaucus, Kearny, Harrison, North Bergen, West New York, Weehawken, Guttenberg, Union City, and East Newark. The county faces Manhattan directly across the Hudson – the PATH train, NJ Transit Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and multiple ferry routes make it one of the most transit-connected suburban areas in the New York metro.
Jersey City has undergone one of the most dramatic urban transformations of any American city over the past three decades – from a post-industrial city in decline to a booming, high-density residential and commercial center whose waterfront skyline rivals that of many midsize American cities. Hoboken, just two square miles, packs more than 60,000 residents into a dense urban grid and commands among the highest per-square-foot residential values in New Jersey. The county has a highly diverse population with large Dominican, Indian, Filipino, and Arab American communities alongside newer high-income transplants from Manhattan.
County government is a five-member Board of County Commissioners with an elected County Executive, along with separately elected offices for the County Clerk, Sheriff, Prosecutor, and Surrogate.
All Services
Browse every category and topic available for this county.
New Jersey property tax assessment is done at the municipal level – each of Hudson County’s 12 municipalities has its own tax assessor. The Hudson County Board of Taxation at 257 Cornelison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Jersey City (201-369-3470) oversees equalization across municipalities and hears formal assessment appeals.
Appeal deadline: The standard annual appeal deadline is April 1 (or 45 days from the mailing of assessment notifications, whichever is later). For municipalities that have recently undergone a full municipal revaluation or reassessment, the deadline is May 1 – municipalities in Hudson County are revalued on varying cycles, making it important to check whether your municipality’s deadline is April 1 or May 1 in a given year.
How to file: File online at njappealonline.com or in person at the Hudson County Board of Taxation, 257 Cornelison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Online filing is accepted; unlike some NJ counties, Hudson County’s Board of Taxation accepts petitions filed electronically.
New Jersey’s Chapter 123 equalization ratio applies: each municipality has an equalization ratio reflecting the relationship between assessed and market values. If your assessment-to-market-value ratio exceeds the municipality’s common level ratio by more than 15%, the Board automatically reduces to the common level. However, if your ratio is below the common level, your assessment can be raised.
Properties assessed above $1 million may bypass the county Board of Taxation and appeal directly to the New Jersey Tax Court by April 1.
NJ property tax relief: The ANCHOR program, Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement), and Stay NJ programs provide relief for qualifying homeowners and renters. Apply through the combined application linked at the Hudson County Division of Tax Assessments. The Senior $250 deduction from property taxes applies to qualifying residents 65+ with income below the threshold.
New Jersey still has an inheritance tax (no estate tax since 2018). Class A beneficiaries (spouse, children, grandchildren, parents) are exempt. Class C (siblings, in-laws) pay 11–16%. Class D (all others, including unmarried partners) pay 15–16%.
OWNWELL CTA: Hudson County’s April 1 deadline is strict – 45 days from assessment notice mailing, whichever is later. Online filing at njappealonline.com. Chapter 123 can cut both ways – be prepared before filing. Jersey City and Hoboken properties near or above $1 million may file directly with Tax Court. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Recommended
Hudson County's April 1 deadline is strict - 45 days from assessment notice mailing, whichever is later. Online filing at njappealonline.com. Chapter 123 can cut both ways - be prepared before filing. Jersey City and Hoboken properties near or above $1 million may file directly with Tax Court. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Courts & Legal
Courts & Legal
The Hudson County Superior Court at the Hudson County Administration Building, 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City (201-795-6600) handles all civil, criminal, and family matters. The Hudson County Surrogate’s Court at 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City (201-795-6400) handles all probate – wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions. The County Surrogate is an elected constitutional officer. The Hudson County Clerk at 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City maintains land records – deeds, mortgages, and recorded documents.
New Jersey probate is administered through the Surrogate’s Court. No attorney is required for uncontested probate – bring the original will, a certified death certificate with raised seal, and next-of-kin information. The 10-day waiting period after death applies before Letters Testamentary can issue.
New Jersey inheritance tax is the defining estate planning issue for Hudson County. The tax has not been eliminated (unlike the NJ estate tax, eliminated in 2018). Unmarried partners, friends, nieces and nephews, and non-Class A/C beneficiaries pay 15–16% of inherited assets. For Hudson County’s significant numbers of unmarried couples and non-traditional households, this is a critical planning consideration.
Senior Services: The Hudson County Division of Senior Services (201-369-4313) coordinates senior centers across the county, home-delivered meals, transportation, SHIP Medicare counseling, and Adult Protective Services. NJ’s EASE program provides a single point of entry for long-term care services.
Marriage & Vital Records
Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth & death certificates are handled by the following office(s):
COUNTY CLERK
257 Cornelison Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 369-3470
COUNTY CLERK — ELECTIONS
257 Cornelison Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 369-3470
Genealogy
County-level record sources
Hudson County Surrogate’s Court, Jersey City (probate case files – see Probate section above).
Local societies
No dedicated Hudson 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
Hudson County Surrogate’s Court Hudson County Administration Building, 595 Newark Avenue, 4th Floor, Room 407, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 795-6378
Hudson County is in northeastern New Jersey along the Hudson River, across from Manhattan, seated in Jersey City.
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
595 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 369-3700
Elections & Voting
Voter registration, polling locations, and elections information are handled by the following office(s):
COUNTY CLERK — ELECTIONS
257 Cornelison Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 369-3470
ELECTIONS
257 Cornelison Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 369-3470
Health & Human Services
Offices & Contacts
Health services, social services, and assistance programs are handled by the following office(s):
NJ DHHS — Hudson
(201) 369-5280
Jersey City Medical Center
rwjbh.org (Jersey City — Level II Trauma; RWJ Barnabas Health affiliate; major Jersey City anchor)
Christ Hospital
christhospital.org (Jersey City — quality regional hospital)
Public Health Information
PUBLIC HEALTH
Office: Hudson County Department of Health – confirm current contact via hudsoncountynj.org.
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