Over the last few years, unpredictable inflation has left many Americans feeling uncertain about their financial futures. As we approach the New Year, the idea of change can be daunting for many US Citizens.

We know that New Jersey has the third highest Household Expenses in the United States. This reality creates a demand for more economical living in a state where many NJ residents are proud to live.

NBC News researched market data to find out what counties in the United States are the most affordable versus least affordable for home buyers. Their analysis shows that the Cost Index has increased 89 percent over the last five years.

According to NBC News, the median home price in the United States is almost $70,000 and economists have determined that buying a new home is no longer be "affordable" for many Americans. For households with a $54,000 Annual Income can only afford to purchase a home in 47 percent of United States Counties (1,321 out of 2,801).

Based on NBC News' Home Buyer Cost Index, they ranked every United States County by defining Home Affordability as a monthly mortgage payment of no more than 30 percent of a household's monthly income. So we are ranking South Jersey counties based on the annual Household Income required to afford a median-priced home in that county:

1. Cumberland County: $53,987

The only county in the state of New Jersey with zero properties valued at $2 Million or more, it should surprise no one that this is the most affordable county to buy a home in New Jersey. The median income for Cumberland County residents is $66,239.

2. Salem County: $54,239

Featuring Mannington Township, rated one of the Best Places to Buy a House in New Jersey, Salem County is also home to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The median income for Salem County residents is $73,556.

3. Camden County: $67,359

Home to three of the Top 50 Best Suburbs to Buy a House in New Jersey (Haddonfield, Springdale, Greentree), Camden is much more than just sharing their name with the City of Camden. The median income for Camden County residents is $89,170.

4. Gloucester County: $70,081

Featuring two of the Top 15 Suburbs with the Lowest Cost of Living in New Jersey (Turnersville, Mullica Hill), Gloucester County is uniquely positioned within short driving distance of Philadelphia, Delaware, and Atlantic City. The median income for Gloucester County residents is $106,671.

5. Atlantic County: $75,233

Home to two of the Top Ten Best Places to Retire in New Jersey (Linwood, Margate City), Atlantic County is one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey. The median income for Atlantic County residents is $82,640.

6. Burlington County: $78,283

Featuring two of the Top 40 Best Places to Buy a House in New Jersey (Medford Township, Chesterfield Township), the Burlington County border touches five neighboring New Jersey counties. The median income for Burlington County residents is $110,245.

7. Ocean County: $96,042

Home to three of the Top 40 Best Places to Retire in New Jersey (Bay Head, Lavallette, Beach Haven), Ocean County has some of the most popular Shore Towns in New Jersey. The median income for Ocean County residents is $89,283.

8. Cape May County: $150,823

Featuring four of the Top 50 Best Places to Retire in New Jersey (Ocean City, Avalon, Cape May, Sea Isle City), Cape May County is the southernmost of New Jersey's 21 counties. The median income for Cape May County residents is $92,821.

All homeowners are concerned about the property tax rates in their municipality. But the good news is these New Jersey communities have recently cut their Property Taxes: