New Jersey · Off-grid & homestead potential

Essex County

36BoltScore / 100
#18 of 21 in New Jersey

Essex County is a weak bolthole (36/100). Its strengths are abundant rainfall (48.6″/yr) with little drought and low extraction and seizure exposure. The trade-offs: little isolation — a major metro is just 6 mi away and pricey real estate (typical home $668k).

How Essex County scores

Hazard Safety2
Freedom26
Food44
Isolation0
Sovereignty82
Water96
Affordability0
$668kTypical home
2%Property tax
$471,343Land / acre
48.6"Annual rain
2.5% of yrsSevere drought
6 miNearest metro
6,750.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
53.5°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Essex County, New Jersey

Is Essex County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Essex County is a weak bolthole (36/100). Its strengths: abundant rainfall (48.6″/yr) with little drought and low extraction and seizure exposure. Watch-outs: little isolation — a major metro is just 6 mi away and pricey real estate (typical home $668k).

How much does land cost in Essex County, New Jersey?

Land in Essex County runs about $471,343 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Essex County?

Essex County gets about 48.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.5% of years.

How remote is Essex County?

The nearest major metro is about 6 miles away, and population density is 6,750.4 people per square mile.

How Essex compares in New Jersey

See all 21 New Jersey counties ranked →