Salem County
NJ · Pop. 64,973 · Mixed County
Salem County is a mixed rural-suburban county in New Jersey, spanning 332 square miles with 64,973 residents at a density of 195.7 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $223,000, with an effective property tax rate of 3.03%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 210-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F and average winter lows of 27.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.9 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Salem Medical Center is 4.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 210-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Salem Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 4.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 3.03% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Salem County, NJ is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 27/100
- Median home price
- $223k
- Property tax
- 3.03%
- Growing season
- 210 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.9"
- Broadband
- 96.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Salem Medical Center, 4.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Salem County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Salem County?
- Salem County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 210-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F, and average winter lows of 27.6°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $223,000 and the effective property tax rate is 3.03%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Salem Medical Center is 4.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore New Jersey Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in New Jersey
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The closest counties to Salem County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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