Homesteading in New Jersey
Explore 21 counties and state-level regulations for homesteaders in New Jersey.
New Jersey uses a Riparian water rights system , enforces statewide IRC building codes , and requires a carry permit. The effective property tax rate is 2.23%.
State Regulations
Water Rights
System: Riparian
Follows regulated riparian doctrine. Water supply allocation permits required from DEP for diversions exceeding 100,000 gallons per day.
Statute: N.J. Stat. Ann. § 58:1A-1 et seq.
Building Codes
Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)
New Jersey Uniform Construction Code applies statewide and is mandatory. Based on IRC for residential with state subcodes.
Statute: N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:27D-119 et seq.
Gun Laws
Open Carry: No
Constitutional Carry: No
Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and individual permit required for handgun purchase. Carry permit required for concealed carry. Open carry not permitted. Assault weapons ban in effect.
Statute: N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:58-3; N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:58-4
Right to Farm
Protected: Yes
Protects commercial farm operations from nuisance claims if the farm conforms to agricultural management practices recommended by the State Agriculture Development Committee.
Statute: N.J. Stat. Ann. § 4:1C-1 et seq.
Counties in New Jersey
21 counties · Click column headers to sort
| County | Population | Median Home | Property Tax | Growing Days | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic County | 274,339 | $254,100 | $6,683 | 94 | Relatively Moderate |
| Bergen County | 953,243 | $561,500 | $10,001 | 87 | Relatively High |
| Burlington County | 461,853 | $304,600 | $7,802 | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| Camden County | 522,581 | $241,300 | $7,895 | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cape May County | 95,456 | $372,300 | $5,071 | 96 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cumberland County | 153,588 | $192,900 | $4,986 | 91 | Relatively Moderate |
| Essex County | 853,374 | $466,500 | $10,001 | 88 | Relatively High |
| Gloucester County | 302,621 | $265,200 | $7,821 | 89 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hudson County | 712,029 | $486,900 | $9,314 | 88 | Relatively High |
| Hunterdon County | 129,099 | $478,600 | $10,001 | 89 | Relatively Low |
| Mercer County | 383,732 | $327,600 | $8,576 | 90 | Relatively High |
| Middlesex County | 860,147 | $411,900 | $9,428 | 90 | Relatively High |
| Monmouth County | 643,064 | $519,300 | $9,830 | 90 | Relatively High |
| Morris County | 508,816 | $531,800 | $10,001 | 88 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ocean County | 638,691 | $343,500 | $6,433 | 92 | Relatively High |
| Passaic County | 519,986 | $413,500 | $10,001 | 87 | Relatively High |
| Salem County | 64,840 | $208,200 | $6,638 | 90 | Relatively Low |
| Somerset County | 344,978 | $489,500 | $10,001 | 89 | Relatively Moderate |
| Sussex County | 144,808 | $322,300 | $8,366 | 86 | Relatively Low |
| Union County | 572,079 | $458,000 | $10,001 | 88 | Relatively High |
| Warren County | 109,739 | $302,300 | $8,039 | 84 | Relatively Low |
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