Burlington County, NJ
466,103 residents · 799 sq mi · 583.2/sq mi · 10% rural
About Burlington County
Burlington County is a county in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The county is the largest by land area in New Jersey and ranks second behind neighboring Ocean County in total area. Its county seat is Mount Holly. As of the 2020 census, the county was the state's 11th-most-populous county, with a population of 461,860, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 13,126 (+2.9%) from the 448,734 recorded at the 2010 census, which in turn had reflected an increase of 25,340 (6.0%) from the 423,394 enumerated at the 2000 census. The United States Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program estimated a 2025 population of 481,439, an increase of 19,579 (+4.2%) from the 2020 decennial census. The most populous place in the county was Evesham Township with 46,826 residents as of the 2020 census. Washington Township covered 102.71 square miles (266.0 km2), the largest area of any municipality in the county. The county is part of the South Jersey region of the state.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of suburban and rural environments, with a population density of 583.2 people per square mile. The climate is classified as humid, with an annual mean temperature of 54.9°F and 47 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for USDA zone 8a crops. However, the relatively high population density may limit opportunities for complete self-sufficiency, and water resources are shared among many residents, potentially impacting availability during dry spells.
The county faces significant natural hazards, including strong winds (FEMA rank 99) and winter weather issues (rank 98), which can pose challenges for homesteading. Riverine flooding (rank 96) and ice storms (rank 96) are additional risks to consider. While the violence percentile is low at 2/100, the overall disaster percentile is high at 94/100, indicating a vulnerability to various hazards. Additionally, the median home price is $304,600, which may be a barrier for those seeking affordable land for homesteading.
This area may appeal to those who prefer a mix of rural and suburban living, especially individuals who can manage the higher costs associated with housing and are prepared for the risks of severe weather. However, those seeking a remote, self-sufficient lifestyle may find the density and associated limitations challenging. A key dealbreaker for many homesteaders could be the potential for flooding and strong winds, while the hidden gem may be the access to broadband, allowing for remote work or online business opportunities.