Massachusetts · Off-grid & homestead potential

Essex County

35BoltScore / 100
#12 of 14 in Massachusetts

Essex County is a weak bolthole (35/100). Its strengths are abundant rainfall (47.4″/yr) with little drought and low extraction and seizure exposure. The trade-offs: pricey real estate (typical home $730k) and little isolation — a major metro is just 12 mi away.

How Essex County scores

Hazard Safety4
Freedom38
Food34
Isolation1
Sovereignty73
Water93
Affordability0
$730kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$20,111Land / acre
47.4"Annual rain
8% of yrsSevere drought
12 miNearest metro
1,644.8People / sq mi
2.1%Federal land
49.3°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Essex County, Massachusetts

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

Essex County is a weak bolthole (35/100). Its strengths: abundant rainfall (47.4″/yr) with little drought and low extraction and seizure exposure. Watch-outs: pricey real estate (typical home $730k) and little isolation — a major metro is just 12 mi away.

How much does land cost in Essex County, Massachusetts?

Land in Essex County runs about $20,111 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Essex County?

Essex County gets about 47.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8% of years.

How remote is Essex County?

The nearest major metro is about 12 miles away, and population density is 1,644.8 people per square mile.

How Essex compares in Massachusetts

See all 14 Massachusetts counties ranked →