New York · Off-grid & homestead potential

Jefferson County

57BoltScore / 100
#19 of 62 in New York

Jefferson County is a solid bolthole (57/100). Its strengths are decent rainfall (42.4″/yr) and cheap to buy into (typical home $230k). The trade-offs: tighter state governance (58% Republican) and middling conditions for growing food.

How Jefferson County scores

Hazard Safety36
Freedom31
Food35
Isolation59
Sovereignty63
Water91
Affordability82
$230kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$2,496Land / acre
42.4"Annual rain
0.4% of yrsSevere drought
71 miNearest metro
90.5People / sq mi
11.4%Federal land
45.3°FAvg temp

Scout Jefferson County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →
Land for sale LandWatchHomes for sale Zillow

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Living off-grid in Jefferson County, New York

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

Jefferson County is a solid bolthole (57/100). Its strengths: decent rainfall (42.4″/yr) and cheap to buy into (typical home $230k). Watch-outs: tighter state governance (58% Republican) and middling conditions for growing food.

How much does land cost in Jefferson County, New York?

Land in Jefferson County runs about $2,496 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County gets about 42.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.4% of years.

How remote is Jefferson County?

The nearest major metro is about 71 miles away, and population density is 90.5 people per square mile.

How Jefferson compares in New York

See all 62 New York counties ranked →