RANK #384 / 1001 NAT · #7 / 21 NJ · POP 145,807
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +30%
Sussex County, New Jersey, is defined by its rural character and extensive natural beauty, a distinction often highlighted by locals. Located in the state's northernmost region, it sits about an hour's drive from New York City, offering a quieter alternative to urban life. The county boasts mountains, over 80 lakes and streams, and approximately 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail, making it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. High Point State Park, home to New Jersey's highest elevation, provides hiking, camping, and winter sports opportunities. Towns like Sparta, Newton, and Vernon offer a mix of historic charm and access to these natural amenities.
Life in Sussex County often appeals to families and those seeking a more relaxed pace. While many residents commute to neighboring counties or New York City for work, the community maintains a close-knit feel. The local economy is supported by sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and light manufacturing, with institutions like Sussex County Community College contributing significantly to the regional economy and workforce development. The county's focus on preserving its natural landscape and fostering a family-friendly environment shapes its quality of life.
Sussex County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices +3.3% YoY, population +0.5%, wages +3.1%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 23.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 61/100, Sussex County sits in the upper half of all 1001 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +0.9%, and median household income stands at $116,186 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in NJ.
Housing in Sussex County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $369,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,585/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Sussex County are both close to flat — population +0.5% YoY and jobs +0.9%. Home values shifted +3.3% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.26% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Sussex County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.