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Radon in New Jersey: Levels by County and EPA Zones

Updated November 2026 · Data: EPA Map of Radon Zones · Sources

New Jersey has a mix of radon risk: 7 counties are in EPA Zone 1 (highest potential), 11 in Zone 2 and 3 in Zone 3. Find your county below, then learn how to test your home and what to do if the result is high.

7 of 21counties in EPA Zone 1 (highest potential)
11 of 21counties in Zone 2 (moderate)
3 of 21counties in Zone 3 (low)

Your county’s zone is not your home’s radon level. Homes with high radon are found in every zone. The EPA recommends testing every home, whatever its zone.

Map of EPA radon zones by county

Cumberland: EPA radon Zone 2Hunterdon: EPA radon Zone 1Warren: EPA radon Zone 1Somerset: EPA radon Zone 1Ocean: EPA radon Zone 3Bergen: EPA radon Zone 2Middlesex: EPA radon Zone 2Atlantic: EPA radon Zone 3Burlington: EPA radon Zone 2Cape May: EPA radon Zone 3Essex: EPA radon Zone 2Mercer: EPA radon Zone 1Hudson: EPA radon Zone 2Monmouth: EPA radon Zone 1Sussex: EPA radon Zone 1Union: EPA radon Zone 2Morris: EPA radon Zone 1Camden: EPA radon Zone 2Salem: EPA radon Zone 2Gloucester: EPA radon Zone 2Passaic: EPA radon Zone 2
Zone 1 (highest potential)Zone 2Zone 3Source: U.S. EPA Map of Radon Zones (June 2024 data file). County boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau via us-atlas.

Radon zones by county in New Jersey

The table lists the EPA radon zone for each of the 21 counties in New Jersey. The zone shows the predicted average indoor radon screening level for homes in that county.

CountyEPA zonePredicted average indoor level
AtlanticZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
BergenZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
BurlingtonZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
CamdenZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
Cape MayZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
CumberlandZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
EssexZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
GloucesterZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
HudsonZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
HunterdonZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
MercerZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
MiddlesexZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
MonmouthZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
MorrisZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
OceanZone 3Below 2 pCi/L
PassaicZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
SalemZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
SomersetZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
SussexZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
UnionZone 22 to 4 pCi/L
WarrenZone 1Above 4 pCi/L
Source: U.S. EPA Map of Radon Zones (data file published June 2024).

What the EPA radon zones mean

  • Zone 1 (highest potential): predicted average indoor screening level greater than 4 pCi/L. In New Jersey: 7 counties (33%).
  • Zone 2 (moderate potential): predicted average between 2 and 4 pCi/L. In New Jersey: 11 counties (52%).
  • Zone 3 (low potential): predicted average below 2 pCi/L. In New Jersey: 3 counties (14%).

The EPA built the map from indoor radon measurements, geology, soil permeability and type of house foundation. It was made to help governments and builders target resources, not to decide whether a single home needs testing.

New Jersey counties with the highest radon potential

7 counties in New Jersey are in Zone 1: Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Warren.

How to test for radon in New Jersey

Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level. Short-term test kits (2 to 90 days) are sold at hardware stores and online, and some state programs offer kits at low cost; check with the New Jersey DEP Radon Section. Test in the lowest lived-in level of the home, with windows and doors closed, and follow the kit instructions.

  • Do-it-yourself kits: a simple, low-cost first step for your own home.
  • Long-term tests (more than 90 days): give a better picture of your home’s year-round average.
  • Certified professionals: look for certification from the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB), and ask the state program whether New Jersey requires a state license.
  • Buying or selling a home: ask for a radon test as part of the home inspection.

If your radon level is high

The EPA recommends fixing your home if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The most common fix is a radon mitigation system (sub-slab depressurization), which pulls radon from under the foundation and vents it outside, above the roof line.

  • The EPA says most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs; the price depends on the size and design of the home.
  • Get estimates from more than one qualified, certified mitigation contractor. See our radon mitigation cost guide for typical prices.
  • Test again after the system is installed, and retest every few years.

Learn more: safe radon levels · how to test · test kits compared · radon and home sales · radon in well water

New Jersey radon program

Radon rules and programs in New Jersey

  • Certification: radon testing and mitigation in New Jersey must be done by businesses certified by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Check the NJDEP radon program for the list of certified businesses.
  • Testing rate: according to the NJ Department of Health, the share of New Jersey homes ever tested for radon rose from 9.7% in 1996 to 36.9% in 2019.

Contact

The New Jersey DEP Radon Section answers questions from residents about radon testing, results and certified professionals.

  • Phone: 609-984-5425 · 1-800-648-0394
  • Website: njradon.org

Contact details as listed by the state radon program directory. Please confirm on the program’s website before calling.

Frequently asked questions

Is radon a problem in New Jersey?

7 of New Jersey’s 21 counties are in EPA Zone 1, where the predicted average indoor radon level is above 4 pCi/L, and 11 are in Zone 2 (2 to 4 pCi/L). High levels can be found in any home, so testing is the only way to know.

Which New Jersey counties have the highest radon potential?

The 7 counties in EPA Zone 1 have the highest predicted average levels. You can find them in the table above and in the Zone 1 list.

What radon level is safe?

There is no known safe level of radon. The EPA recommends fixing your home at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Who can I contact about radon in New Jersey?

The New Jersey DEP Radon Section answers questions about testing, results and certified professionals. Phone: 609-984-5425; 1-800-648-0394.

Sources