7 Best States For Homesteading (And 3 Worst) (2024)

Best states for homesteading should provide all the basic needs and some more. Texas, West Virginia, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Tennessee have ranked the top 7 states for homesteading. I’ve considered the living cost, climate, state laws, earning potentials, homeschooling curriculum and overall demographic aspects of the states while ranking the best homesteading friendly states.

However, Hawaii failed for it’s excessive living cost and land price. Nevada failed badly for it’s harsh climate, living cost, climate and state laws. Alaska is getting a tons of attention in the community but climate, restrictions and cost of living don’t favor the of grid living.

You might be wanting to go off the grid away from the urban setup for various reasons, be it retirement, self-sufficiency, or any other form of freedom. Still, you are wondering which state will suit you. Well, you are on the right blog.

• Idaho
• Texas
• West Virginia
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee

Homesteading is a term used to describe a variety of lifestyles. Today, it’s most commonly used to describe a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle in which a person can provide for his or her own basic needs.

Homesteading is typically characterized by growing, raising, and otherwise producing food; keeping livestock, chickens, and other animals; and making clothing, furniture, and other necessities. It’s also often linked to self-reliance, which can mean anything from growing your food to living off-grid.

Idaho is a Northwestern U.S. state with an area of 83,569.1 square miles (land area of 82643.12 square miles), a population of about 1.7 million (2019), and a population per square mile of about 20 people making it one of the least densely populated states.

The racial composition is made up of 93% Whites (Caucasian) and 7% other races.

There are about 60,000 homesteads as of 2019. This huge community of homesteaders makes Idaho the first choice on my list. Homesteaders in North Idaho have a Facebook group with 8500 members, which helps them mobilize their interests.

One of my favorite homesteading married couples the Fouch family is also from Idaho.

Cost of Living in Idaho

It is 3% cheaper compared to the national average of 100. However, due to the high demand to live in Idaho, the median home cost is at $348,483, than the national average of $231,200 as of 2020.

Insurance, taxes, utilities, and health are below the national average, making it still attractive for homesteading.

Land for farming ranges from $1,400 to $3,200 per acre. Homesteads for sale are below $250,000, between 5 acres to 30 acres. Leasing land is $160 per acre on average. The agricultural cost will range from $4,447 to $29,545 per year, depending on the size of the farm.

Climate and Environment in Idaho

Idaho’s climate is well suited for agriculture. With an elevation from 710 feet to 12,662 feet, it has cloudy, humid, and wet winters in the Northern parts and wet summers and dry winters in the Eastern parts.

The annual mean temperature ranges from 17 °F in January to 85.4 °F in July. Rainfall in Idaho reaches up to 18 inches on average per year. Some regions like Grangeville, Sandpoint, and ST. Maries receive 26.59, 31.9, and 28.17 inches per year, respectively. Idaho has more water availability than many states, served by lakes like Pend Oreille and Couer d’ Alene, providing water sufficient for irrigation.

Several soils are found in Idaho which favor crops like Potatoes, Onions, Wheat, Barley, sugar beets, hay, peas and lentils, beans, a variety of fruits, and mint.
The environment favors cattle and sheep, and your homestead will thrive.

Laws and Taxes in Idaho

Homesteading in Idaho is legal but homestead declaration is mandatory. One must fill the declaration before claiming the homestead with the recorder of Idaho. You should only have one homestead as a primary residence, according to section 15-1004.

The declaration covers the Homestead Exemption, reducing property tax by up to 50% of the homestead property. There are no transfer taxes on land, but only personal property taxes, which are exempted in Idaho.

Hunting and fishing are allowed, but only with a license and not in a prohibited season.

The sales tax rate is at 6% and property tax at 0.893% (rural), and 1.327% (urban).

Earning Potential in Idaho

Homestead projects will always circulate around Farm Animals and crops. Earning in Idaho from your produces will be easy. Idaho Falls Farmer’s Market, Idaho Fresh Produce Inc., Boise Farmers Market, Grasmick Produce Co., Nampa Farmers Market, Kuna Farmers Market, among others, will offer a market to sell you produce.

Internet connection even in rural Idaho is good, making it possible to market and sell your products, gather information to improve your projects and be up-to-date.

Idaho reported a high growth prospect in 2020 of 3.5% for the next five years. It is ranked 3rd on return on investments in all 50 states.

Homeschooling in Idaho

Homeschooling is allowed in Idaho, but the government does not regulate the curriculum and the whole process to be approached by a parent. Therefore, it is up to a parent to formulate a curriculum. There are homeschool groups in Idaho to help you carry out a successful homeschool.

Texas has a size of 268,596.6 square miles, a population of about 29.8 million (2021), and a population density per square mile of about 105 people as of 2021. Its racial composition is comprised of about 70.4% white, 11.9% black, 3.8% Asian, 10.5% other race, 2.7% of two or more races, and 0.8% native.

There are 248,416 farms, covering 127 million acres, with an average of 411 acres per farm. Texas was ranked one of the best states to start a farm by lawnstarters.com, with developed infrastructure and incentives for high productivity in farming. A homestead is a good idea there.

Cost of Living in Texas

Even though the cost of living is 6.1% below the national average and a median home cost of $195,000, Texas still attracts homesteaders in several ways, like quality infrastructure and high returns on investments.

In this list, Texas has the most land on sale (2021). In 2020, the price per acre was $2,972. The AgriLife Extension publication divided the land into regions as irrigated and non-irrigated crop, native and improved pasture. Additional features on ground like turbines will increase the value of land in Texas. Leasing land will vary in price according to usage.

Climate and Environment in Texas

Texas has an average of 0.1 inches of snow annually, unlike most states. However, Western Texas receives snowfalls ranging between 6.9 inches in El Paso and 17.8 inches in Amarillo. Rainfall averages 8.7 inches in the West, 37 inches in the North, and about 60 inches in the South.

Temperatures reach up to 36 °C in Austin and go as low as 5 °C in the winter months. Some regions like Houston have longer summers. This makes Texas have long growing seasons than most states.

Texas has 1300 different types of soils, clayey subsoils being common. This is due to the diversity of climate, vegetation, and landscape.

This type of environment has favored cattle, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, and goat rearing. Crops that do well in Texas are cotton (29% of cotton revenue in the US), corn, feed grain, rice, wheat, among other crops.

Laws and Taxes in Texas

Homesteading law in Texas is makes it the favorite choice of homesteaders. Texas has few regulations on off grid living. Although, Some urban areas are subjected to zoning, which can make homesteading impossible there.

Up to 20 acres are allowed for a homesteader if used for residential and similar purposes like farming. As of 2019, a homestead exemption is applicable if it is owned for more than 40 months, is a primary residence, and has equity of less than $170,350.

Property tax rates are 1.69%. Sale and use tax rates are at 6.25%. Local authorities may impose other tax rates of 2% totaling the sales and use tax up to 8.25%. Additional exemption includes zero state income tax for citizens. Not even a small town implies income tax here on Texas other than the federal tax.

Earning Potential in Texas

Farming is the primary occupation for 36% of producers in Texas, with agricultural products sold per year reaching up to $24.9 billion (2017). This is a good signal that you are going to benefit in your homestead property if you focus on farming. Cotton is the most profitable crop in Texas, followed by grain sorghum, corn, and wheat.

Texas Department of Agriculture has programs aiding farmers to expand their agricultural activities by providing financial support. Organizations for new farmers and farmer’s markets are well established in Texas for both livestock auctioning and crops. Returns on Investments in Texas’ agriculture are high.

Homeschooling in Texas

Homeschooling in Texas is considered a private school and does not need government regulation. You can customize the homeschooling curriculum to fit your kid(s). You only need to ensure that your curriculum will prepare them well to graduate high school and be competitive in the job market.

It is in the Southeastern parts of the U.S., with an area of 24,230 square miles (24,078 square miles of land and 152 square miles of water), a population of about 1.792 million (2019), and a population density per square mile of about 77 people.

Its ethnic composition is made up of 93.1% white, 3.7% black, and Asians, natives, and other races take up 3.2%.

95% of the farms in West Virginia are family-owned (mostly homesteaders), with 23,000 farms and an average of 157 acres per farm. Low cost of living and cheap land makes it one of the best destination for any homesteader. Among other factors, West Virginia is your next, best option for homesteading.

Cost of Living in West Virginia

The overall cost of living is 22% below the national average and even lower in some counties, making West Virginia one of the cheapest states to live in, suited for both retirement and young families.

The median home cost is at $96,400, which is way below the national median of 231,200. The average price of land and rural properties is about $258,400. There are a lot of listings of land and rural properties for sale, cheaper than the national average of $3,160 per acre, making farming cheaper in West Virginia.

Climate and Environment in West Virginia

West Virginia is mountainous, not to forget the Monongahela National Forest. Having a humid subtropical climate (hot summers and cold winters), four seasons, 164 sunny days, and an average rainfall of 44.9 inches and 56 inches in higher elevations per year. West Virginia experience high rainfall in July.

Freshwater is plenty, with sources like underground water (wells) and harvesting rainwater.

Temperatures range from 13 degrees Celsius in the South to 11 °C in the North but can go as high as 30.5 °C in July. Winters are harsh, so be prepared.

Monongahela Silt Loam soil is found in West Virginia, considered primary for farmland. This soil is primarily suited for pasture and cultivated crops like wheat and beans.

Crops that will do well in West Virginia are; wheat, corn for grain, hay, soybeans, tobacco, apples, and vegetables: carrots, cucumber, beans, lettuce, peas, squash, beets, and turnips. Common livestock are; cattle, broilers, sheep, lambs, farm-raised fish, and hogs.

Laws and Taxes in West Virginia

Off grid living in West Virginia is allowed by homestead law, with no zoning and few restrictions on building codes. Homestead exemption is granted, but only if you don’t have a homestead exemption from another state, and the homestead is owner-occupied (primary residence).

A business license is needed for the agricultural products that you ought to sell. You will be relieved from the $30 annual fee as an agricultural producer.
Property tax is at 0.57% (ninth-lowest in the U.S.), and the sales tax at 6%, like most states.

The homestead protection law allows water harvesting.

Earning Potential in West Virginia

The average pay of a horticultural farmer in West Virginia is $40,940, according to the Economic Research Institute. This is an indication that your homestead will generate high revenue in West Virginia if you are planning to focus on a vegetable and fruit project.

You can buy and sell products in markets like Morgantown Farmers Market, Milton Flea Market, Clarksburg WV Farmers Market, Capitol Market, among others.

Distribution models in West Virginia help farmers sell their products, like the Wild Ramp in Huntington, a volunteer-run store where vendors have space to sell food retail. These models also provide online marketing.

Homeschooling in West Virginia

Homeschooling in West Virginia requires you to fill a letter of intent to homeschool. Visit the county’s Board of Education and get approved for homeschooling. You are required to provide a curriculum, homeschooling days per year, method of assessment, and progress information.

It has an area of 82,276.82 square miles, a population of about 2.91 million, and a population per square mile of about 36 people, ranking as one of the states that are not densely populated as of 2021.

As of 2019, Kansas had 86.3% white, 6.1% black, 3.2% Asian, and 4.4% were other races.

Kansas reported 58300 farms in 2020, with an average of 784 acres per farm and about 45.7 million acres under farm operation. In 2021, lawnstarters.com reported Kansas as one of the best states to start a farm. Its rural setup will suit your homestead for farming.

Cost of Living in Kansas

The average cost of living is 17% lower than the national average, and the median home cost of 137,700, below the national median. With some savings, it will be easy for you to start a farm in Kansas.

The cost of land ranges from $4,100 per acre in the Northeast region to $1,175 in the Southwest. Farm real estate price in 2020 was at 1900 per acre, on average. This price will vary between productive crop and grazing land and low productive areas with less annual rainfall. Land rental rates will depend on land use.

Climate and Environment in Kansas

Kansas has a continental climate; four seasons, a range of -16 °C in January to 26 °C in July, and an annual average temperature of 13 °C. Winters can be harsh, so make sure you are prepared for this. Growing seasons range from April to September, and an average annual rainfall of more than 25 inches, statewide.
Water for farming in Kansas comes from precipitation (rainfall and snowfall), surface water from the river (Missouri River) and lakes, and underground water from aquifers and wells.

Harney silt loam is found in Kansas; this soil has high concentrations of limestone and gypsum, making it one of the most fertile soils in the world.
With these conditions and longer growing seasons, 90% of Kansas is on agricultural operations. Crops that do well in Kansas are wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, and hay.

Livestock that does well include cattle (and calves), hogs, sheep, horses, and mules.

Laws and Taxes in Kansas

State law prohibits most forms of businesses (corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships, or corporate partnerships) from owning and acquiring agricultural land, only allows family businesses and individuals.

Fishing and hunting are allowed as long as other natural resources are not damaged and away from roads and highways.

Under the Homestead Act, settlers can claim up to 160 acres. Homestead exemption is eligible to resident owners with a total household income of $36,300 or less.

The sales tax rate is currently at 6.5% and as high as 10.6%, depending on the local municipalities. Property tax is 1.37%, average: $2.253 annually.

Earning Potential in Kansas

Kansas ranks 7th among the states for total agricultural production. This is an indication that returns on investments are high in Kansas if you focused your homestead on cash crop farming.

There are about 59 farmer’s markets to sell your homestead products, and you do not need a permit or license for food safety. There are organizations for new farmers that will encourage and empower you to start and develop your homestead.

There aren’t many homesteads in Kansas, but the government is encouraging them and thus providing incentives to new farmers. Homestead in Kansas and benefit from this.

Homeschooling in Kansas

To homeschool, you must register as a non-accredited private school. Registration is free. Then, you have to select competent instructors (could be you if you have a GED, Diploma, or above), keep performance and attendance records, and meet the Kansas graduation requirements. For more information, check the Kansas Homeschool Laws.

Also called the Bluegrass State, for a species of grass in its pastures which has supported livestock, mainly horses. It has a land size of 40,409.06 square miles, with 50% of it considered as farmland, a population of about 4.477 million, and a fairly dense population per square mile of 100 people.

86.3% are white, 7.8% black, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, and the rest are Asian, American Indian, and Pacific Islanders.

There are 75,966 farms, from large to small, with an average of 171 acres per farm. The rural culture in Kentucky will attract you to have a homestead there.

Cost of Living in Kentucky

The overall cost of living is at 83.6% (16.4% lower than the national average), with a median home cost of $146,400. It is fairly cheaper to live in Kentucky.

The average price of land parcels for sale in Kentucky is $263,503, according to Land Watch. As of 2019, cropland value averaged at $4,400 per acre, and pasture land value of $3,060 per acre. A farm real estate was at $3,820 as of 2019. This is relatively cheaper than most states, thus attracting more aspiring homesteaders.

You can also lease land here at various prices.

Climate and Environment in Kentucky

Kentucky has four different seasons, with a humid subtropical type of climate. The Southern regions are warmer than the Northern. In July, temperatures reach up to 35 °C, and short, cooler winters of up to -5 °C in January.

The annual average rainfall in Kentucky is 45 inches. The Southern region has more rain than the Northern. Sources of Irrigation water may be from wells and municipal water systems, surface water such as lakes, ponds, and streams.

In general, Kentucky has long growing seasons than most states.

Crider soil covers over 500,000 acres of land, supporting many crops. Together with the climate, crops that flourish in Kentucky are:
Corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, vegetable; onions and garlic, peas, pepper, squash, tomatoes, lettuce, and rhubarb, fruits like plums and berries (elderberries and mulberry).

Livestock that does well include broiler, horses and mules, cattle and calves, and products like chicken eggs and dairy.

Laws and Taxes in Kentucky

Homesteading is allowed with no zoning limitations, but you will need a permit to construct, repair or change a building that you own. It is illegal to feed swine in Kentucky, and there are other restrictions that you need to know before homesteading, and these vary between counties.

You won’t be needing a business license and permits for most of your homestead (farm) products, but for only some businesses like dairy.

The property tax rate is at 0.83%, and a median of around $1,257. Disabled people and people above 65 years can apply for homestead exemption. Sale tax is at 6% statewide.

Earning Potential in Kentucky

With agriculture being the backbone of rural Kentucky, there is a wide variety of agricultural production, having $45.6 billion earnings each year. As of 2019, soybeans and corn totaled $2.2 billion, poultry to $1.1 billion, horses and equine to $1 billion, and cattle to $692 million. Other product receipts can be found here.

There are more than 150 farmers’ markets in Kentucky across all counties, helping you to meet the demand. Organizations for new farmers like Kentucky Young Farmers Association and Organic Association of Kentucky will inform you on how to start and develop your homestead.

Homeschooling in Kentucky

Homeschooling in Kentucky is easy, and you are required to:

1. Notify the board of education about your intention to homeschool 10 days before the beginning of the academic year.
2. Keep an attendance and performance record of your kid(s).
3. Check the homeschool graduation requirements. Explore Kentucky graduation policies.

Oklahoma is a state in the South Central region of the U.S., covering an area of 69,899 square miles, a land area of 68,595 square miles, and 1304 square miles of water. It has a population of about 3.95 million (2019), with an average of 55 people per square mile.

72% of Oklahomans are white, 8.7% native, 7.4% black, and 11.9% other races.

The number of farms in Oklahoma is 78,000, with an average of 438 acres for a farm. Together with a fourth ranking in the number of farmers in the U.S., this shows that there might be many homesteaders.

Cost of Living in Oklahoma

The most attractive feature in Oklahoma is the low cost of living, ranking third. Based on a U.S. average of 100, Oklahoma’s cost of living is at 83.7, making it budget-friendly for both retirement and young families seeking a homestead.

As of 2020, the price per acre was $2,970 for cropland and pasture at $1,230. This is relatively low compared to the national average of $3,160. Leasing land ranges from $11.61 (Northwestern Oklahoma) to $17.97 per acre (Eastern Oklahoma).

With farming organizations, the cost of homesteading and farming is cheap, making Oklahoma suited for a low-budget.

Climate and Environment in Oklahoma

Most of the soil is fertile, with Port Silt Loam being common. This type of soil is well-drained, deep, and highly productive.

Oklahoma’s climate is humid sub-tropical in the East and Semi-arid in the West; humid in the Southern and Eastern zones, dry in the Eastern zones, and colder in the Northern, with an annual average temperature of 16 °C.

Together with fertile soils, crops that grow well during the cold seasons include; cabbages, carrots, broccoli, onions, potatoes, spinach, cauliflowers, turnips, and peas.

Wheat does well in Oklahoma (ranked among the best in the country). Other warm-season crops that do well include and tomatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelons, pepper, cucumbers, beans, okra, pumpkins, and squash.

Precipitation ranges from 16 inches in the Panhandle to 45 inches in the Ouachita on average per year. Other sources of water are underground water, taking 73%, and rainwater collection.

The climate in Oklahoma enables animals like cattle, broiler chicken, hogs, sheep, and turkey to do well.

Laws and Taxes in Oklahoma

Homesteading is legal in Oklahoma. To qualify, one must be a homeowner residing in the property (as a primary residence). In homestead exemption, you will enjoy an exemption of $1000 off the assessed valuation.

You don’t need a general license to run your homestead; other licenses and permits may be required, for example, selling wine and mixed drinks.

On livestock, you must adhere to the Oklahoma Fence Law.

Purchasing land is not subject to tax, but only a property tax of about 1% annually. Tax on purchasing and selling goods ranges from 4.5% to 11.5%, depending on the county.

Earning Potential in Oklahoma

Though not top of the list when it comes to returns on investments, Oklahoma’s agricultural sector is well organized, with more than 40 farmers’ markets listed here, where you can lease a booth to market your homestead products.

Livestock markets include Oklahoma National Stockyards, Stockman’s Livestock, OKC West Livestock Market LLC, among others.

Wheat is the top-selling crop in Oklahoma- an attractive opportunity. Greenhouse and nursery projects are also good homesteading projects.

Several acts make it easy for you to develop other projects. The Oklahoma Home Bakery Act allows you to prepare and sell pastry uninspected.

Homeschooling in Oklahoma

It is required that:

1. Children start homeschooling at the age of 5 until at least 18 years.
2. Kids receive instruction for at least 180 days per school year.
3. Children receive instructions equivalent to the state’s curriculum.

There are homeschool groups and cooperatives in Oklahoma to guide you further.

Being a landlocked state with a population of about 6.88 million (2020), a size of 42,180.5 square miles, and a population per square miles of about 154 people, Tennessee is a great state to homestead. People from other states are migrating here due to factors like low cost of living, and now people like you, homesteading.

It is made up of 77.6% white, 16.8% black, and the rest are Asian, native, and other races, as of 2019.

77,300 farms covering about 10 million acres is an indication that the homestead community is well established and suitable in Tennessee.

Cost of Living in Tennessee

The overall cost of living is lower than the national average by 12.4%, with a median home cost of $164,500, making it attractive to live in.

As of 2019, the price of farmland in Tennessee was $3,990 per acre. However, this price differs between counties. In 2021, 508,382 acres of land is out for sale, with rural properties, ranches, and hunting land ranging at $340,088. This is ideal for retirement, as ranked by Kiplinger.

Climate and Environment in Tennessee

Its climate varies from the East to the West with changing altitudes, but generally a moderate climate with cool winter and warm summers. It has all four seasons.
Temperatures are about 32 °C in July and 8 °C in January, which is very low. Growing seasons range between 130 days in the East and 240 days in Shelby County, with reducing altitude. Rainfall per year is about 51 inches on average. Sources of water include wells (underground water), lakes, streams and rivers, and harvested rainwater.

With three distinct regions, it is worth knowing which crop to grow in each. However, the soil quality in Tennessee is high.

With this kind of climate, warm seasons allow for crops like beans, potatoes, vegetables like kales, cabbages, tomatoes, lettuce, mustard greens, and spinach, fruits like apples, pears, peach, and plums.

Goat, Cattle (in every county), broiler chickens, and hogs do well in Tennessee.

Laws and Taxes in Tennessee

Homesteading is allowed with an exception in some urban areas. The Homestead Act protects owners from creditors during economic hardships. This applies only if the homestead is your primary residence, your spouse’s or dependents. Grants can be offered if you are struggling financially with your homestead through the Rural Homesteading Land Grant and homestead exemptions stated in the Tennessee Code Annotated 26-2-301.

Water harvesting is allowed by the law.

Property taxes are one of the lowest at 0.64%, with the median property tax at $1,220. The sale tax rate is complex, but at 0.7% on average, with the highest at 10%.

Earning Potential in Tennessee

Tennessee’s agricultural production generates about $3 billion annually in farm cash receipts. Top commodities include cattle, soybeans, broilers, and the above-mentioned commodities. It ranks second in the U.S. in the number of meat goats and sixth in the number of equines, according to its department of agriculture.

Local extension officers in Tennessee offer educational opportunities and help you form connections with homesteaders in your area. Some organizations will help you market your homestead products and improve your business. Farmers’ markets in Tennessee include; Nashville Farmer’s Market, Franklin Farmers Market, Ooltewah Farmers Market, among others.

Homeschooling in Tennessee

The homeschool law in Tennessee requires you to:

1. Register as an independent homeschool; why you must have a GED or Diploma, maintain an attendance record, proof of vaccination, and provide standardized tests for your kid(s).
2. Register with an umbrella school (church-related);
3. Enroll in a recognized online school.

• Hawaii
• Nevada
• Alaska

Homesteading in Hawaii is not a good idea in 2021, and this is why:

Cost of Living in Hawaii

Being the only state outside North America, it is one of the states with a high cost of living, about 76.5% above the national average. The median home cost is at $621,700, way much above the national median of $231,200.

Electricity is private-owned by Hawaiian Electric Company, which runs on generators. You will need solar panels as the monthly bill is very high, at about $150 per month.

Transportation is only limited to buses within the Island.

Cost of Land in Hawaii

According to landandfarm.com, the average land price is $872,680 per acre. This varies with the location, with some areas hitting up to $1 to $2 million for half an acre.

Due to these high prices, renting and leasing land to farm is common in Hawaii, at a rate of $200 per acre annually. You have to qualify for HDOA Lease Land: you must have been a resident for at least 3 years, a farming experience of two to four years, submit a business plan, and have the financial capabilities to farm. However, you cannot live on the farm.

Nevada ranks among the states with few farms ( 2,900). Unlike most states, it focuses on the tourism and mining industries. Factors that make it unsuitable for homesteading are:

A Semi-Arid Climate In Nevada

Most of its land is desert. The climate there has abundant sunshine, high temperatures ranging between 17.8 °C and 35.6 °C. There are long dry summers. With this climate, only 6% of the land is under cultivation. This makes Nevada not a good state for a homestead compared to many states.

Cost Of Living In Nevada

The cost of living is 10.5% above the national average, a median home cost of $294,700, higher than the national median of $231,200. This makes Nevada expensive to live in.

A High Crime Rate In Nevada

Crime rates are higher than in most states. The property crime rate was at 27.43 incidents per 1,000 people in 2019, and a violent crime rate of 5.96, which was above the national rate of 4.49.

Relaxed State Laws In Nevada

Nevada is one of the few states in the U.S that will tempt your personal discipline. Gambling, drinking anywhere, and prostitution are legally allowed. This can be challenging to many people, making them lose focus in life and fail.

Even being among the least populated states in the U.S, Alaska has low farming activities. Recently, however, the Alaskan government is encouraging people to homestead there. It has several unfavorable factors you should know:

Cost of Living in Alaska

It has an average cost of living at 23.5% above the national average and a median home cost of $310,600 statewide. Utilities like water, gas, electricity, and telephone have an overall cost of 69.8% above the national average. These figures are not suitable, especially for retiring homesteaders.

Generally, living off the grid in Alaska will cost between $80,000 and $300,000, depending on the size of a cabin.

Restrictions in Alaska

There are no homesteading programs in Alaska. However, you can live off the grid, but first, you must check with the authorities. Land can be acquired through sealed-bid, over-the-counter land sale and Remote Recreational Cabin Sites Staking Program.

Alaska is more suited for you if you’re there as a tourist. It is not entirely legal to live off the grid in Alaska.

Harsh Climate in Alaska

Alaska ranks as one of the States with very cold winters ranging between −7 °C to −23 °C. Northern Alaska gets up to two months of darkness during winter.

No particular state can meet all your desires and personal preferences for a perfect homestead. Find a state that will be most beneficial to you and your family. Consider states with lower costs of living (ones you won’t strain your finances), a well-developed homestead community, and weather conditions you can handle from the listed best states for homesteading and avoid the worst states for homesteading.

Be well prepared to adapt to new behaviors like work ethic, energy consumption, and general mental and physical preparedness. Homesteading should be a pleasurable experience, so be sure to carefully pick a state to live in.

Good luck!