Arizona is not an ideal place for off grid living, although there are actually a lot of people living off the grid in this state. There are two main problems with living off the grid, the lack of fresh water and the local climate. If you are familiar with the arid to semi-arid climate then you already know what challenges these climates have, especially if you want to grow your own food and live off the grid.
The best places to live off the grid in Arizona are the ones that do not have problems with the lack of fresh water. Generally speaking, the following counties are considered the best for off grid living and homesteading, Graham County, Maricopa County, Pima County, Greenlee County, Gila County, and Coconino County.
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Your biggest challenge with living off the grid in this state will be with the fresh water. Arizona is going through a drought for the past couple of years, and as most people get their water from the Colorado River this can be problematic. The Colorado River has started to shrink, both due to climate change and due to the increased demand from the local population. Don’t get me wrong there are still a couple of fairly good places for off grid living in this state.
The good news is that for the most part you do not have to worry about how you will generate power, and in some areas, the cost of property is so low that you will be making the bargain of your life. If you want more information about off grid living in Arizona then check out my recent article Off grid living in Arizona ( The Grand Canyon State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Arizona
Arizona provides a wealth of incredible options for living off the grid. The state’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the majestic Grand Canyon to the Sonoran Desert, offer a unique setting for a self-sufficient lifestyle. Areas like Coconino County and Yavapai County, nestled in the northern part of the state, boast stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and access to fresh water sources. The high desert regions, including Mohave County and La Paz County, offer vast open spaces and ample sunshine for solar energy. Additionally, the remote communities of Apache County and Greenlee County provide a sense of seclusion and a tight-knit off-grid living community.
Graham County
Graham County is an ideal place for off grid living in Arizona, the annual rainfall in this area is significantly higher than in the rest of the state. Although you can harvest rainwater legally, but there are some restrictions and regulations. The price of land and property are relatively low mostly due to the low population density, currently, there are around 39k people living in an area of 4,641 sq mi.
Maricopa County
Maricopa County has the highest population in the entire state, and some might think that this is not a good county for off grid living. The truth is that this county is massive, and the best part about this county is that it gets significantly higher amounts of yearly rainfall when compared to the other counties. Although the population is fairly high, the actual population density is low, as there are around 4,5 million people living in an area of 9,224 sq mi. If you want to know what are your options when it comes to toilets while living off the grid then check out my recent article Off grid toilet options ( Top 6 ).
Pima County
Pima County is located in the southern part of the state, although not the entire county is good for off grid living. Generally speaking, the best places to live off the grid in Pima County are in the northern parts, as in the south of the county the annual rainfall is fairly low. The population density is relatively low, which means that the price of land is fairly cheap, currently, there are around 1 million people living in an area of 9,189 sq mi.
Greenlee County
Greenlee County is located in the southeastern part of the state, and this is an excellent county for off grid living especially if you are on a tight budget. The best part about this county is that the price of land is dirt cheap, and in addition to this, there are a couple of areas in this county where there are no problems with freshwater. The population density is also low, as currently there are around 10k people living in an area of 1,848 sq mi. If you are wondering if can you live in a house without any power legally then check out my recent article Can you live in a house without electricity legally? ( Not So Fast! ).
Gila County
Gila County is located in the central part of the state, and for the most part, this county doesn’t have a problem with the lack of fresh water. The cost of living and the cost of property in Gila County are some of the lowest in the entire state which makes this county an excellent place for off grid living. Currently, there are around 54k people living in an area of 4,796 sq mi and the population is shrinking every year.
Coconino County
Coconino County is the largest county in the entire state, so basically you have plenty of options for off grid living. For the most part, the central and the southern parts of Coconino County are the best for living off the grid and homesteading. The cost of property is dirt cheap mostly due to the low population density, currently, there are around 144k people living in an area of 18,661 sq mi.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona’s sunny climate makes it an excellent location for off-grid living. The state receives a high amount of sunlight, which enables residents to harness solar power for energy generation. With reliable and abundant sunshine, solar panels can efficiently provide electricity for off-grid homes.
- Arizona offers diverse landscapes, including deserts, canyons, mountains, and forests. These environments provide access to a variety of natural resources, such as water sources, fertile soil for gardening, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and foraging. Residents can take advantage of these resources to support a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.
- Arizona is home to numerous off-grid communities and individuals who embrace alternative lifestyles. These communities offer a supportive network for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences related to off-grid living. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable support, guidance, and a sense of belonging for those transitioning to an off-grid lifestyle.
