Colorado is not an ideal place to live off the grid, mostly because this state does have a massive shortage when it comes to freshwater. With that being said there are a couple of places in Colorado that can be extremely good for off grid living, although it mostly depends on what you are looking for. Colorado has a lot going for it, but if you pick a place that is not suitable for off grid living then you will struggle.
The best places to live off the grid in Colorado are the ones that either get plenty of rainfall every year or do not have such a massive shortage of freshwater. Generally speaking the best counties for off grid living in Colorado are El Paso County, Eagle County, Delta County, Las Animas County, Weld County, San Juan County, and Jefferson County.
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Your number one concern with living off the grid in Colorado will be freshwater. The freshwater shortage was so severe a couple of years ago that harvesting rainwater was actually illegal. This was an attempt by the local authorities to replenish the aquifers from where a big portion of the population gets its water. The problem with this approach is that it takes around 6,000 years to replenish Colorado’s aquifers.
The good news is that Colorado is fairly massive and it also has several different types of climates, which means that there are some areas in this state that do not have a problem with the lack of freshwater. Currently harvesting rainwater in Colorado is legal, although in some counties there are restrictions and regulations. If the local freshwater problem isn’t solved soon then most of the state will have at least some restrictions regarding rainwater harvesting in a matter of years.
If you want more information about living off the grid in this state then check out my recent article Off grid living in Colorado ( The Centennial State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid in Colorado
Colorado offers some of the best places to live off the grid. The state’s stunning Rocky Mountains, vast plains, and abundant natural beauty create an ideal backdrop for a self-sufficient lifestyle. Areas like San Juan County and Ouray County in the southwestern part of the state offer breathtaking mountain views, secluded valleys, and a strong sense of community. The San Luis Valley, nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains, provides fertile land for sustainable agriculture and ample opportunities for off-grid living. Additionally, the remote communities of Costilla County and Huerfano County offer a tranquil setting with access to abundant sunshine for renewable energy.
El Paso County
El Paso County is an excellent place for off grid living, although this county has the highest population density in the entire state. With that being said the population density is relatively low, as there are around 625k people living in an area of 2,128.60 sq mi. The main reason why this county is one of the best for off grid living is that the size of the county will allow you to buy land fairly cheap, although the cost of living is somewhat higher in this county than in the rest of the state. If you want to know which states have restrictions and regulations for rainwater harvesting then check out my recent article Collecting rainwater illegal? ( Laws in all 50 States ).
Eagle County
Eagle County has a higher elevation than the counties in the southern parts of the state. Eagle County has a decent amount of rainfall every year, and plenty of natural resources. This is an ideal place for anybody who is already familiar with off grid living and wants to relocate. The population density is also relatively low as there are around 53k people living in an area of 1,700.76 sq mi.
Delta County
Delta County is located in the western part of the state, the elevation is somewhat higher than in the southern parts but the good news is that this county gets plenty of yearly rainfall. The cost of living in Delta County is somewhat lower than the state-wide average, although it mostly depends on the actual area of the county. The population density is relatively low, as there are around 30k people living in an area of 1,149.44 sq mi.
Las Animas County
Las Animas County is located in the southern part of the state, and it has mostly an arid or semi-arid climate. This is not an ideal place for off grid living, mostly because the yearly rainfall is fairly low in this area. The main reason why this is still one of the best places for off grid living in Colorado is due to the price of land, which is dirt cheap. So if you are on a tight budget then you should take a look at this county. If you want to buy a remote cabin in this state then check out my recent article Remote cabins for sale Colorado ( Before You Buy! ).
Weld County
Weld County is located in the northern parts of the state, and you will definitely notice a big temperature difference between the south and the northern parts of the county as it is fairly large. The main reason why this is a good county for off grid living is that the lack of freshwater is not that severe. The population density is also fairly low which means cheap cost of living and housing, currently, there are around 252k people living in an area of 4,013.84 sq mi.
San Juan County
San Juan County has the lowest population density in the entire state, and their main problem is not with the freshwater but with the declining population. The local authorities are willing to make some sacrifices, and sooner or later they will start giving away free land to anybody moving to this county, so make sure to keep an eye out for this county.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County is located in the central parts of the state, and a lot of people choose this county to live off the grid. For the most part, the water shortage is not that severe in this county, although the cost of living and the price of property are somewhat higher than the statewide average. Currently, there are around 535k people living in an area of 772.85 sq mi, although your best options for off grid living will be in the northern parts of the county.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers ample opportunities for off-grid living due to its abundant sunshine and wind resources. Solar power and small-scale wind turbines can be harnessed to generate renewable energy, making it an attractive option for off-grid residents looking for sustainable energy sources.
- Colorado’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers, provide access to natural resources and recreational activities. Residents can enjoy hunting, fishing, and foraging for food, as well as utilize water sources for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
- Colorado is home to various off-grid communities and individuals who embrace self-sufficiency and sustainable living. These communities offer a supportive network, allowing for the exchange of knowledge, resources, and communal activities. Engaging with these communities can facilitate the transition to off-grid living and provide a sense of belonging.
