Kentucky is an excellent state for off grid living, the climate is fairly mild, and there are plenty of options when it comes to growing crops. On top of this, the price of property is significantly lower than the country average which is a big bonus if you want to buy an off grid property or a homestead. You can live off the grid fairly comfortably anywhere in Kentucky, although there are a couple of counties that are definitely better than others.
The best places to live off the grid in Kentucky have plenty of fertile lands, low cost of property, and most importantly clean groundwater. Counties like Pike County, Jefferson County, Robertson County, Christian County, Pulaski County, and Hardin County are considered to be excellent for off grid living and homesteading.
One of the great benefits of living off the grid in this state is that you can grow a lot of different crops, my personal recommendation is to use non-GMO heirloom seeds that come in a set of 40 different seeds Click here to check it out on Amazon.com
If you are looking for an off grid property or a plot of land for off grid living, then besides the price there is one more thing to keep an eye out for, which is groundwater. Kentucky has plenty of groundwater all across the state, which is ideal for off grid living. But there are a lot of counties in Kentucky that do have problems with the groundwater, not with the lack of them but with the groundwater being contaminated.
There are a lot of massive animal farms in Kentucky, and the runoff from these farms does contaminate the groundwater fairly regularly. So if you are about to buy a plot of land in Kentucky and you want to use the groundwater then make sure to test the water. On the other hand, you can always harvest rainwater as Kentucky gets plenty of rain. If you want to know more about off grid living in Kentucky then check out my recent article Off grid living in Kentucky ( The Bluegrass State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Kentucky
Kentucky offers numerous fantastic locations for off-grid living. The state’s picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and rivers, provide a beautiful backdrop for a self-sufficient lifestyle. Some of the best places to live off the grid in Kentucky include counties such as Elliott, Owen, and Bath, known for their rural charm and natural beauty.
The Appalachian region, encompassing counties like Floyd and Perry, offers secluded and serene environments with ample opportunities for homesteading and sustainable living. Moreover, the western part of the state, including areas like Caldwell and Livingston, provides fertile farmland and a close-knit community of like-minded individuals.
Pike County
Pike County is excellent for living off the grid, the county is located in the eastern part of the state and it has everything that you would need for off grid living. The population density is somewhat high as there are around 64k people living in an area of 788 sq mi. The main reason why Pike County is excellent for off grid living is that the lands are fairly fertile and the groundwater is not contaminated for the most part. If you want to know which are the best states for off grid living then check out my recent article Best states for off grid living ( 1-50 Best to Worst ).
Jefferson County
Jefferson County has the highest population density in the entire state, there are around 760k people living in an area of 385 sq mi. Although you might think that Jefferson County is not good for off grid living due to the high population density but most of the people in this county live in Louisville which has a population of 620k people. The downside of living off the grid in Jefferson County is that the price of off grid land is somewhat higher than in the rest of the state.
Robertson County
Robertson County is an ideal off grid location if you want to live off the grid on a tight budget. Robertson County is one of the smallest counties in the state and has an extremely low population density. Robertson County has around 2.2k people living in an area of 100 sq mi, and for the most part, due to the low population density, the price of land for off grid living and homesteading are extremely low in this county.
Christian County
Christian County is the largest county in the entire state, the population density is fairly low as there are around 75k people living in an area of 721 sq mi. Christian County has plenty of farmland, and for the most part, the groundwater is fairly clean. This county has everything that you need for off grid living, although in some areas of the county the price of property can get a bit pricy. If you want to know how to go off the grid online then check out my recent article How to go off the grid online ( In 9 Easy Steps ).
Pulaski County
Pulaski County is one of the largest counties in the state, the population density is fairly high although you will be able to find suitable land for off grid living for relatively cheap. Pulaski County has around 64k people living in an area of 662 sq mi, for the most part, this county has everything that you would need for living off the grid, plenty of fertile lands, and clean groundwater.
Hardin County
Hardin County is one of the largest counties in the state, the population density is somewhat high as there are around 109k people living in an area of 628 sq mi. The main reason why Hardin County is one of the best places to live off the grid in Kentucky is that the land in this county is one of the most fertile from the state. On the other hand, the groundwater in some areas of the county is contaminated so you will have to check it before you buy a plot of land.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky offers a diverse and picturesque natural landscape, with rolling hills, forests, and abundant water sources like rivers and lakes. These features provide opportunities for off-grid living, including renewable energy generation through solar or hydropower, sustainable agriculture, and access to natural resources for self-sufficiency.
- Kentucky has a relatively low population density, allowing for privacy and a sense of seclusion desired by those seeking an off-grid lifestyle. Additionally, the state offers more affordable land prices compared to many other regions, making it accessible for individuals looking to establish their off-grid homestead.
- Kentucky is known for its friendly and supportive rural communities, where neighbors are often willing to lend a hand and share knowledge. This sense of community can be invaluable for those starting their off-grid journey, as it allows for collaboration, shared resources, and a support network of like-minded individuals.
