Michigan is a relatively good state for off grid living, although the climate is not ideal, to say the least. Michigan is notorious for having harsh winters, and the winters feel even colder with the high humidity and the constant winds. On the other hand, there are a couple of excellent places to live off the grid in Michigan, all you need to do is to pick the right place.
The best places to live off the grid in Michigan are the ones that have a relatively low population density and winters tend to be somewhat milder. Generally speaking the best counties for off grid living and homesteading in Michigan are Macomb County, Hillsdale County, Keweenaw County, Huron County, Jackson County, Van Buren County, and Marquette County.
If you want to live off the grid in Michigan then you will need a reliable fire starting kit as the weather can be fairly unpredictable and humid, my personal recommendation is to use a Ferro rod which can make sparks of up to 5,500 F Click here to check it out on Amazon.com
For the most part, Michigan has everything you would need for off grid living, low price of property, low cost of living, and plenty of fresh water. Michigan has 83 counties, which means that the population is scattered in a lot of smaller counties. This, in turn, makes the population density of a lot of counties relatively low. In some counties, the cost of property and land is so low that you will have no problem finding dirt-cheap land.
On the other hand, there are a couple of places that you should definitely avoid in Michigan if you want to live off the grid, mainly Detroit and Flint. These two places have their fair share of problems and you would only complicate your life by moving to these places, especially off the grid. If you want to know more about off grid living in this state then check out my recent article Off grid living in Michigan ( Great Lake State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Michigan
Michigan offers a plethora of exceptional places to live off the grid. The state’s abundance of natural beauty, including its picturesque lakes, lush forests, and scenic coastlines, creates an inviting environment for a self-sufficient lifestyle. Areas like the Upper Peninsula, with its pristine wilderness and tranquil communities like Marquette and Houghton, offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The rural regions of Northern Michigan, such as Emmet County and Leelanau County, provide a perfect balance between secluded living and access to essential amenities. Additionally, the peaceful communities of the Thumb region, like Huron County and Sanilac County, offer fertile farmland and a strong sense of community.
Macomb County
Macomb County is located in the southeastern part of the state, and this is one of the best locations in Michigan for off grid living. Although the population density is relatively high, there are still a couple of areas mostly in the southern parts of Macomb County that are ideal for off grid living. Currently, there are around 840k people living in an area of 570 sq mi, which means that the cost of land and property is somewhat higher than in the rest of the state. This state is also ideal for raising farm animals, for more information check out my recent article Best farm animals to raise to make a profit ( Top 9 Farm Animals ).
Hillsdale County
Hillsdale County is located in the southern part of the state, currently, there are around 47k people living in an area of 607 sq mi. The cost of property and land in Hillsdale County are lower than the statewide average. The main reason why this is one of the best counties for off grid living is due to the local climate, although it is still relatively harsh during the wintertime, but not as harsh as in the northern parts of the state.
Keweenaw County
Keweenaw County is located in the northern part of the state, and this county is excellent for off grid living as long as you are familiar with the local climate, mostly with the cold winters. The population density in Keweenaw County is the lowest in the entire state, as currently there are only around 2k people living in an area of 5,966 sq mi. Due to the low population density, the price of land is one of the lowest in the state, although in the northern parts of the county, the cost of living tends to be somewhat higher.
Huron County
Huron County is in the eastern part of the state, and the main reason why this is one of the better counties for off grid living is due to the local climate. The population density is relatively low, as there are around 34k people living in an area of 2,136 sq mi. Due to the low population density, the cost of property and the cost of land in this county are some of the lowest in the entire state. If you want to take a look at Michigan’s northern neighbor then check out my recent article Off grid living in Ontario ( The Heartland Province ).
Jackson County
Jackson County is in the southern part of the state and for the most part, this county has everything that you need for off grid living, even if it has a higher population density. Currently, there are around 160k people living in an area of 724 sq mi. The cost of living is relatively low in Jackson County, although your best options for off grid living will be in the southern parts of the county.
Van Buren County
Van Buren County is in the southwestern part of the state, the climate is relatively good for off grid living when compared to the rest of the state. What makes this one of the best counties for off grid living is the low population density and the low cost of property. Currently, there are around 77k people living in an area of 1,090 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living are in the southeastern parts of the county.
Marquette County
Marquette County is in the northern part of the state, and if you want to live off the grid right next to Lake Superior then this is an extremely good option. Due to the low population density, the price of property and land is relatively low when compared to the statewide average. Currently, there are around 67k people living in an area of 3,425 sq mi, which makes it an ideal location for off grid living.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan’s diverse landscape, including its numerous lakes, rivers, and forests, provides ample access to natural resources. Off-grid residents can utilize these resources for water collection, fishing, foraging, and potential hydroelectric power generation, supporting a self-sufficient lifestyle.
- Michigan experiences all four seasons, offering opportunities for year-round food production and gardening. The state’s fertile soil and moderate climate make it suitable for a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Off-grid residents can take advantage of the agricultural potential to supplement their food needs.
- Michigan is home to various off-grid communities and individuals who embrace sustainable living practices. These communities provide a supportive network for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences related to off-grid living. Engaging with these communities can offer valuable insights, social connections, and support for those transitioning to an off-grid lifestyle in Michigan.
