A lot of people do live off the grid in Minnesota, although the climate is not ideal but this state has everything that you would need for off grid living. For the most part, the cost of living in Minnesota is relatively low, although in some areas you will notice the price of property is just a bit on the higher end. Don’t get me wrong, Minnesota has a lot of extremely good places for off grid living, as long as you can deal with the freezing winters.
The best places to live off the grid in Minnesota are the ones that have mild winters, and relatively cheap cost of land. Generally speaking the best places for off grid living and homesteading in Minnesota are Hennepin County, Freeborn County, Nobles County, Lincoln County, Saint Louis County, Pipestone County, and Rock County.
Minnesota tends to have fairly cold winters and your biggest problem living off the grid in this state will be heating, my personal recommendation is to use a wood stove that has a BTU of up to 110,000 BTU/h and can fit logs of up to 22 in. Click here to check it out on Amazon.com
One of the few downsides of living off the grid in Minnesota are the winters, which tend to last a long time and they also tend to be brutal. If you have lived all your life in Minnesota then you will have no problem living off the grid in this state, on the other hand, if you come from the south then your first winter will be the toughest one.
Generally speaking the best places for homesteading and off grid living are in the southern and in the southwestern parts of the state, mostly because the climate in these areas is relatively mild. Although there are a lot of people living off the grid in the northern parts of Minnesota but for the most part, you will have an easier time living off the grid in the southern parts of the state. If you want to know more about off grid living in this state then check out my recent article Off Grid Living In Minnesota ( Land Of 10,000 Lakes ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Minnesota
Minnesota offers some incredible options for living off the grid. The state’s abundant natural beauty, including its countless lakes, lush forests, and charming rural areas, create an ideal environment for a self-sustaining lifestyle. Regions like the North Shore, along Lake Superior, provide breathtaking scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, allowing for off-grid living while still being close to amenities.
The remote communities of Cook County and Lake County offer opportunities for sustainable agriculture, fishing, and outdoor activities. Moreover, the north-central part of the state, including counties like Itasca and Cass, features vast expanses of land, pristine wilderness, and a tight-knit off-grid living community.
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Hennepin County
Hennepin County has the highest population density in the entire state, although the state is relatively small, there are a couple of areas in the southern parts of the county where you can live off the grid. On the other hand, the cost of living and the cost of property tend to be some of the highest in the state due to the high population density, currently there are around 1.1 million people living in an area of 556.62 sq mi. If you want to know what are the best places to live off the grid in the world then check out my recent article Best places to live off the grid in the world ( Top 25 ).
Freeborn County
Freeborn County is located in the southern part of the state, and this is one of your best options for off grid living and homesteading especially if you want to grow your own food. The population density is relatively low which means that the cost of living and the price of land are relatively low. Currently, there are around 32k people living in an area of 707.64 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living are in the southeast. If you want to take a look at one of the northern neighbors of Minnesota then check out my recent article Off grid living in Manitoba ( The Keystone State ).
Nobles County
Nobles County is an ideal place for off grid living mostly due to its unique geographical position. As Nobles County is located in the southwestern part of the state the climate is relatively mild when you compare it to the northern counties. Currently, there are around 22k people living in an area of 715.39 sq mi, and due to the low population density, you will have no problem finding suitable land for off grid living relatively cheaply.
Lincoln County
Lincoln County is located in the southwestern part of the state, and this is an ideal off grid location especially if you are on a tight budget. Due to the low population density, the price of land tends to be one of the lowest ones in the entire state. Currently, there are around 5k people living in an area of 537.03 sq mi, and due to its mild climate, you will have no problem growing your own food.
Saint Louis County
Saint Louis County is located in the northern parts of the state, although the climate in Saint Louis County is not ideal for off grid living or homesteading but a lot of people choose this county for off grid living. The main reason why this is one of the better places for off grid living is due to the size of the county and the low population density. Currently, there are around 200k people living in an area of 6,225.16 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living are in the south.
Pipestone County
Pipestone County is located in the southwestern part of the state, and the main reason why this is one of the better options for off grid living and homesteading is due to the local climate. In addition to this, the population density is also fairly low which means that the price of land is one of the cheapest in the entire state. Currently, there are around 10k people living in an area of 465.89 sq mi.
Rock County
Rock County is located in the southwestern part of the state, which means that the climate is mild enough so you shouldn’t have massive problems during the wintertime. In addition to this, you will find that the price of land and the cost of living is one of the lowest in the entire state due to its low population density. Currently, there are around 10k people living in an area of 482.61 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living are in the southern parts of the county.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota offers an abundance of natural resources, including lakes, forests, and fertile soil. Off-grid residents can tap into these resources for water collection, fishing, foraging, and potential hydroelectric power generation, supporting a self-sufficient lifestyle.
- Minnesota experiences distinct four seasons, providing opportunities for year-round food production and gardening. The state’s rich soil and moderate climate make it suitable for a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and grains. Off-grid residents can leverage the agricultural potential to supplement their food needs.
- Minnesota is home to various off-grid communities and individuals who embrace sustainable living practices. These communities provide a supportive network for knowledge sharing, resource exchange, and experiences related to off-grid living.
FAQ
What are some of the best locations in Minnesota for living off the grid?
Minnesota offers several excellent locations for off-grid living, including areas like the North Shore, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the Lake Country region. These areas provide stunning natural landscapes, access to lakes and forests, and opportunities for self-sustaining living.
What factors should I consider when choosing a place to live off the grid in Minnesota?
When selecting a place for off-grid living in Minnesota, consider factors such as land availability, solar exposure, access to water sources, proximity to essential services, and local regulations. It’s also important to consider the climate, natural resources, and community support in the area.
Are there any legal considerations or permits required for off-grid living in Minnesota?
Off-grid living in Minnesota may involve legal considerations and permits. It’s essential to research and understand local zoning laws, building codes, waste management regulations, and any other requirements that may apply to your specific location and planned activities.
What natural resources and amenities are typically available in off-grid communities in Minnesota?
Off-grid communities in Minnesota often have access to abundant natural resources such as lakes, forests, and fertile land for gardening or farming. These communities may also offer amenities like renewable energy options, shared agricultural resources, educational workshops, and a strong sense of community.
