Missouri is an extremely good place for off grid living, both in terms of climate and cost of living. Due to its unique geographical position, the climate in Missouri is favorable for growing different kinds of crops. In addition to this, the local authorities also offer generous incentives for solar panel setups, which is a big plus for anybody who wants to live off the grid in this state.
The best places to live off the grid in Missouri are the ones that have a low population density and most importantly low crime rate. Generally speaking the best counties for off grid living and homesteading in Missouri are Franklin County, Linn County, Lewis County, Ralls County, Worth County, Texas County, and Howell County.
There are two main problems with living off the grid in Missouri, the high crime rate and the fairly bad educational system. The good news is that the high crime rate is around the areas with high population density and as a general rule for off grid living you should definitely avoid high population density areas. The education system is relatively bad in the entire state although the good news is that the homeschooling laws are fairly relaxed.
There are a lot of people living off the grid in Missouri, and for the most part, you won’t be affected by the negatives of this state like the high crime rate and the bad education system as long as you stay away from the bigger cities. If you want to know more about off grid living in this state then check out my recent article Off grid living in Missouri ( The Show-Me State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Missouri
Missouri offers a multitude of enticing options for living off the grid. The state’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling Ozark Mountains to the picturesque river valleys, provide a picturesque backdrop for a self-sustaining lifestyle. Areas like Shannon County and Reynolds County, located in the heart of the Ozarks, offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty and seclusion. These regions provide fertile land for sustainable farming, ample water sources, and a tight-knit off-grid living community.
Moreover, the remote communities of Dent County and Oregon County present a peaceful and serene environment, surrounded by forests and untouched wilderness. Missouri’s affordable land prices, favorable climate, and a strong sense of community make it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to disconnect from traditional utilities and embrace a more independent and sustainable way of life amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Show-Me State.
Franklin County
Franklin County is located in the eastern part of the state, although the population density is relatively high due to its close proximity to St. Louis but it is still a great place for off grid living. Currently, there are around 100k people living in an area of 922 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living are in the west and southwestern parts of the county. If you want to know how much it cost to live off the grid then check out my recent article How much does it cost to live off the grid? ( $38,095 ).
Linn County
Linn County is located in the northern part of the state, and this is an excellent place for off grid living if you want to be in close proximity to larger cities like Columbia, without worrying too much about the local population density. In fact, the population density in Linn County is relatively low, which means low cost of living and low price of land, currently, there are around 12k people living in an area of 620 sq mi.
Lewis County
Lewis County is located in the northeastern part of the state, the climate in this county is relatively mild although the winters can be fairly harsh. Lewis County‘s population is declining every year, so there is not a lot of demand for real estate, which means that the price of land and property are relatively low in this county. The population density is also relatively low, currently, there are around 10k people living in an area of 505 sq mi. If you are interested in starting a homesteading blog then check out my recent article How to start a homesteading Blog ( In 10 Steps ).
Ralls County
Ralls County is located in the northeastern part of the state, and for the most part, it is extremely similar to Lewis County. The crime rate and the population density in Ralls County are one of the lowest in the entire state, and the good news is that the local climate is ideal for growing vegetables. Currently, there are around 10k people living in an area of 471 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living are in the southern parts of the county.
Worth County
Worth County is located in the northern part of the state, and this is an excellent place for anybody who wants to live off the grid. The population density in Worth County is one of the lowest in the entire state, so buying a big plot of land will be no issue. Currently, there are around 2k people living in an area of 266 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living and homesteading are in the southern and southeastern parts of the county.
Texas County
Texas County is located in the southern part of the state, and this county has everything you would need for off grid living. The local climate is relatively good for growing crops and the lands are also fairly fertile. Due to the massive size of the county, the population density is relatively low, currently, there are around 26k people living in an area of 1,179 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living are in the southern parts of the county.
Howell County
Howell County is located in the southern parts of the state, and the main reason why this is one of the best locations in the state for off grid living is due to the local climate. The local climate is excellent for growing crops, especially as the growing period is longer than in the northern parts of the state. The population density is also low, as there are around 40k people living in an area of 928 sq mi.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri offers diverse natural landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and rivers, providing ample opportunities for off-grid living. The state’s abundant natural resources, such as water sources and fertile soil, support activities like gardening, hunting, fishing, and sustainable forestry.
- Missouri’s moderate climate allows for year-round agricultural activities, making it suitable for off-grid living. The state’s fertile soil and extended growing season enable the cultivation of a wide range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and grains. Off-grid residents can take advantage of the agricultural potential to establish self-sufficient food systems.
- Missouri is home to supportive off-grid communities and individuals who value self-sustainability and sustainable living practices. These communities provide a network for knowledge sharing, resource exchange, and community engagement. The state’s culture of self-sufficiency aligns well with the off-grid lifestyle.