Believe it or not but a lot of people do actually live off the grid in Montana, although not the entire state of Montana is suitable for living off the grid. The biggest problem with Montana, when it comes to living off the grid is the climate. How easy or hard will it be to live off the grid in any state will mostly be determined by the local climate and this is the same case for Montana. The size of Montana is 147,040 square miles, and there are plenty of good places where you can live off the grid.
The best places to live off the grid in Montana are the ones where the price of land is relatively cheap, the climate is mild enough to grow vegetables, and the winters are also milder than in the rest of the state. The following counties in Montana are the best for living off the grid, Beaverhead County, Madison County, Ravalli County, Granite County, Missoula County, Yellowstone County, and Treasure County.
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Generally speaking, you will have a lot easier time living off the grid in the South and in the South West parts of Montana, mostly because the climate is fairly cold in the North and in the North East parts of the state. For the most part, people who live off the grid in Montana tend to heat during the wintertime with firewood, mostly because there is no alternative that works off the grid and doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.
The good news is that Montana has a lot of untouched nature, and you will have no problem finding firewood just laying around in the forested areas. If you want to know more about living off the grid in Montana then check out my recent article Off grid living in Montana ( The Treasure State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Montana
Montana, known for its vast wilderness and rugged landscapes, offers a plethora of appealing options for those seeking to live off the grid. With its stunning natural beauty, abundant natural resources, and a strong sense of self-reliance among its residents, Montana has emerged as one of the best places for off-grid living. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the expansive forests and pristine lakes, this state provides a haven for individuals who yearn for a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.
However, it’s crucial to consider factors such as access to necessities, local regulations, and the unique challenges posed by the state’s harsh winters. In this guide, we will explore some of the best places to live off the grid in Montana, offering insights into their natural surroundings, community support, and opportunities for self-sufficiency, assisting you in making an informed choice for your off-grid adventure in the Treasure State.
Beaverhead County
Beaverhead County is probably the best place to live off the grid in Montana. There are two main reasons why this is one of the best counties for off grid living, low population density and the large size of the county. Currently, Beaverhead County has only a population of around 10,000 people and they are living in an area of 5,543 sq mi. In addition to this due to the unique geographical position of Beaverhead County, the climate is a lot milder than in the northern parts of the state, which means that you will be able to grow vegetables for a longer time. If you are wondering 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 ).
Madison County
Madison County has also a low population density with around 8k people living here. The size of the county is relatively large at around 3,587 sq mi, and you will have no problem finding cheap land for off grid living in this county. Madison County is in the South part of Montana, which means that the summer temperatures are higher and the growing season is longer than in the northern areas of the state.
Ravalli County
Ravalli County has a fairly high population density, at around 45k people living in an area of around 2,394 sq mi. With that being said, Ravalli County is still an excellent place for off grid living, the lands are fairly fertile and you will have no problems growing vegetables off the grid in this county.
Granite County
Granite County has a population of around 3k people, and the size of the county is 1,728 sq mi. Although this county in the western parts of the state, but it still has a relatively milder climate than in the northern parts of Montana. As the population density is fairly low, you will have no problem buying an off grid homestead for relatively cheap.
Missoula County
The population density of Missoula County is one of the highest in the state of Montana. Currently, there are around 120k people living in an area of 2,598 sq mi, and some might think that Missoula County is not ideal for off grid living due to the high population density. But the higher population density means that the cost of living is somewhat lower than in remote areas, and you will have a far easier time growing vegetables in this county than in the northern ones due to the milder climate.
Yellowstone County
Yellowstone County has a population of around 162k people living in an area of around 2,635 sq mi. Although the population density seems to be fairly high, but over 100k people are living in Billings, and the rest of the population is scattered around in the county. Yellowstone County is extremely good for off grid living as the growing period is significantly longer than in the northern parts of the state and the winters are also a lot milder. If you are wondering about the legal aspects of living without electricity then check out my recent article Can you live in a house without electricity legally? ( Not So Fast! ).
Treasure County
Treasure County has one of the lowest population densities in the entire state, currently, there are less than 700 people living in an area of 979 sq mi. This means that the price of land is extremely cheap, and you will have no problem finding dirt cheap land suitable for homesteading and off grid living. On the other hand, the low population density also means that the cost of living is significantly higher than in other counties, so it is mostly ideal for people who are more or less self sufficient.
Key Takeaways
- Montana offers an abundance of natural resources, making it an attractive place for off-grid living. With vast expanses of forests, rivers, and wildlife, residents can tap into renewable energy sources, harvest timber for firewood, and enjoy the serenity of untouched landscapes.
- Montana has a low population density, providing ample opportunities for solitude and privacy. This makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a remote and off-grid lifestyle. The vast open spaces allow for self-sufficiency, freedom to explore, and a deeper connection with nature.
- Montana is home to numerous off-grid communities and like-minded individuals who embrace sustainable living practices. These communities offer a supportive network of individuals who share knowledge, resources, and experiences, making the transition to off-grid living smoother and more fulfilling.
