Oregon can be an excellent place for off grid living and for homesteading, the size of the state is fairly large and the population density is only high around the cities. A lot of people actually live off the grid in Oregon, although you will need a substantially higher capital to live off the grid in this state than in other states. During the past couple of years, more and more people are moving to this state from California which drives the price of property high.
The best places to live off the grid in Oregon are in the southwestern parts, mostly because of the Mediterranean climate, which allows you to grow vegetables fairly easily and generate power with solar panels. Counties like Curry County, Josephine County, Coos County, Jackson County, Douglas County, Wheeler County, and Harney County are ideal for off grid living due to the climate or the low cost of land.
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A lot of people seem to think that the best places for living off the grid or homesteading in Oregon are next to the coast. The truth is that if you want to live off the grid then you have to do it as far away from the coast as possible. Oregon has a lot of extremely beautiful places, and you will simply have no problem finding a suitable plot of land for off grid living, provided that you do not mind spending a little bit extra for it.
As Oregon is fairly massive it does have several climates, and what kind of climate is in a specific area will determine what can you grow and how you will be able to live off the grid. For the most part, you should want a mild climate, and this can be found in the southwestern parts of the state, which has the Mediterranean climate. The Mediterranean climate will allow you to grow different types of vegetables and the winters are definitely milder than in the north. If you want to know more about living off the grid in Oregon then check out my recent article Off grid living in Oregon ( Beaver State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Oregon
In my opinion, Oregon offers an abundance of stunning locations to live off the grid. The state’s diverse landscapes, from the lush forests of the Cascade Range to the serene coastline and high desert regions, provide numerous options for those seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle. Some of the best places to live off the grid in Oregon include areas such as Josephine County, with its favorable zoning regulations and ample opportunities for homesteading.
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, nestled in the southern part of the state, offers a pristine setting for off-grid living, surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. Additionally, the peaceful communities of Harney County and Lake County provide vast open spaces and a close connection with nature. These regions often have abundant sunlight for solar energy, ample water resources, and a welcoming community of like-minded individuals.
Curry County
Curry County is an excellent place to live off the grid in Oregon, as it is located in the most southwestern part of the state. This means that you will benefit from the Mediterranean climate to its fullest. The population density in Curry County is relatively low, there are around 23k people living in an area of 1,627 sq mi. If you want to live off the grid in Curry County then your best options will be in the southern parts of the county. If you want to know if collecting rainwater is legal in Oregon then check out my recent article Collecting rainwater illegal? ( Laws in all 50 States ).
Josephine County
Josephine County is right next to Curry County, which means that you will still benefit from the Mediterranean climate. Josephine County doesn’t have access to the ocean, although it has a fairly high population density. There are around 85k people living in an area of 1,640 sq mi, you can still find suitable land for off grid living but it will be somewhat more expensive due to the high population density.
Coos County
Coos County has for the most part the Mediterranean climate, and it also has access to the ocean. One thing to keep in mind that if you want to live off the grid in this country is that your best options will be in the south and the southwestern parts of the county. The population density in Coos County is relatively high at around 64k people living in an area of 1,600 sq mi. The price of off grid property is a lot lower in the eastern parts of the county than in the west. Oregon is one of the best places if you want to move from California, for more information check out my recent article Best places to move from California ( Top 7 ).
Jackson County
Jackson County has a fairly high population density, there are around 215k people living in an area of 2,785 sq mi. Although for the most part the high population density is concentrated around the bigger cities. For the most part, you shouldn’t have any problems finding suitable land for off grid living due to the size of the county. Generally speaking, the price of land is the cheapest in the eastern parts of the county.
Douglas County
Douglas County is a medium-sized county in Oregon, there are a couple of counties that are rather massive. The good news is that the population density is relatively low when compared to the size of the county. There are around 110k people living in an area of 5,037 sq mi, which will make it extremely easy for you to find suitable land for off grid living. Generally speaking, the best areas to live off the grid in Douglas County are in the south.
Wheeler County
Wheeler County is located in the northern parts of the state, and if you are on a tight budget then this will be the best option for you if you want to live off the grid. The population density in Wheeler County is extremely low, as there are only around 1500 people living in an area of 1,715 sq mi. For the most part, the price of land is one of the lowest in the entire state, although this county doesn’t have the Mediterranean climate.
Harney County
Harney County is the biggest county in the state of Oregon, the population density is extremely low as there are only around 8k people living in an area of 10,135 sq mi. If you want to buy a massive plot of land for off grid living then Harney County will be your best option. On average the price of land is one of the lowest in the entire state, so you could end up with a nice deal if you decide to live off the grid in this county.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastal regions. Living off the grid in Oregon allows residents to take advantage of its natural resources, such as ample sunlight for solar energy, fertile soil for gardening, and access to water sources for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
- Oregon is home to various off-grid communities and like-minded individuals who prioritize sustainable living. These communities offer opportunities for collaboration, shared resources, and a sense of belonging. They provide a supportive network for those looking to live off the grid, offering advice, skills, and camaraderie.
- Oregon has a reputation for its progressive and environmentally conscious culture, making it an ideal place for off-grid living. The state promotes renewable energy, sustainable practices, and environmentally friendly policies. This cultural ethos aligns well with the values and aspirations of those seeking an off-grid lifestyle.
