Texas is one of the best states for off grid living, although due to the massive size of Texas you have to pick your off grid location carefully. Not all counties are equal in Texas when it comes to off grid living, and as the size of Texas is extremely large you will find that in different parts of the state the climate can be different. For the most part, the climate in Texas is semi-arid, which is not ideal for off grid living although there are a couple of places where the climate is not that hot.
The best places to live off the grid in Texas are the ones that have a low cost of living and a favorable climate for growing crops, generally speaking, these areas are in East Texas. Counties like Red River County, Sabine County, Panola County, Brewster County, Dallas County, Collin County, and El Paso County are considered to be the best for off grid living and homesteading.
The main reasons why so many people choose Texas as their off grid location is because of the low cost of living and cheap property prices. The population of Texas is growing every year, and as Big Tech is leaving California for Texas the cost of living and the price of land will increase significantly. The good news is that due to its large size Texas has plenty of extremely good places for off grid living.
If you want to live off the grid in Texas then there are a couple of areas to avoid, like the coast and the northwest. On the coast the cost of living and the price of land are fairly high, on the other hand, in the northwest, the climate is extremely hot which will make living off the grid in this area fairly difficult. If you want to know more about off grid living in Texas then check out my recent article Off grid living in Texas ( The Lone Star State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Texas
Texas provides an array of incredible options for living off the grid. The Lone Star State’s vast size and diverse landscapes offer numerous opportunities for self-sufficiency and a connection with nature. West Texas, particularly areas like Terlingua and Big Bend National Park, boasts expansive desert landscapes, stunning sunsets, and a sense of solitude.
The Hill Country region, including counties like Llano and Gillespie, offers rolling hills, clear rivers, and a thriving off-grid community. Additionally, the Piney Woods of East Texas provide lush forests and an abundance of natural resources.
Red River County
Red River County is probably one of your best options if you want to live off the grid in Texas. The climate is fairly mild and this county gets plenty of rainfall every year, which is important if you want to harvest rainwater. The population density is fairly low, currently, there are around 13k people living in an area of 1,050 sq mi, which means that the price of land is cheap as there is not a lot of demand for it. If you want to know what are the best vegetables to grow in this county then check out my recent article Best Vegetables To Grow In East Texas ( Top 10 ).
Sabine County
Sabine County is located in the eastern part of Texas, and for the most part, this county is excellent for off grid living and homesteading especially if you want to grow your own vegetables as the climate is similar to Louisiana’s climate. Currently, there are around 10k people living in Sabine County spread across an area of 490 sq mi. There are a lot of people living off the grid in this county, so if you are looking to buy you will have no problem finding an established homestead.
Panola County
Panola County is an excellent place for off grid living, it has basically everything you would need, a low cost of housing, and most importantly low cost of living. The climate is favorable for growing crops, and for the most part, you shouldn’t have any problem growing vegetables all year round with some planning. There are around 24k people living in Panola County in an area of 801 sq mi. If you want to know what vegetables grow best in Central Texas then check out my recent article Best Vegetables To Grow In Central Texas ( Top 13 ).
Brewster County
If you want dirt cheap land in Texas then Brewster County is your best option. The size of Brewster County is massive, at around 6,193 sq mi and with a population of around 10k people. The climate in this county is arid to semi-arid, which is not ideal if you want to grow your own crops. Although if you are on a tight budget then you should definitely take a look at this county, especially if you want to live off the grid.
Dallas County
At first glance, Dallas County might not seem like a good place for off grid living, mostly due to the population density. With that being said Dallas County, has everything you would need for off grid living, as long as you have some spare money. Due to the high population density, the cost of living and the price of property are one of the highest in the state, although if money isn’t an issue then Dallas County is an excellent place for homesteading and off grid living.
Collin County
Collin County has a fairly high population density, although there are some areas where you will have no problem finding suitable land for off grid living. There are around 970k people living in an area of 848 sq mi, which means that the cost of property and the cost of living will be somewhat above the state average. Collin County is excellent for off grid living due to its local climate, which is still hot but not as much as in the rest of the state.
El Paso County
El Paso County is located on the western tip of Texas and the climate is arid to semi-arid. Although the climate is not ideal in El Paso County but a lot of people do live off the grid in this county. The population density is relatively high but the price of land and the cost of living are somewhat lower than the state’s average. There are around 840k people living in an area of 1,013 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living will be in the northern parts of the county.
Key Takeaways
- Texas offers vast stretches of land, making it an attractive destination for off-grid living. The state’s low population density provides ample opportunities for privacy and self-sufficiency. Individuals can acquire larger parcels of land at relatively affordable prices, allowing for the establishment of off-grid homesteads.
- Texas boasts a favorable climate for off-grid living. The abundance of sunlight makes it ideal for harnessing solar power, offering a reliable and sustainable energy source. The state’s diverse climate zones also provide opportunities for year-round gardening and agricultural pursuits, supporting self-sufficiency and food production.
- Texas has a strong culture of independence and self-reliance, aligning well with the off-grid lifestyle. The state is home to numerous supportive communities of like-minded individuals who value sustainable living. These communities offer a network for sharing knowledge, resources, and support, making the transition to off-grid living easier and more fulfilling.