Question 1

How much land do I need to be self-sufficient?

Accepted Answer

Published homestead planning ratios suggest about 0.3 acre per person for produce only, roughly 1.25 acres per person for a balanced homestead with a garden plus chickens and small livestock, and around 3-5 acres per person for near-complete self-sufficiency including pasture-raised meat, a dairy animal and a woodlot for fuel. Enter your family size to get an acreage figure.

Question 2

What are the cheapest states to buy land for a homestead?

Accepted Answer

By USDA NASS 2024 average farm real-estate value, the cheapest states include New Mexico, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana and Arizona, with permissive off-grid posture in much of the rural West and Ozarks. Raw rural acreage is often well below the state average. Off-grid legality is decided at the county level — always confirm locally.

Question 3

Where is off-grid living legal?

Accepted Answer

Off-grid living (private well, septic and solar with no forced grid hookup) is broadly permissible across rural New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and West Virginia, but it is governed by COUNTY and township rules. Some counties (e.g. Park County, CO) restrict long-term off-grid camping. Verify with the local planning office before buying.

How much land do you need — and where's it cheapest & legal?

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