Is Big Sky Country The Best Place To Live Off-Grid?

For many, including myself, living off the grid is more than just a dream—it’s a path to freedom and self-sufficiency. Choosing a simpler lifestyle isn't really the societal norm these days, but there has been a surge of interest and popularity in this way of living, especially after Covid. Getting away from the crazy demands of modern society, comes with its challenges, but the benefits can be life-changing.

With the rising costs of energy and food, the unpredictability of highly populated areas, and increasing concerns about crime and resource shortages, the idea of being in control of your own resources sounds pretty darn appealing.

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But not all states are equally suited for off-grid living. Factors like climate, land availability, legal restrictions, and access to natural resources play a huge role in making a location ideal for off-grid living.

So, which states are the best for living off the grid, and how ideal is Montana?

Home Gnome recently put in the work to rank all 50 states to determine the best options based on five metrics: Feasibility, Infrastructure, Affordability, Climate, and Safety.

States Ranked / Overall Score
#1 Iowa - 68.07
#2 Texas - 63.62
#3 Kentucky- 61.70
#4 Minnesota - 60.98
#5 Oklahoma - 60.45
#6 Vermont - 60.26
#7 Nebraska - 59.80
#8 Kansas - 58.05
#9 Montana - 58.03
#10 South Dakota - 57.35

Not too shabby, Montana! Coming in at #9 overall, our state ranked in the following five categories..

• Feasibility - 3
• Infrastructure - 9
• Affordability - 9
• Climate - 49
• Safety - 14

Our weakest category? Climate—coming in near the bottom! No surprise there, given our harsh winters and short growing season. If you're planning to live off-grid in Montana, investing in a greenhouse is a must.