How many U.S. counties set no minimum dwelling size?

587 of the 3109 counties reviewed so far (19%) set no minimum dwelling size. Each answer is a verbatim quotation from the official page, independently re-checked (latest 2026-10-10). Counties not yet researched are not listed.

What conditions usually apply?

Read the note under each county: most answers carry conditions such as a permit, a septic connection, a time limit, or a minimum size, and cities inside the county set their own rules. Always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Which states have the most counties that set no minimum dwelling size?

Texas (242), Alabama (49), Oklahoma (46), Kentucky (21), Georgia (18).

Bolthole Index rulebook research · checked 2026-10-10

U.S. Counties With No Minimum Home Size

587 of the 3109 counties the research fleet has reviewed so far — 19% — set no minimum dwelling size, so a cabin or tiny home is not too small by rule. Each entry quotes the official page and was re-checked independently. State building codes can still set room minimums. Counties not yet researched are not listed.

Method: the research fleet reads each county’s official pages, extracts the rule as a verbatim quotation, and a second independent reviewer reopens the source to confirm it. 3109 counties reviewed so far; the list grows as research continues. Rules change — treat this as a verified starting point, not legal advice.

587 counties across 41 states — open a state for its full cited list

Texas242 of 254 Alabama49 of 67 Oklahoma46 of 77 Kentucky21 of 120 Georgia18 of 159 Missouri18 of 115 Michigan14 of 83 Ohio14 of 88 Montana12 of 56 Tennessee12 of 95 Illinois11 of 102 West Virginia11 of 55 Louisiana9 of 64 New Mexico9 of 33 Alaska8 of 30 Kansas8 of 105 North Carolina7 of 100 Iowa6 of 99 Pennsylvania6 of 67 Virginia6 of 133 Wyoming6 of 23 California5 of 58 Florida5 of 67 Nebraska5 of 93 New York5 of 62 South Dakota5 of 66 Colorado4 of 64 South Carolina4 of 46 Arkansas3 of 75 Wisconsin3 of 72 Indiana2 of 92 Maryland2 of 24 Mississippi2 of 82 Washington2 of 39 Idaho1 of 44 Maine1 of 16 Minnesota1 of 87 Nevada1 of 17 New Hampshire1 of 10 New Jersey1 of 21 North Dakota1 of 53

Top 50 by Index Score

Keep exploring

Every county here has a full profile — water, land prices, hazard safety, seclusion, and the rest of its building rules. Start from the best states to live off-grid, the cheapest states for off-grid land, or search your own spot.

General guidance, not legal advice. Off-grid, building, and land-use rules are often set at the county level and change often. Verify with your county and state before acting. Data reviewed 2026-06-26.