California · Off-grid & homestead potential

Merced County

33BoltScore / 100
#32 of 58 in California

Merced County is a weak bolthole (33/100). Its strengths are low extraction and seizure exposure. The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and pricey real estate (typical home $419k).

How Merced County scores

Hazard Safety3
Freedom34
Food44
Isolation39
Sovereignty71
Water25
Affordability15
$419kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$16,527Land / acre
11.5"Annual rain
38.2% of yrsSevere drought
36 miNearest metro
150.6People / sq mi
10.9%Federal land
62.7°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Merced County, California

Is Merced County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Merced County is a weak bolthole (33/100). Its strengths: low extraction and seizure exposure. Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and pricey real estate (typical home $419k).

How much does land cost in Merced County, California?

Land in Merced County runs about $16,527 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Merced County?

Merced County gets about 11.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 38.2% of years.

How remote is Merced County?

The nearest major metro is about 36 miles away, and population density is 150.6 people per square mile.

How Merced compares in California

See all 58 California counties ranked →