California · Off-grid & homestead potential

Monterey County

29BoltScore / 100
#40 of 58 in California

Monterey County is a weak bolthole (29/100). The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and pricey real estate (typical home $850k).

How Monterey County scores

Hazard Safety1
Freedom28
Food44
Isolation36
Sovereignty54
Water40
Affordability1
$850kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$12,799Land / acre
21"Annual rain
34.4% of yrsSevere drought
24 miNearest metro
131.2People / sq mi
25.8%Federal land
59°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Monterey County, California

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

Monterey County is a weak bolthole (29/100). Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and pricey real estate (typical home $850k).

How much does land cost in Monterey County, California?

Land in Monterey County runs about $12,799 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Monterey County?

Monterey County gets about 21" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 34.4% of years.

How remote is Monterey County?

The nearest major metro is about 24 miles away, and population density is 131.2 people per square mile.

How Monterey compares in California

See all 58 California counties ranked →