Idaho · Off-grid & homestead potential

Bear Lake County

63BoltScore / 100
#7 of 44 in Idaho

Bear Lake County is a solid bolthole (63/100). Its strengths are low natural-disaster risk and strong economic & personal freedom (88% Republican). The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (40.8°F avg).

How Bear Lake County scores

Hazard Safety93
Freedom89
Food10
Isolation82
Sovereignty49
Water55
Affordability61
$399kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,768Land / acre
22"Annual rain
12.7% of yrsSevere drought
108 miNearest metro
6.9People / sq mi
48.8%Federal land
40.8°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Bear Lake County, Idaho

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

Bear Lake County is a solid bolthole (63/100). Its strengths: low natural-disaster risk and strong economic & personal freedom (88% Republican). Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (40.8°F avg).

How much does land cost in Bear Lake County, Idaho?

Land in Bear Lake County runs about $2,768 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Bear Lake County?

Bear Lake County gets about 22" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.7% of years.

How remote is Bear Lake County?

The nearest major metro is about 108 miles away, and population density is 6.9 people per square mile.

How Bear Lake compares in Idaho

See all 44 Idaho counties ranked →