Illinois · Off-grid & homestead potential

DeKalb County

53BoltScore / 100
#89 of 102 in Illinois

DeKalb County is a solid bolthole (53/100). Its strengths are decent rainfall (37.5″/yr) and almost no federal land or extraction. The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and 25 mi from the nearest metro.

How DeKalb County scores

Hazard Safety19
Freedom39
Food67
Isolation34
Sovereignty81
Water81
Affordability52
$298kTypical home
2.5%Property tax
$7,704Land / acre
37.5"Annual rain
3.5% of yrsSevere drought
25 miNearest metro
158.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
48.9°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in DeKalb County, Illinois

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

DeKalb County is a solid bolthole (53/100). Its strengths: decent rainfall (37.5″/yr) and almost no federal land or extraction. Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and 25 mi from the nearest metro.

How much does land cost in DeKalb County, Illinois?

Land in DeKalb County runs about $7,704 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in DeKalb County?

DeKalb County gets about 37.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.5% of years.

How remote is DeKalb County?

The nearest major metro is about 25 miles away, and population density is 158.9 people per square mile.

How DeKalb compares in Illinois

See all 102 Illinois counties ranked →