Maryland · Off-grid & homestead potential

Howard County

41BoltScore / 100
#22 of 24 in Maryland

Howard County is a marginal bolthole (41/100). Its strengths are abundant rainfall (46.1″/yr) with little drought and almost no federal land or extraction. The trade-offs: pricey real estate (typical home $641k) and little isolation — a major metro is just 16 mi away.

How Howard County scores

Hazard Safety28
Freedom29
Food62
Isolation3
Sovereignty70
Water94
Affordability2
$641kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$12,622Land / acre
46.1"Annual rain
1.3% of yrsSevere drought
16 miNearest metro
1,338.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
54.7°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Howard County, Maryland

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

Howard County is a marginal bolthole (41/100). Its strengths: abundant rainfall (46.1″/yr) with little drought and almost no federal land or extraction. Watch-outs: pricey real estate (typical home $641k) and little isolation — a major metro is just 16 mi away.

How much does land cost in Howard County, Maryland?

Land in Howard County runs about $12,622 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Howard County?

Howard County gets about 46.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.3% of years.

How remote is Howard County?

The nearest major metro is about 16 miles away, and population density is 1,338.9 people per square mile.

How Howard compares in Maryland

See all 24 Maryland counties ranked →