Montana · Off-grid & homestead potential

Madison County

53BoltScore / 100
#47 of 56 in Montana

Madison County is a solid bolthole (53/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 167 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (69% Republican). The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (39.9°F avg) and 48% of it owned by the federal government.

How Madison County scores

Hazard Safety59
Freedom80
Food8
Isolation100
Sovereignty29
Water54
Affordability44
$753kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$2,757Land / acre
23"Annual rain
16.2% of yrsSevere drought
167 miNearest metro
2.7People / sq mi
48%Federal land
39.9°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Madison County, Montana

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

Madison County is a solid bolthole (53/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 167 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (69% Republican). Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (39.9°F avg) and 48% of it owned by the federal government.

How much does land cost in Madison County, Montana?

Land in Madison County runs about $2,757 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Madison County?

Madison County gets about 23" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.2% of years.

How remote is Madison County?

The nearest major metro is about 167 miles away, and population density is 2.7 people per square mile.

How Madison compares in Montana

See all 56 Montana counties ranked →