North Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

McKenzie County

64BoltScore / 100
#45 of 53 in North Dakota

McKenzie County is a solid bolthole (64/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 281 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (83% Republican). The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (42.2°F avg).

How McKenzie County scores

Hazard Safety75
Freedom80
Food21
Isolation100
Sovereignty57
Water44
Affordability70
$375kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$1,352Land / acre
15.9"Annual rain
16.7% of yrsSevere drought
281 miNearest metro
5.2People / sq mi
33.5%Federal land
42.2°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in McKenzie County, North Dakota

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

McKenzie County is a solid bolthole (64/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 281 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (83% Republican). Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (42.2°F avg).

How much does land cost in McKenzie County, North Dakota?

Land in McKenzie County runs about $1,352 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McKenzie County?

McKenzie County gets about 15.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.7% of years.

How remote is McKenzie County?

The nearest major metro is about 281 miles away, and population density is 5.2 people per square mile.

How McKenzie compares in North Dakota

See all 53 North Dakota counties ranked →