South Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

Jackson County

77BoltScore / 100
#3 of 66 in South Dakota

Jackson County is a strong bolthole (77/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 245 mi to the nearest city and cheap to buy into (typical home $154k). The trade-offs: middling conditions for growing food.

How Jackson County scores

Hazard Safety90
Freedom79
Food37
Isolation100
Sovereignty86
Water50
Affordability95
$154kTypical home
$1,148Land / acre
19.6"Annual rain
14.1% of yrsSevere drought
245 miNearest metro
1.5People / sq mi
10.1%Federal land
48.1°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Jackson County, South Dakota

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

Jackson County is a strong bolthole (77/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 245 mi to the nearest city and cheap to buy into (typical home $154k). Watch-outs: middling conditions for growing food.

How much does land cost in Jackson County, South Dakota?

Land in Jackson County runs about $1,148 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Jackson County?

Jackson County gets about 19.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.1% of years.

How remote is Jackson County?

The nearest major metro is about 245 miles away, and population density is 1.5 people per square mile.

How Jackson compares in South Dakota

See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →