West Virginia · Off-grid & homestead potential

McDowell County

68BoltScore / 100
#36 of 55 in West Virginia

McDowell County is a strong bolthole (68/100). Its strengths are abundant rainfall (46.2″/yr) with little drought and low extraction and seizure exposure. The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and poor cropland soil.

How McDowell County scores

Hazard Safety23
Freedom58
Food34
Isolation83
Sovereignty95
Water95
Affordability88
$42kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$4,027Land / acre
46.2"Annual rain
0.4% of yrsSevere drought
116 miNearest metro
32.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
54°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in McDowell County, West Virginia

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

McDowell County is a strong bolthole (68/100). Its strengths: abundant rainfall (46.2″/yr) with little drought and low extraction and seizure exposure. Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and poor cropland soil.

How much does land cost in McDowell County, West Virginia?

Land in McDowell County runs about $4,027 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McDowell County?

McDowell County gets about 46.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.4% of years.

How remote is McDowell County?

The nearest major metro is about 116 miles away, and population density is 32.7 people per square mile.

How McDowell compares in West Virginia

See all 55 West Virginia counties ranked →