Best States for Homesteading
- Craig Kaiser
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Finding the perfect plot of land for homesteading is the first major step toward self-sufficiency. Whether you dream of a massive garden, raising livestock, or living off-grid, where you choose to plant your roots matters just as much as how you tend them. This guide breaks down the top states for homesteading based on land prices, growing seasons, laws, and community support, helping you decide where to build your dream homestead.
What Makes a State Good for Homesteading?
Before diving into our top picks, let's consider what separates exceptional homesteading locations from merely adequate ones. The ideal homesteading state offers affordable land, reasonable property taxes, minimal building restrictions, reliable water sources, a decent growing season, and perhaps most importantly, a supportive community of like-minded individuals. States with agricultural tax exemptions and favorable livestock regulations earn extra points for making the homesteading lifestyle more economically viable.
Best States for Homesteading
You can homestead anywhere, but not all states or climates offer the same level of support for a self-reliant, sustainable lifestyle. The best states for homesteading are Tennessee, Idaho, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma. These states provide an ideal mix of affordable land, a favorable climate, supportive regulations, and excellent agricultural opportunities for homesteaders.
1) Tennessee
Tennessee is one of the best states for homesteading because it hits a rare sweet spot: affordable land, mild climate, flexible laws, and strong self-sufficiency culture. It boasts easy access to feed stores, co-ops, and farm infrastructure, and has a long growing season and generally mild winters, making it excellent for gardening and livestock. Tennessee is often cited as one of the easiest state to start a homestead in.
Affordability: Rural land is relatively affordable compared to other states, and the cost of living is low. Plus, there is no state income tax on wages, which is a huge win if you're trying to live affordably.
Laws: Tennessee has favorable "Right to Farm" laws and relaxed building codes in many rural counties. It has relatively relaxed zoning and building regulations in many rural counties, plus fewer restrictions on livestock and off-grid living.
Water: Rainfall is abundant in Tennessee compared to other western states, reducing the need for complex irrigation systems. Additionally, Tennessee has no statewide ban on rainwater collection.
Climate and Soil: Many areas in Tennessee have fertile soil types suitable for gardens, livestock, and small farms. Tennessee also has a long growing season (around 200 days in most areas) and mild winters.
2) Idaho
Idaho is another one of the top states for homesteading in the U.S. due to its mild climate, low cost of living, and low property taxes. Idaho attracts homesteaders who prioritize independence, natural beauty, and a strong agricultural culture, especially for those who prefer rugged independence and mountain views.
Affordability: Rural land is still relatively affordable in Idaho, especially for properties further from Boise and resort towns.
Laws: Building codes in rural areas of Idaho are often minimal, and property taxes are low. Additionally, gun laws and homeschooling regulations are among the least restrictive in Idaho compared to the rest of the country.
Water: Idaho has one of the most developed irrigation systems in the U.S., making it a great place for homesteading. Water rights are taken seriously, with established protocols for securing irrigation water. With abundant fresh water sources, homesteaders in Idaho can grow crops, raise livestock, and even generate hydroelectric power, paving the way for a sustainable and secure lifestyle.
Climate and Soil: The state's northern regions offer cooler temperatures, abundant water, and dense forests, while southern Idaho provides rich volcanic soil perfect for growing potatoes, grains, and vegetables. Idaho's growing season varies from 100-150 days depending on elevation, which is shorter than southern states but still sufficient for most staple crops with proper planning. Idaho's cold winters help with preventing pests and other plant diseases.
3) Missouri
Missouri is another top state for homesteading because it offers some of the most affordable farmland in the U.S. Located in the heart of the Midwest, it provides a mix of rolling hills and fertile plains along with a favorable climate for farming. With a thriving agricultural industry and relatively low property taxes, the state is an ideal spot to start a homestead. The Ozark region, in particular, has become a hotspot for homesteaders drawn to its natural springs, forested hills, and tight-knit communities.
Affordability: Land prices in Missouri are low, with rural acreage available at prices that would be unthinkable in most other states.
Laws: Missouri has very relaxed laws regarding farming and raw milk sales. There are minimal zoning and building restrictions in rural counties, so it's easier to build a house, live off-grid, and raise livestock.
Water: Missouri has high rainfall compared to other western states, and creeks, springs, ponds, and shallow groundwater are common. Plus, Missouri has less dependence on complex water rights systems than places like Idaho, and there is no statewide ban on rainwater harvesting.
Climate and Soil: The soil quality in Missouri is excellent for row crops, hay and pasture, and market gardens. The climate supports a wide variety of crops and livestock. Ozarks soils are rockier, but great for livestock, timber, and off-grid setups.
4) Texas
Texas offers homesteaders an unbeatable combination of no state income tax, diverse climates, agricultural tax exemptions, and a cultural ethos that celebrates self-reliance. The state's sheer size means you can choose from humid eastern piney woods, central hill country, or the drier western plains- each offering distinct homesteading advantages.
Affordability: Rural land in Texas is affordable outside of major metro areas. It offers a huge variety of parcel sizes, from small acreage to massive ranches.
Laws: Texas has no state income tax and strong agricultural exemptions. Texas also has an unlimited homestead exemption, which allows a homeowner to protect the entire value of their primary residence from creditors. This high level of protection is especially appealing for those with significant home equity. Additionally, Texas has minimal zoning in rural counties, so it's easier to build a house.
Water: Water availability varies significantly by region, making research critical, but many areas in Texas offer excellent well water or creek access. East Texas has particularly high rainfall, making it great for homesteading. Rainwater harvesting is also legal and encouraged throughout the state.
Climate and Soil: The growing season in much of Texas extends 270-300 days, allowing for year-round production in some areas. Texas soils can be great for growing crops, but it's very region-specific. To determine the best crops to grow on a Texas homestead, be sure to evaluate the soil types and soil health in the specific area.
5) Oklahoma
Oklahoma is another one of the best states for homesteading. It offers wide-open spaces and a very low barrier to entry financially. Oklahoma is a very underrated homesteading state-especially if you want affordable land, good soil, and fewer hoops to jump through. It sits in a sweet spot between Texas and Missouri and borrows the best from both.
Affordability: There is plenty of flat, arable land suitable for cattle grazing or planting large crops in Oklahoma, plus rural land is very affordable compared to most other states. Oklahoma also offers low property taxes and a low cost of living.
Laws: Building codes are often non-existent in unincorporated areas in Oklahoma, giving you the freedom to build alternative structures. Oklahoma also has a strong property rights culture.
Water: Oklahoma has more rainfall than Texas, especially in the central and eastern regions, and rainwater harvesting is allowed. Creeks, ponds, and shallow groundwater are common, and it has less complex water rights than most other western states.
Climate and Soil: Many areas in Oklahoma sit on historically productive prime farmland classifications. The growing season ranges 180–210 days, so it's suitable for year-round planning with fall and winter crops. The Central and Northern regions of the state host loam and clay loam soils, great for crops and pasture. Additionally, with its abundant sunshine, Oklahoma is a great location for solar power setups.
How to Pick the Best State to Start Your Homestead
While Tennessee, Idaho, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma offer excellent homesteading conditions, your perfect location depends on your specific priorities. Consider whether you're more focused on growing food or raising livestock, whether you prefer warm or cool climates, and how much isolation versus community you desire. Water access might be your top concern, or perhaps property tax rates matter most for your budget. Some homesteaders prioritize states with minimal building regulations, while others prefer the infrastructure and services of more populated rural areas.
Climate considerations extend beyond simple temperature preferences. Think about whether you want to deal with humidity, how you'll handle extreme weather events common to certain regions, and whether you prefer the predictability of consistent seasons or the extended growing potential of milder climates.
Tips for Buying Land for Homesteading
Once you've narrowed down your state and start touring properties, there are several key things to watch out for. To pick a property for homesteading, check the soil, verify access, and connect with the local community. Don't just look at the grass; dig a hole to check the soil quality. Starting with rich loam instead of rocky clay will save you years of work, and you can consult USDA soil survey maps for more information. You should also assess the property's orientation. For solar power or growing crops in the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing slopes are ideal as they receive the most sun exposure.
It's also important to verify internet access. Even if you plan to live off-grid, a reliable connection for work or emergencies is often necessary, so check for Starlink availability or cell signal strength. Finally, talk to the locals by visiting a diner or hardware store. They can offer invaluable insights into weather patterns, neighbors, and potential issues like flooding that might not be in the property listing.
Get Started: Find Homesteading Properties for Sale
Choosing the right state is just the first step in your homesteading journey. The next crucial decision is finding the perfect property that matches your vision, budget, and goals. Whether you're looking for wooded acreage in Tennessee, affordable farmland in Missouri, mountain property in Idaho, or sprawling ranch land in Texas, the right property is out there waiting for you.
Ready to find your homestead? Browse thousands of rural properties, farms, and raw land for sale ideal for homesteading across all 50 states on LandApp's marketplace. Each listing is enhanced with property data, like soil types, geographical features, and our proprietary Value and Risk Index Scores that allow you to research homesteading land for sale at a glance. Start exploring homestead properties for sale today on desktop or on our free mobile app and take the first step toward the life you've been dreaming about.
