Bolthole Index

Bolthole Index · Side-by-side

Compare Counties

Pick two or three counties and line up their Index Scores, all six factors, and the raw numbers underneath — land price, rain, drought, remoteness, and more.

Pick two or three counties to line up their scores.

Search above, or start from a proven bolthole:

Before the shortlist

What to compare before buying rural land

Screen county-level rules, hazards, water, taxes, and services before checking each parcel’s access and legal use.

Water and productive capacity

Compare county water and soil signals, then verify the parcel with well logs, water rights, and soil tests.

Rules and buildability

Check county permits and zoning, then confirm septic approval, minimum dwelling size, access standards, floodplain rules, and any subdivision or HOA covenants directly with the authority that controls the parcel.

True cost to hold

Add survey, title, access, utilities, water, septic, clearing, insurance, taxes, and travel to the asking price.

Use the score as a screen, not a verdict

Use the county screener to narrow the field, save listings in Property Hunt, and verify every material claim before an offer.