North Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

McLean County

68BoltScore / 100
#40 of 53 in North Dakota

McLean County is a strong bolthole (68/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 202 mi to the nearest city and cheap to buy into (typical home $221k). The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (41.4°F avg).

How McLean County scores

Hazard Safety57
Freedom78
Food28
Isolation100
Sovereignty78
Water50
Affordability82
$221kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$2,556Land / acre
17.7"Annual rain
10.1% of yrsSevere drought
202 miNearest metro
4.7People / sq mi
28.3%Federal land
41.4°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in McLean County, North Dakota

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

McLean County is a strong bolthole (68/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 202 mi to the nearest city and cheap to buy into (typical home $221k). Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (41.4°F avg).

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

Land in McLean County runs about $2,556 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McLean County?

McLean County gets about 17.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.1% of years.

How remote is McLean County?

The nearest major metro is about 202 miles away, and population density is 4.7 people per square mile.

How McLean compares in North Dakota

See all 53 North Dakota counties ranked →